5 Ways to Stay Sane as a Single Mom

Becoming a parent is such a big deal. It can be exciting and joyous, and it can also be scary and overwhelming. And if you’re going to be a single mom – or if you already are a single mom – it can be twice as scary and overwhelming.

We won’t pretend to address all the single mom issues in this blog post, but we do want to offer you 5 tips for facing single motherhood.

1 - Schedule time for yourself without your child.

You know how flight attendants always tell passengers to put the oxygen mask on themselves before helping someone else? Well, parenting is like that. You can’t take care of your child if you aren’t taking care of yourself. Whether it’s once a week or once every other week, schedule a little time for you to do something just for you.

If you can’t afford a babysitter and don’t have family nearby who will babysit for free, maybe another mom will swap babysitting with you. And your “you-time” doesn’t have to be a big evening out with friends or a date. It can be taking your child to a friend’s house and then going home and taking a bath. Or having a babysitter come stay with your child while you go for a walk. Or asking a friend to babysit while you sit in your car in a nearby parking lot, listening to the radio and painting your nails.

2 - Find a work schedule that works for you.

If you’re a single parent, you’re probably juggling a job outside your home with all the responsibilities inside your home. You might even be trying to finish school while working and being a single mom. Whatever your situation, you probably have a lot on your plate. After you figure out what sort of work hours fit best with your circumstances, don’t be afraid to tell your employer what you need. Do you need off at a certain time so you can get to the babysitter’s to pick up your child? Would it be better if you could work more hours in the evening after a family member is available to help with childcare? Many bosses are understanding and want to help single parents out. Be honest and advocate for the sort of work schedule that fits onto that full plate you’re holding.

3 - Find role models – for yourself and for your child.

First, think of any single parents you know who are raising great kids. Maybe ask one to mentor you. Or, at the very least, watch that parent and make some mental notes. Next, think of some amazing people raised by single parents. That’s the kind of person you’re trying to raise, and knowing they exist will be encouraging to you on your toughest days. Finally, look around for a strong male role model for your child if your child’s father isn’t in the picture or if your child’s father isn’t a strong role model. Maybe it’s your dad or your grandpa, maybe it’s your brother or a good male friend. Your child needs to see a responsible man committed to loving and supporting the people in his life, and your child needs that male perspective and input.

4 - Find a support network – or create one.

No matter how amazing and strong you are, you can’t do this alone. You will need help. And that’s OK! Maybe your family will be that support for you. Or maybe they won’t. You might need to create your own network of friends. If none of your old friends can be the support you need, you can find a moms’ group or a single moms’ group in your community. Once you have that circle of people, ask them for help. Sometimes we’re embarrassed to ask for help, but the people who care about us really do want to help us and support us. They’re just waiting for the opportunity.

5 - Don’t be too hard on yourself.

Because there is only one of you and you’re juggling so many responsibilities, you might leave the clean laundry unfolded while you play with your child. You might choose 30 extra minutes of sleep over staying up to finish the dishes. You can only do what you can do. Don’t set unrealistic expectations and then beat yourself up when you can’t meet them. Love your child and do the best you can each day. That’s all you can do. And it’s enough.

This may all seem completely overwhelming right now. But you’re stronger and more resilient than you think you are. And you’re probably doing a better job than you give yourself credit for.

If we can help you in any way, we want you to know we’re here for you. Call us today and we’ll schedule a time for you to come in and talk to a member of our staff.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

How to Handle Holiday Gatherings When You Haven’t Shared Your Pregnancy News Yet

December 17, 2025

Holiday gatherings often bring familiar traditions, questions, and expectations. But when you’re carrying the news of an unexpected pregnancy that you haven’t shared, the season may feel different this year. You might be participating in celebrations while quietly navigating thoughts and emotions that others cannot see. If you want clarity about your pregnancy or a private space to consider your next steps, Collage offers free services, including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and confidential consultations, to support your needs. Schedule your appointment today. Prepare Yourself, Not the Perfect Conversation You may not be ready to share your news, and that’s okay. What can help is preparing yourself: deciding on the topics you’re comfortable discussing, the questions you want to avoid, and the boundaries you want to set. This proactivity allows you to answer without feeling like you need to tell all and not overshare. Create Space Throughout the Gathering Instead of thinking about the whole event at once, break it into smaller, manageable moments. Emotional regulation becomes easier when you give yourself space to reset. Try: Stepping outside for a few breaths of fresh air Finding a quiet room for a brief pause Taking a short walk after a meal Giving yourself permission to excuse yourself from overwhelming conversations These small steps can help protect your peace. Remember that if at any point during the gathering you’re ready to go home, go ahead. Take care of yourself by calling it a day when necessary. Meet Your Basic Needs Early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and fatigue can be uncomfortable during gatherings. Come prepared to meet your own needs by bringing pregnancy nausea candy, snacks to settle your stomach, and a water bottle. Store these items in your purse, knowing they’re ready when you need them. You Don’t Have to Navigate This Season Alone If you want clarity before facing holiday conversations, Collage can help you understand your pregnancy and answer questions in a calm, confidential setting, which can make these boundaries easier to hold. Contact us whenever you’re ready to schedule a free appointment. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services .

I Don’t Want Another Abortion

November 11, 2025

Learning you’re unexpectedly pregnant can bring up complicated emotions, uncertainty, fear, or even exhaustion if you’ve faced this situation before. You may know that you don’t want another abortion, but still wonder what options exist for your future. At Collage, we provide free and confidential support so you can explore your choices in a compassionate environment. Whether you want to understand what parenting or adoption could look like or simply need someone to listen, you’re not alone. Schedule a free appointment today to learn how we can help. Exploring Parenting Parenting can feel like an enormous responsibility, especially if your finances, relationships, or housing situation are uncertain. Many women ask themselves: “Can I really do this on my own?” “Where will I find the help I need?” “What kind of future can I provide for my child?” These are real and valid questions. At Collage, we’ll help you identify the resources and support available in your community. From offering a warm, supportive presence as you explore this option to providing referrals for resources like housing or childcare support, we’ll ensure you’re not facing these challenges alone. Parenting can be both demanding and deeply rewarding. With encouragement, community connections, and the right information, you can feel more confident in providing a stable, nurturing environment for your child. Understanding Adoption If parenting doesn’t feel like the right fit for your current situation, adoption offers another path forward, one rooted in hope and love. You remain in control of the process, deciding how involved you wish to be in your child’s life. You can select from multiple adoption plans depending on your comfort level: Open adoption: Allows for ongoing communication and contact between you, your child, and the adoptive family. Semi-open adoption: Offers limited contact through a third party, maintaining privacy while keeping some connection. Closed adoption: Protects complete confidentiality with no exchange of identifying information. Financial support is available throughout the adoption process. You’ll never pay for legal or medical services related to adoption. Best of all, adoption agencies can help ensure your needs are met and your wishes are respected every step of the way. Adoption is not an easy decision, but for some women, it brings a sense of peace and purpose, knowing their child is loved and cared for in a stable environment. We can discuss this option with you and offer referrals to reputable agencies so you feel informed. Taking the Next Step Your situation is unique, and so is your decision. Whether you’re considering parenting or adoption or simply need time to process your feelings, Collage is here to provide information and encouragement. We’re available to answer questions, explain your options, and connect you with trusted community resources, all at no cost and in a confidential setting. Schedule your free appointment today to start finding clarity and peace of mind. FAQ: Is it normal to feel uncertain about my decision? Yes. Many women experience mixed emotions when facing an unexpected pregnancy. It’s okay to take time and talk through your options before deciding. What if I don’t think I can afford to parent? We can connect you with programs and community partners that provide material and emotional support, so you will feel more equipped to parent if you choose to. How does adoption work? You remain in control. You’ll choose the family and the level of contact and receive guidance from trusted professionals who handle the legal and practical aspects of the process. Are services at Collage really free? Yes. All services are completely free and confidential. Your privacy and comfort are our priority. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.

What Can Guys Do with an Unexpected Pregnancy?

By Kirsten Berns • October 28, 2025

Finding out your partner is unexpectedly pregnant can change everything in an instant. You may feel shocked, worried, or unsure about your role. Those feelings are normal. What matters most is how you respond in this moment and what steps you take next. At Collage, we provide no-cost and confidential services for women and men walking through unexpected pregnancies. Schedule an appointment to learn how we can support you—you don’t have to carry the weight of this situation alone. Understanding Your Own Feelings Before you can support your partner, it’s important to process what you’re experiencing. Talking with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor can help you sort through your emotions and understand what this news means. Showing your partner that you are engaging with your own feelings demonstrates that you are taking the pregnancy seriously. Walking With Her Your partner may be feeling the same uncertainty and fear that you are. One of the most powerful things you can do is simply be present. Attend appointments with her, listen when she shares her concerns, and offer support, like running errands or helping with everyday tasks. These small actions communicate that she is not facing this alone. Learning Together Getting informed is one of the best steps you can take together. At Collage, we provide option information so you and your partner can learn more about parenting, adoption, and abortion. Our staff will answer questions and help you understand what each option may look like. Having reliable, unbiased information allows you to approach this decision more confidently. Taking the Next Step This is not something you have to figure out overnight. Unexpected pregnancies can feel overwhelming, but there are resources, support, and people who care about both of you. Collage is here to listen, guide, and provide clarity when you need it most. Request your no-cost and confidential appointment today. Moving forward together can make all the difference. FAQ: What role should I play if my partner is pregnant? Listening, staying present, and supporting her as she makes decisions is crucial. You don’t have to have every answer, but being by her side matters. Can I attend appointments with her? Yes, and many women appreciate having their partner there. It shows support and can help both of you learn about options together. What if my partner chooses parenting and I don’t feel ready to be a dad? It’s normal to feel unprepared. Talking through your concerns with someone you trust and learning about options can help you move forward with more clarity. Does Collage provide abortions? Collage does not provide or refer for abortions. However, we do provide no-cost pre-abortion screenings, confidential services, accurate information, and compassionate support so you and your partner can make informed decisions.