Raising children alone can bring unexpected and unique challenges. David S. Baxter, an area leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, said “Whatever your circumstances or the reasons for them, how wonderful you are. Day to day you face the struggles of life, doing the work that was always meant for two but doing it largely alone…You run your household, watch over your family, sometimes struggle to make ends meet…You nurture your children. You cry and pray with them and for them. You want the very best for them but fret every night that your best may never be good enough.”1
He also mentions, “Although you often feel alone, in truth you are never totally on your own. As you move forward in patience and in faith, Providence will move with you; heaven will bestow its needful blessings.”1 You are not alone. There are many resources available that can provide strength and necessary help while facing these challenges.
- Government assistance to help with food, income assistance, and resources for parents and children. (WIC, Child Nutrition programs, Childcare grants)
- Books on Single Parenting may provide direction and ideas on how to transition to single parenthood. Some books may not be applicable to you and your situation, but it may be worth finding a book that you can relate to and find guidance from.
- Family and friends can be a great source of strength. Likewise, meeting new people who are also single parents can help create supportive relationships with people who understand what you are experiencing and can provide strength and help to one another. (Single Mom and Single Dad online support groups, local support groups, Facebook groups, etc.)
- Turing to the Savior can bring unmeasurable comfort and strength. He can help heal and give strength to do everything that is asked of single parents. He can brighten our lives, bless us with the things we need, and provide hope and happiness despite any present challenges. “All who suffer any kind of mortal infirmities should remember that our Savior experienced that kind of pain also, and that through His Atonement, He offers each of us the strength to bear it.”2
These are a few resources that can help single parents find peace, strength, and help. “Knowing that while you cannot change the past, you can shape the future. Along the way you will obtain compensatory blessings, even if they are not immediately apparent.”1
References:
2: https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/35oaks?lang=eng