When I became a single mum, it wasn’t something I ever imagined for myself. I remember sitting on the couch, staring at the wall after my relationship fell apart, feeling like I was coping terribly well, juggling everything. But the truth is, inside, I was barely holding it together. It was a low point in my life. I found that I couldn’t get excited about my life anymore, and I knew I needed some help. That time in my life taught me one important thing: how to survive as a single mum.

Now, as a certified single parent counsellor and coach, who works to assist newly single mothers in all things from emotional recovery to financial foundations, I’ve had the privilege of guiding many women with similar life experiences. Whether you’re a new single mum or you’ve been navigating single parenting for a while, this article is for you.

Let’s explore how to survive as a single mum—and not just get by, but truly thrive..

Understanding the Challenges of Single Motherhood

The Emotional and Financial Pressures You Might Face

Let’s be honest. Single parenting is intense. There’s the sheer emotional weight of carrying everything alone: school pick-ups, bills, birthday parties, grocery shopping, bedtime routines, and trying to hold it together when all you want is ten minutes to cry in peace. On top of that, many single mothers find themselves managing the family budget on one income, or navigating Centrelink and child support while trying to return to the workforce or study.

The juggle is real, and when you’re newly single, you may not even know where to begin. I still remember scrolling through a website during a particularly low night, searching for someone who could just tell me what to do next. The truth is, we all wish someone had handed us a survival guide.

Why Survival Is About Thriving, Not Just Getting By

But here’s the truth: survival isn’t just about putting one foot in front of the other. It’s about starting to recognise goals again, to feel excited about your life, not in spite of being a single mum, but because you are one. It’s about owning your strength, seeing your worth, and creating something beautiful out of this life changing experience.

How to Survive as a Single Mum Without Burning Out

Building a Strong Support System

If you’re a new single mum, please know you do not have to do this alone. Surround yourself with people who can and will give you commitment and support. Whether that’s close friends, your mum, a neighbour, or even an online support group of other single parents. Having a village changes everything in this single mum life.

I’ve coached women who told me, “I don’t have any support at the moment,” but once we built even a tiny network, their confidence grew overnight. Start small. Call that friend who’s always offered help. Book an initial complimentary clarity call with someone who has been through it. You don’t need to have all the answers… just the courage to ask.

Managing Finances as a Single Mum

Let’s talk money. Being financially and mentally prepared is critical. Start by taking stock: know what’s coming in, what’s going out, and what you need to survive the next month. From there, set up small but clear financial goals.

I loved the three months of weekly financial check-ins—not because budgeting is fun (spoiler: it’s not), but because it gave me a sense of control. And that control? It’s the key to how to survive as a single mum. Over time, it transformed into freedom.

You may need to know about concessions, rebates, government assistance, or career planning. These are all part of the practical roadmap I use with my coaching clients.

Ready to take control of your financial journey and thrive as a single mum? Capabilite offers courses, resources, and tools to boost your financial literacy. Click here to enrol in any empowering online course designed for you.

How to Survive as a Single Mum Without Burning Out (cont…)

Prioritising Your Mental and Emotional Health

Your wellbeing matters. It’s not selfish to prioritise your peace: it’s essential. Being a single mum means you’re the anchor. But you’re also human. Whether it’s therapy, journaling, regular exercise, or just five minutes of breathing while the kids watch Bluey, you need to pour back into yourself.

My friend Carol once said, “I wish I was a single mother too, then I could have some time to myself like you.” We laughed, but the truth behind her comment was this: even when you’re overwhelmed, you deserve to choose yourself sometimes.

If you’re looking for gentle guidance, you might find this article on rebuilding confidence after divorce helpful.

The Role of Confidence in Thriving as a Single Mum

How Self-Belief Transforms Your Parenting Journey

Confidence is the difference between “I hope I can do this” and “I know I’ve got this.” When I look back at how I felt 3 months ago versus today, I realise confidence didn’t come from pretending everything was fine or being able to give the things they may need in an instant. It came from surviving what I thought I couldn’t. And that’s true for you, too.

The more you honour your growth, the more your children learn that strength doesn’t mean perfection. It means commitment and courage.

Practical Ways to Build Confidence Every Day

My client Lora found a beautiful way to cope with the overwhelm: holidaying with her family. After her separation, she made it a tradition to take short, local getaways with her kids and parents every few months. She said it helped her reconnect, breathe, and remember that joy was still possible. It became more than just a break from routine. It became a lifeline for her emotional wellbeing and a reminder that she wasn’t alone on this journey.

I know a couple of things that can help boost your confidence on a daily basis: 

• Celebrate small wins: Made it through bedtime without yelling? Win. Paid off a bill? Huge win.
• Speak kindly to yourself: The way you talk to yourself matters.
• Surround yourself with empowerment: Podcasts, affirmations, books, and conversations that lift you up.
• Take brave steps: Apply for that job. Say yes to that date. Book that solo weekend. You are allowed to live fully.

Conclusion to How to Survive as a Single Mum

Becoming a single parent might feel like your world is breaking. But it’s also the start of something powerful. You’re not just holding it together—you’re learning how to survive as a single mum and, beyond that, how to thrive. Brick by brick, you’re building a new life with more clarity, courage, and love than ever before.

If you’re newly single and feeling overwhelmed, please know: I’ve been there. I got through it without knowing all the answers, but with the help of mentors, coaches, and a community, I rebuilt from the ground up.

You deserve the same.

Let this be your permission to thrive. Not later: now.

And if you don’t know where to start, reach out. I offer an initial, complementary clarity call for new single mums to help navigate those first tough months. You’re not alone. You’re stronger than you think. And the best part? You’re not just surviving. You’re becoming the hero of your own story.

Together, let’s build the life you can be excited about, the single mama way.

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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