Being a single mum – emotional and practical aspects

Being a single mum is rarely a linear emotional experience. For most women, solo parenting often brings a conflicting mix of emotions. These feelings are all valid and part of the journey.

You may feel empowered by your decision to start a family on your own terms, especially in a world where traditional norms still dominate the narrative. At the same time, moments of anxiety may creep in. Will I make it on my own? Will I be able to give my child everything it needs? These are natural questions, not signs of weakness.

Read Henriette’s story and get first-hand experience on life as a single mum

Confidence often grows with time and small daily wins. But even then, loneliness and sometimes grief can show up uninvited. Grief is not for the child, who is deeply wanted, but for the life some solo mums once imagined with a co-parent. 

These emotional highs and lows are not a sign that you’re doing something wrong. They are simply the rhythm of being a single mum. And learning to ride those waves is part of what makes solo parenting a powerful and transformative experience.

Success as a single mum isn’t about perfection. It’s about balance, presence and creating stability in your child’s life on your terms. So if you’re wondering how to be a successful single mother, start by defining what that means to you. 

For many solo mums, success is making time for a morning cuddle before the school run. It’s knowing when to prioritise playtime over the laundry. It’s accepting that some days will be messy and that’s okay.

Building confidence in your solo parenting journey often comes down to the little things:

• Create structure that works for your family: routines offer a sense of predictability and calm for both you and your child. 
• Ask for help when you need it: reaching out is not a sign of weakness. It’s a skill and a strength. 
• Celebrate the small wins: a tantrum soothed, a healthy dinner pulled together, a peaceful bedtime. These moments matter more than we often give them credit for.

Get tips on being a single mother and balancing a career

The beauty of being a single mum lies in the strengths that naturally emerge along the way. You learn to be adaptable and change plans, to multi-task and to solve problems on the fly. You also form a deep bond with your child and maintain a sense of control over the life you’re building, making decisions that are right for your family without compromise.

There is no one-size-fits-all model for being a great mum. So trust yourself and define your own version of success.

Parenting isn’t all sunshine and roses and being a single parent is hard. Some days are filled with never-ending demands, where the to-do list grows faster than your energy level can keep up. And in the quiet moments, you may feel a wave of emotional overload, stress or even burnout washing over you. This is normal. It doesn’t mean you can’t cope. It means you’re human.

Hard days often come with feelings like exhaustion, guilt or isolation. It can be overwhelming to experience these types of emotions, but there are ways to manage them. 

One of them is journaling. It’s a way of putting feelings into words that you don’t always get to say out loud. You can also focus on finding moments to be alone. Whether it’s a walk around the block or a quiet coffee while your child takes a nap, these moments can help you find yourself.

Another option is to get in touch with other solo parents through online communities or local groups. Other solo parents understand what you're going through. You can also consider counselling or talking to a therapist. It is a great way to work through what’s weighing on you, without judgement or pressure.

Solo parenting doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. In fact, one of the strongest things you can do is to ask for and accept help, both emotional and practical.

There’s a wide range of support for solo mums, from local networks and online communities to therapy or counselling. Talking to others who understand your situation can be reassuring and a great source of advice. Organisations such as Gingerbread offer help for single mothers in the UK and they can help guide you through solo mum benefits and financial support options.

Practical help is also important. Whether that’s dinner from a friend or shared childcare with another parent, these acts make a big difference. Often, people want to help but don’t know how, so don’t be afraid to ask. And if they offer to help, say yes.

If you want to learn more about getting support from those around you, you can read our blog post: How to build a support system as a solo mum.

The idea of a complete family is often pictured with a mum and a dad. But times have changed and so have many families. In fact, studies show that children don't need two parents to thrive. You can read more about this in the blog post 3 myths about raising a child on your own.

So what is a single-parent family? It’s simply a family with a loving, committed adult at its centre. Nothing less and nothing lacking. 

Life as a single mum is not about being a placeholder for a future partner or a half-finished household. You’re creating a stable, nurturing environment that shows your child that families come in all forms, and that love and security are more important than family structure.

Being a solo mum is not a last resort or a plan gone wrong. It’s a conscious, empowered choice. Whether it was your plan all along or a path you’ve grown into, this journey is yours.

You don’t need to have all the answers today. Trust yourself and find your own rhythm. Remember that each small step forward is still progress.

When you're ready, we're here to support you. Explore our resources on solo motherhood, such as our webinar on how to navigate life as a solo mum or our guide for solo mums. You can also book a free consultation with one of our experienced advisors to talk about your next steps.