Resources for Single Parents

Is there such a thing as a “successful single parent?” Yes. Is it easy to achieve? No. That’s why there’s lots of help out there for parents who suddenly find themselves taking on the task of raising kids alone after a divorce, a separation or death.

We don’t have to tell you that it can be tough out there – especially when you’re going it alone. However, it can be helpful to know what changes to recognize in your child’s behavior – as well as your own – in a few key areas:

  • Behavior. Regardless of the how a two parent household became a one parent household, a child’s behavior may change at home, with friends or at school. Changes in behavior will obviously vary depending upon the individual child’s coping skills, age and the overall situation.

The key is to recognize those changes and take appropriate action. Parents also need to “check themselves” from time to time to see how they are dealing under their new circumstances and get whatever help they need in order to be present for their kids.

  • Money. Going from two incomes to one income can be summed up in one word – stressful. Unless you’re receiving child-support, you are likely finding yourself stretching an already tight budget even tighter.

Children can also feel resentful at not getting all of the things they once did (If it hadn’t been for the divorce, I could have gotten….). Make sure your child understands a tighter budget is simply that. It means less money – not less love.

  • Time.  Ask any newly-single parent about the most difficult change they experienced and they’ll likely tell you that there’s simply not enough time to get everything done – and try to spend quality time with your children.

Take all of the tasks that still have to get done (shopping, laundry, cooking, cleaning, driving, homework, bathing … the list goes on and on), put that all on one person and you’ve got task overload.  If you can get help – take it. If not, recognize that some things may have to give a bit and choose to spend any amount of free time doing things you and kids enjoy. The lawn can wait one more day…

North Carolina Organizations Can Help Single Parents

Numerous North Carolina organizations exist to help single parents be the best they can be. Here are links to just a few in greater North Carolina metropolitan areas and others around the state:

Charlotte:

Raleigh / Durham / Triangle Area:

Other “Mommies” Group Networks In North Carolina:

  • AlamanceMommies (Alamance, Caswell, Person, Granville and Western Orange Counties)
  • CentralPiedmontMommies (Rowan, Cabarrus and Stanly Counties)
  • CrystalCoastMommies (Carteret, Onslow, Jones and Craven Counties)
  • FayettevilleMommies (Cumberland, Hoke, Moore, Lee, Chatham, and Southern Harnett Counties)
  • GreenvilleMommies (Greenville area including Pitt, Martin, Lenoir and Greene Counties)
  • HighCountryMommies (Ashe, Avery, and Watauga Counties)
  • JohnstonMommies (Johnston and Northeast Harnett Counties)
  • SWPiedmontMommies (Gaston, Cleveland and Lincoln Counties)
  • WilmingtonMommies (Wilmington and Surrounding Areas)

About 

Charles Ullman & Associates provides you respected, experienced and knowledgeable divorce and family law attorneys. You can trust us to help you through the legal process efficiently and effectively so you can transition to the next phase of your life. Our community involvement reaches beyond charitable support of important causes. We launched our own movement in Fraternities4Family and provide scholarships to able students in need.