Single motherhood is one of the toughest, yet most rewarding jobs in the world. You’re raising little humans, running a home, juggling work, bills, emotions, and still trying to hold onto your identity. It’s a lot … and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed! Many of us have wondered about how to be a good single mum while facing so many ups and downs. The truth is, being a good parent isn’t about being perfect: it’s about showing up every day with love, patience, and resilience.

Whether you became a single mother through separation, divorce, loss, or choice, your journey is valid. And so is your well-being. If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling behind or not doing enough, you’re not alone.

As a single mother and a coach who supports other single mums, I know what it’s like to feel stuck, tired, and unsure. But I also know this: you have more strength than you realise. With a few practical tips, some kindness to yourself, and a little support, you can learn not just how to survive any adversity, but how to thrive in single parenting. Let’s explore together how to be a good single mum, one small, powerful step at a time.

What Does It Mean to Be a “Good” Single Mum?

Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations

Let’s start with this: there is no such thing as a perfect parent. Especially in single motherhood, where you’re juggling so much more: household chores, co-parenting struggles, bills, school lunches, tantrums, work, and maybe even a teenager or two. You may feel pressure to “do it all” or “be everything,” but being a good mum doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being present. It means showing up, even when you’re tired. You persevere to express your love, even when you’re running on empty. It’s letting go of guilt and learning to forgive yourself when things go wrong.

In our previous article titled “How to Manage Mum Guilt & Embrace Motherhood With Confidence“, you can discover effective strategies to overcome that constant feeling of guilt.

Focusing on What Truly Matters

At the end of the day, your kids won’t remember if the laundry was folded or if dinner was takeaway again. They’ll remember how you made them feel. Your love, your embrace, your laughter, your effort … that’s what matters. Being a single parent is about the little things: reading that bedtime story, showing up to the school play, having a kitchen dance party, or even just sitting together in silence. These small moments build deep connection and trust.

How to Be a Good Single Mum Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Breaking Big Challenges Into Small Steps

Single parenthood often feels relentless. But you don’t have to solve everything at once. Break things down. Struggling with finances? Tackle one bill at a time. Overwhelmed by your child’s behaviour? Focus on one positive habit at a time. Facing a major life change? One day, one step, one breath at a time. That’s how you face challenges head-on, slowly and steadily.

How to Be a Good Single Mum (cont…)

Time Management Hacks for Single Mums

Time is precious when you’re a solo carer. Here are some easy ways to stay sane:

• Meal plan on Sundays. Even if it’s just jotting down 3 meal ideas, carving out time to plan your meals can reduce your stress later in the week.
• Use timers. For example, set aside 10 minutes for cleaning, 5 for emails, and 15 for rest.
• Delegate. Yes, your kids can help with simple household chores.
• Say no. You don’t have to attend every school event or birthday invite. You don’t need to fill every second weekend with activities.

Good time management helps you stay calm and focused. It also gives you a sense of control over your day. If you need a little help, we’ve curated Free Life Hack Tools for 2025. You’d need to subscribe, but you’ll find tools and other hacks in it.

Setting Realistic Goals for Yourself and Your Kids

You don’t need to reinvent yourself or raise a child genius. Set simple, clear, kind goals. Maybe your goal is to drink more water, or not to shout during homework time, or to make time for a walk. For your child, maybe it’s brushing their teeth without being reminded. Achievable goals lead to confidence and growth for both of you.

Finding Balance Between Parenting and Self-Care

How to Be a Good Single Mum by Prioritising Yourself

Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish … it’s smart. You are the heart of your home. When you’re exhausted, everything feels harder. When you feel cared for, you can handle whatever comes your way. That’s why self-care is not a luxury. It’s part of good parenting. Whether it’s a quiet coffee, a therapy session, a walk in nature, or just locking yourself in the bathroom for 10 minutes of peace, prioritise your own well-being. It teaches your children to do the same.

Simple Daily Habits to Reduce Stress

Stress is part of the single-parent life, but you can ease it with a few simple habits:

• Write down three things you’re grateful for every morning. I keep a gratitude journal on my bedside table filled with colourful strips of paper.
• Stretch your body when you wake up. Even if you don’t have time for a full-blown exercise routine, you can manage a few minutes in bed. A few months back, I started with 10 minutes of yoga each morning, and I cannot believe how much difference it has made.
• Do one small thing just for you each day. Paint your nails, text a friend, sit in the sun. These simple things contribute to your overall well-being.
• Keep a short list of “calm activities” for when you’re overwhelmed, like deep breathing, music, or stepping outside to help you get back on track.

For more invaluable tools that help you bounce back from daily challenges, please feel free to check out Beanstalk Mums’ 20 Healthy Habits for Single Parents to Live a Better Life.

Final Thoughts on How to Be a Good Single Mum

Single motherhood is hard, but also inspirational. Every day you wake up and try again, you show your resilience, your adaptability, and your love. You are not alone. Support is out there, from family, friends, online groups, and even professionals. Therapy, coaching, and support groups can empower you with the life skills you need to not just survive, but thrive.

So if you are wondering “How to Be a Good Single Mum?” or feeling that you are falling short, as a fellow single mum, I want you to know this: you’re already a good parent. Every setback is a setup for strength and resilience. Every obstacle uplifts you towards personal growth. And every single day, you’re proving that love is enough.

Keep going. Keep growing. And don’t forget to find joy … even in the chaos of single parenting.

Single Mama Elle

Elle is our compassionate single mum counsellor, dedicated to guiding fellow mamas through life's challenges. With a heartfelt commitment to transforming obstacles into opportunities, Elle provides empathetic support and practical guidance to her clients. As a single mother herself, she intimately understands the daily struggles and joys of single parenthood. Outside of counselling sessions, Elle finds rejuvenation in nature walks and yoga practice, nurturing her own well-being to better support others. Through her counselling practice, Elle aims to instil unwavering belief in single mums, empowering them to navigate life's journey with resilience and optimism.

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