Single Mother Survival Guide

The holidays can feel complicated when Christmas is split between two homes. Whether it's your first year sharing custody or your fifth, it's normal for big emotions, tricky logistics, and even guilt to creep in. You might feel torn when you can't be with your children on certain days, and they might feel the same pull between two households. In this episode, I remind you that your best is enough,...

If Christmas feels heavy this year, this episode is for you. Whether you're grieving a breakup, navigating your first holiday without your kids, mourning a loved one, processing a miscarriage, or simply feeling an ache you can't explain, know that you're not alone. The festive season can magnify both joy and pain, and it's okay if yours feels more tender than merry. I share my own experiences with loss and the reminder that grief a...

The holiday season is often seen as a time of warmth and togetherness, but for many single mums, family gatherings can feel overwhelming. From navigating tense dynamics to addressing old conflicts, these moments can bring up anxiety or discomfort. In this episode, we'll share practical tips to help you approach holiday gatherings with grace, confidence, and strategies that prioritise your well-being and your children's happiness. L...

The holiday season is a time for giving, but it's easy to get swept up in the hustle and lose sight of its deeper meaning. In this episode, we explore how single mums can foster gratitude and generosity in their children while creating cherished holiday memories. From charity work to community service, learn practical ways to encourage giving back and instilling important values in your family. Let's dive into how to make this seas...

Resentment can feel heavy - like carrying around invisible baggage that weighs you down, day after day. Maybe it's anger towards an ex, frustration with family, or disappointment about how life turned out. Whatever form it takes, resentment steals your energy and blocks your joy.

In this episode, we're unpacking what resentment really is, why it lingers, and how ...

In this episode, we dig deep into society's idealised image of family. We explore where this cookie-cutter vision comes from, how it's shaped expectations, and why it often leaves single mums and their children feeling like outsiders. And what can we do about it? It's time to shine a light on the diverse, modern families who prove daily that love, resilience, and success aren't limited to one outdated model, and how we can help cha...

When was the last time you truly paused and asked yourself, "How am I really doing?"
As single mums, it's easy to get caught in survival mode; you're holding everything together for everyone else, while quietly ignoring how you're actually feeling. But when we suppress emotions, they don't go away - they simply pile up, turning into overwhelm, burnout, or res...

In this episode, we dive into the complicated world of social media and its growing influence on our children's lives. We look at both the positives and the pitfalls of kids being online, and share why it's vital for parents to stay involved and aware. You'll get practical ideas for setting healthy boundaries, opening up honest conversations, and helping your children develop the tools they need to use social media wisely. Whether ...

As a single mum, keeping a positive mindset can feel like a daily challenge, especially when life throws curveballs. One of the most powerful tools I've found for shifting perspective and creating inner calm is acceptance. In this episode, I share how acceptance can transform your mindset, bring more peace into your emotions, and help you let go of the weight of trying to control what you can't. Acceptance doesn't mean giving up; i...

In this episode, I'm joined by Lindsey from the US, a courageous single mum to a beautiful baby girl. Together, we talk candidly about her journey and the turning points that shaped her path:

• How Lindsey met her ex-husband, the father of her child
• How problems in their marriage began to surface
• Feeling burned out and experiencing resentment in the relationship
• Putting her dreams on hold to support her husband's ambitions
• The d...

As a single mum, it's often family, especially grandparents, who step in, providing love, time and support during the tough moments of solo parenting. This episode explores how this network of care can be a true lifeline, making the parenting journey less lonely and much more manageable. Yet, what do you do when helpful hands begin to cross boundaries? We look at when sincere support transforms into overreach, leaving you feeling u...

This week, I'm joined by Chrissy, a resilient single mum of two from Australia. In this episode, Chrissy gets real about her journey through heartbreak, healing, and hope. She opens up about:

• Meeting her ex-partner and how things began
• Losing herself in the relationship, especially after a traumatic birth and the impact of her ex's behaviour
• Navigating postnatal depression, ADHD, and the unique challenges of having her second ...

Having my son Sebastian this year has brought back so many memories of when my daughter was a baby, and it's been surprisingly triggering at times. By the time she was five months old, I had already split from her dad, moved interstate, and was in the thick of setting up a new life as a single mum. Reflecting on that time in my life now, with the hindsight of experience, has left me wondering: what would I do differently if I were ...

In this week's episode, I'm bringing you Part 2 of my conversation with Annie, a single mum who has walked through immense challenges and come out stronger. In this instalment, Annie opens up about life as a single mum and the reinvention of herself, including the surgery that transformed her quality of life and the importance of surrounding herself with the right people. We talk about the struggle...

This week, I'm sharing Part 1 of my powerful interview with Annie, a single mum who courageously opens up about her journey. Annie has faced more than her fair share of challenges. Today, she stands as a thriving, empowered woman who has reclaimed her voice and her personal power.

In this episode, Annie and I talk about:

For many single mums, Father's Day can feel less like a celebration and more like an emotional hurdle. It can bring up feelings of sadness, frustration, or even resentment (whether your children's dad is still in their lives or completely absent). In this episode, I share gentle, practical ways to navigate the day: supporting your children's emotions, caring for your own wellbeing, and finding an approach that works for your unique...

This week, my podcast turns 9 years old – can you believe it?! When I started Single Mother Survival Guide, I hoped it might reach one or two single mums and help them feel less alone. Now, nearly a million downloads later, I'm pinching myself. This episode is extra special because it's also my first time recording in 2025, after taking some time off to welcome ...

As single mums, life often feels like a balancing act. On one hand, you're the loving, nurturing parent your children need. On the other, you might feel pressure to become the "fun parent" they want. Throw co-parenting into the mix - especially with an ex who takes on the role of the Disneyland Dad, prioritising fun over routine - and that balance can feel impossible to maintain. But here's the truth: being the fun parent isn't all...

Navigating life as a single mum can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with the added complexities of a high-conflict relationship. Whether it's managing co-parenting with a difficult ex or processing the emotional toll of separation, it's easy to feel stuck. In this episode, we explore how therapy and coaching can empower single mums to reclaim control, build resilience, and create a more peaceful environment for themselve...