Single Mom Success Stories for Your Hope and Encouragement

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Check out these single mom success stories from everyday women to give you hope and encouragement on your single motherhood journey. These single moms (current or former) conquered the overwhelm and show you how you can too!

Encouragement and hope in other’s stories

Some of us become single mothers by choice, some are forced into it, and some simply face the fact that we must finally become a single mom.

Regardless of how you got here, there are usually times of despair when you ask yourself, “How will I do this?“

We’ve all been there. The road can be quite long. And the road is different for everyone.

Sometimes it helps to listen to stories of others who went ahead of us.

Although no one’s story will mirror your own exactly, our hope is that you’ll hope and encouragement in these single mom stories.

These moms have made it through the difficult seasons and you will too.

Single Mom Success Stories of Hope & Encouragement

In this article, you will find stories from various single moms just like you.

These women aren’t CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. Because although that is inspiring, the majority of us simply inspire to make ends meet, get remarried and know we made the right choices to get on with our lives.

Which successful single mom story intrigues you the most? Click to go directly to her story, or read them all and find your inspiration!

From single mom to Life Coach: Tamara
Single Mom of 6 girls: Sarah
Single parent to a child of special needs: Dawn
From single mom to blended family: Cassie
Working 3 jobs to make ends meet: Kim
Single mom with no support: Julie
Raising babies alone: Christina
Characteristics all Successful Single Mom Stories Possess

Successful Single Mom Success Story: Tamara

Our first interview is with Tamara of Empowered Single Moms. Check out Tamara’s practical advice and how she was able to go into private practice after her divorce. You can find out more about Tamara on her website Empowered Single Moms where she writes for single moms and offers life coaching packages.

Q: What age were you and your children when you became a single mom?
A: The kids were 7 & 10. I was 43.

Q: What was/is the hardest part for you being a single parent?
A: That everything is on me. So often I long for another adult to be responsible for something anything.

Q: How did you overcome your biggest hurdles of being a newly single parent?
A: I just kept putting one foot in front of the other. I would focus on the priority for that day and do that first. It also helped when I went into private practice and was working for myself. My income was less secure than working for someone else, but I had much more flexibility and it didn’t take long before my income was higher too.

Q: What is the best thing about being a single parent?
A: The best thing about being a single mom is that I can make a plan to act on my priorities and I am not struggling with another adult who has different priorities and values.

Q: Who was/is your support system?
A: My family and friends. I made new friends in the process of being a single mom and got closer to some of the friends I had.

Q: What advice would you give to a brand new single mom?
A: You can do this. You need to do this. Really what choice do you have? It is like being in labor. It hurts and it is hard, but once you are in the middle of it the only way out of the pain is to keep going.

Q: What is the most surprising thing you have learned about yourself as a result of being a single parent?
A: I learned how to stop yelling and being angry. I think the main thing was I no longer had the time or energy for the anger, so I needed to let it go.

Successful Single Mom Success Story: Sarah

Sarah is a single mom of 6 girls! Sarah has two successful businesses. She blogs about her large, single-parent family at RaisingRoyalty. She also has a virtual assistant business at XeraSupport.

Q: What age were you and your children when you became a single mom?
A: 1st time: pregnancy (4 months), 2nd time: 3 months, 23 months, 3.5 yrs, 5 yrs, 9 yrs

Q: What was/is the hardest part for you being a single parent?
A: Logistics: Having to pick and choose who can do what because I’m only one person and I can’t be in two places at once.

Q: How did you overcome your biggest hurdles of being a newly single parent?
A: Focusing on the kids. No matter how hard, how overwhelmed I may get, when I focus on them, I find a way. There’s always a way.

Q: What is the best thing about being a single parent?
A: It’s just easier. I don’t have to argue with anyone about when bedtime is, who does what, what the rules are. I can buy myself ice cream, and I know I will get some of it. There are no expectations — since it’s all me, I get done what needs to get done, when I want to.

Q: Who was/is your support system?
A: To be honest, when I was newly single, I didn’t have anyone. Now I have friends I can count on. But that took 4 years to build.

Q: What advice would you give to a brand new single mom?
A: Focus on surviving first. You can fall apart/get angry/cry later. Shove the emotions aside and focus on getting your family stable – legally, financially, with routines and support. Then book yourself a weekly appointment with a therapist to deal with all the emotional fallout.

Q: What is the most surprising thing you have learned about yourself as a result of being a single parent?
A: That I actually am an organized person. I like clean, decluttered spaces. I never thought I cared before.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with newly single parents?
A: Focus on the kids. You can handle anything if you focus on what’s best for them.

Successful Single Mom Success Story: Dawn

Dawn explains how we have a support system all around us if we are just willing to reach out. Dawn shares so much wisdom for single parents below. You can find Dawn over at FI & Wine where she writes about financial independence and goal setting without giving up your wine!

Q: What age were you and your children when you became a single mom?
A: I was 27 and my son was 2.

Q: What was/is the hardest part for you being a single parent?
A: Feeling like I had to be rock solid at all times. I had to play both roles, the soft mom that my son could go to when he hurt AND the disciplinarian that didn’t give in when pushed. Sometimes it was just so hard to be strong.

Q: How did you overcome your biggest hurdles of being a newly single parent?
A: I took one day at a time.

Life was just so overwhelming at times.

First, I sat down and assessed my situation with honesty and absolutely no shame. I set the long-term goals that I need to work towards then broke them down into small, manageable, time-based goals.

Anytime I felt like there was just too much on my plate, I would break down my day into the key tasks that had to be addressed and I would tackle them one by one. Hour by hour, day to day I would simply focus on the one most important task. I would tackle that one goal and then move on to the next. No looking forward or backward, just focus on the task at hand.

If I stopped to absorb the enormity of my situation (caring for a son that had special needs, going back to school because I had no career and needed a pathway to make money, relying so much on friends and family, super long commute, etc.) I would become overwhelmed, emotional and unproductive.

That wasn’t helpful for anyone.

I also made sure I had my support system for times that I just needed to vent and feel all the emotions.

I gave myself a little time for that as needed, we all need to tap into how we are doing and accept that we feel angry, scared, stressed, exhausted, frustrated, sad, etc. But then I would refocus and continue on with my one important task and just keep making forward progress.

Q: What is the best thing about being a single parent?
A: I don’t answer to anyone. I get to decide what I think is best for my son and how I will raise him. I love that I have a very special relationship with him and he is more aware of life’s ups and downs and empathetic because of our unique situation.

Q: Who was/is your support system?
A: Everyone.

Don’t hesitate to build your tribe and reach out for help when you need it. I have reached out to family and friends, but I have found that complete strangers can become sudden pillars of support that you will forever be grateful for.

My son was having an outrageous tantrum when we were on vacation once. I was trying so hard to hold it together. A woman walked up to me and, without saying a word, gave me a huge hug. With just that small show of support, I lost it and started crying on her shoulder. She told me I had this and I was a wonderful mom, held me tight, and then walked on.

I’ll never forget how much her hug helped me on that day.

This one moment has not been unique.

I have come across kindness that I never expected, from random strangers, my esthetician, or the genius technician at the Apple Store.

If you are willing to open up and be vulnerable, you’ll find that you most certainly are not alone.

Q: What advice would you give to a brand new single mom?
A: Take it one day at a time and be true and kind to yourself.

Take time for yourself because if you aren’t happy and healthy, you can’t be the best parent you can be. Mistakes happen, but those are learning opportunities to continue growing and being an amazing mom.

Be financially responsible and plan ahead. Worrying about money is often the reality but that stress doesn’t have to transfer to your child(ren).

Q: What is the most surprising thing you have learned about yourself as a result of being a single parent?
A: That I am strong and I can do anything I put my mind to.

I didn’t start out this way but being a single mom certainly made me this way. Day in and day out I did what needed to be done. Then one day I realized just how far I had come.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with newly single parents?
A: It can feel so lonely sometimes and it’s hard to see the positives.

For a while, I focused on how this just wasn’t the life I signed up for or the way I wanted to raise my child.

But my son and I are who we are now because of our experience. And this is NOT a bad thing.

I am so proud of both of us. We are strong and appreciative and we value the people we have in our lives and the accomplishments we have made. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Successful Single Mom Success Story: Cassie

After ten years of mastering her own mess of single motherhood, Cassie ditched the security and comfort of the life she had built, upped and left her residence of Las Vegas and made the move to Southern California where she began a new adventure, blending a family.

Today Cassie leads a successful life. She is a life strategist for single moms as well as a writer and speaker of the heart. She is the creator of Unconventional Motherhood: Helping Single Moms Master the Mess. You can find her over at cassierajewich.com or join her Facebook group, The Single Moms Mastery for a small group connection with other single moms.

Q: What age were you and your children when you became a single mom?
A: I was 25 my daughter was 18 months.

Q: What was/is the hardest part for you being a single parent?
A: Dealing with the abuse and emotional/financial neglect of her father.

Q: How did you overcome your biggest hurdles of being a newly single parent?
A: Brought in the troops. Friends, family, community programs, and most of all I brought my heart and tears to Jesus.

Q: What is the best thing about being a single parent?
A: I got to create peace and set the stage for a strong foundation. Before becoming a single mom my attention was spent managing an abuser and seeking sanity.

Q: Who was/is your support system?
A: My family. My mom and dad, my sister and then her husband. The got me through a lot.

Q: What advice would you give to a brand new single mom?
A: Finances and emotions are probably on the list. Don’t neglect either. Lots of grace. Work with someone you trust that can help you create a plan.

Q: What is the most surprising thing you have learned about yourself as a result of being a single parent?
A: Probably that I was the problem and I was really truly in an abusive marriage, which I believed I was above. This is not true for many and it doesn’t take away the responsibility of the abuser, but I was not wanting to see the truth. I also was not answering a call God had placed on my life.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with newly single parents?
A: I guess it depends on how they became a single parent, but for the most part working towards the best emotionally healthy you is the best thing you can do. You are the heart of the home. Bring that to a good place, bring lots of grace and if you are faith-based, partner with the Holy Spirit. He knows you and your children better than anyone. He knows the deep places of hurt and he will be faithful to lead you through to the other side.

Successful Single Mom Success Story: Kim

Kim McDowall has an inspiring, successful mom story. Kim worked 3 jobs when her kids were young just to make ends meet. Today, Kim is a freelance blogger, writer, and VA. You can find out more about Kim where she empowers those with a chronic illness at Chronic Chimera.

Q: What age were you and your children when you became a single mom?
A: I was 23.

Q: What was/is the hardest part for you being a single parent?
A: Finances.

I didn’t receive the court-ordered child support for years. This was 25 years ago and there wasn’t much help to enforce parents to pay child support back then. We struggled but those were also some of the best times because we found ways to have fun without spending money.

Q: How did you overcome your biggest hurdles of being a newly single parent?
A: I sometimes worked two or three jobs to pay all the bills plus childcare. I was exhausted but it was worth it. My kids were worth it.

Q: What is the best thing about being a single parent?
A: Not having to worry about their father being abusive. We could be ourselves and laugh. We had so much fun together.

Q: Who was/is your support system?
A: I didn’t really have one for a long time.

I moved closer to my mom after a few years and she would babysit sometimes but she and I never had a good relationship. I had friends in our small town that would look out for my kids but we all had our own lives to manage.

Q: What advice would you give to a brand new single mom?
A: Enjoy this time with your kids. It’s a very special time. Make special days or times to do something fun each week or month.

Don’t rush into another relationship. If you do start seeing someone, listen to your kids. This person will affect their lives much more than you know.

Take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup and you DO need to put on your oxygen mask first. You can’t be there for your kids if you don’t take care of yourself. Make sure to go out with friends and pursue a hobby or just spend some time in the bath with a good book.

Q: What is the most surprising thing you have learned about yourself as a result of being a single parent?
A: I had the strength I never knew I had. I had more weaknesses too. In the end, I found out I was only human.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with newly single parents?
A: Nobody else knows what they’re doing either so breathe.

This is an opportunity that brings you so much closer to your kids. Also, your kids will always be a part of your life. Others may not.

Don’t put your personal life on the back burner but don’t let someone in your life who doesn’t love and respect you and your kids.

Don’t blink, it really is over faster than you think.

Successful Single Mom Success Story: Julie

Julie has been a single parent for 25 years. Below she describes how she began her single-parent journey with absolutely no support. Since Julie’s children moved out of the house and she has more time, she spends her time fundraising for various children’s cancer charities.

Q: What age were you and your children when you became a single mom?
A: The kids were 11 & 12. I was 36.

Q: What was/is the hardest part for you being a single parent?
A: Having no backup.

Q: How did you overcome your biggest hurdles of being a newly single parent?
A: Prayed and believed I could do it.

Q: What is the best thing about being a single parent?
A: Being able to make all the decisions regarding my kids.

Q: Who was/is your support system?
A: None.

Q: What advice would you give to a brand new single mom?
A: You can do it!!! Pray about it!

Q: What is the most surprising thing you have learned about yourself as a result of being a single parent?
A: Your kids and you are closer and as they get older it becomes easier.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with newly single parents?

A. Try to find other like-minded single moms. Make friends. You’ll need them.

The new lifestyle of single motherhood brings out all your strengths and adds to your character. I would not trade the person I’ve become because of all my challenges for anything.

God gave me the mountain and He helped me to climb it.

Successful Single Mom Success Story: Christina

Christina’s success single mom story begins with the overwhelm of being a newly single mom to young children. This is a story many of us can relate to. You can find out more about Christina where she writes for single moms at Raising Biracial Babies.

Q: What age were you and your children when you became a single mom?
A: I was 32 and my kids were 3 years old and 15 months old.

Q: What was/is the hardest part for you being a single parent?
A: Being completely responsible for everything by myself 24/7. Sometimes I’m used to it, but sometimes the sheer responsibility of literally every single thing is REALLY overwhelming. Never having time for myself and feeling isolated at times is hard too.

Q: How did you overcome your biggest hurdles of being a newly single parent?
A: My biggest hurdle was probably the emotional toll it took on me.

I pushed myself to get out of the house and be around other people to take my mind off of what was going on. I read a lot of inspiring stories/blogs from single moms. I listened to music that made me feel good. I read quotes that made me feel empowered. I wrote positive affirmations down. I did whatever I could to get myself out of that really bad emotional place I was in.

Q: What is the best thing about being a single parent?
A: I get to parent the way I want without having to make compromises with a significant other. I get all the love and amazing moments. My kids are pretty much obsessed with me and they know I’m always going to be there no matter what 🙂

Q: Who was/is your support system?
A: My mom and very close friends.

Q: What advice would you give to a brand new single mom?
A: Allow yourself to grieve. You need to mourn the loss of the life you thought you were going to have or mourn the loss of the family you thought your kids would have. But once you have done that, do whatever you can to uplift and empower yourself. Do things that make you feel good, (even if you fake it til you make it).

Q: What is the most surprising thing you have learned about yourself as a result of being a single parent?
A: How resourceful and strong I actually am. I fixed household things I didn’t think I could fix, (vacuum, plumbing, air conditioner, etc). I got to a place where I knew me and my kids would be just fine. As hard as being a single mom is, I wasn’t going to let it knock me down and I knew I would raise some awesome kids by myself.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with newly single parents?
A: Even if this isn’t how you thought your life would go, you CAN do this. You have everything your kids need to be an amazing mom. Just make sure to take care of yourself too.

Single Mom Success Stories for Your Hope and Encouragement

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