As a new single parent the most overwhelming thing is finances. How are you going to support this family? Many of us were stay at home moms or only worked part time. To go from that to be solely responsible for your children is like night and day.
It helps if you ex is good about paying child support but unfortunately, for many reasons, many ex’s aren’t always current on their support so you can’t really count on it. The first thing you need to do is figure out what you have and what you can do.
If you have a little money in savings that can help you get started but that is a luxury that many of us didn’t have. If you don’t work or only work part time, you need to find work. That sounds easy enough but with working comes additional expenses. Your children may have to go to daycare for the first time, and daycare is expensive.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. In the beginning many single mother’s need to seek government assistance. Do not beat yourself up for this. You have to do what ever is necessary to support your children and if that means you take help for a while then so be it.
As a single parent you may qualify for financial assistance, assistance with groceries, housing and childcare. Make sure you explore all of your options. Remember, this is a temporary situation until you can get on your feet.
You may also qualify for education assistance that will allow you to go back to school and finish a degree, or start one if necessary. Take the help that is offered. While you are getting an education you are showing your children that hard work pays off.
For most single mothers needing assistance is a short lived thing. At the time it can feel like an eternity and you may feel ashamed. Don’t. This is for your kids. There is no shame in admitting you need help. Take the help you can get and work hard to build a better life for yourself and your children.
Financial stability isn’t just being able to pay the bills this month, it is developing a plan to support your family no matter what curve balls life throws at you.