When a relationship ends, it can be devastating and a time of uncertainty. This is further challenging if your family don’t understand what you are going through and either don’t (or are unable to) support you emotionally or financially. Sometimes, this is a period of time where they feel rejected by friends, feel like they don’t fit in with their married friends or some friends are too scared to talk with a separated person. Overcoming the emotional turmoil, isolation and loneliness while juggling finances, parenting, work and domestic duties can feel almost impossible. “Being single and a primary parent means that much of your time isn’t yours and unless you can afford help, getting time to yourself can be difficult, ” explains Rachael Scharrer, divorce expert, coach and founder of DivorceAnswered.com.au
At this time, everyone does their best to keep afloat and some people seem to do better than others. For me, I became obsessed with having a tidy home and vacuumed three times each day which was ridiculous! I felt like I had to look like I was coping while inside all I wanted to do was break-down and cry. As a single primary parent with a tiny income or financial support, I didn’t have this luxury.
The question then is: HOW CAN YOU OVERCOME THE ISOLATION AND LONELINESS AS A SINGLE PRIMARY PARENT?
Maintaining a social life on a limited budget and with children becomes difficult. Instead:
Over time it does get easier. The emotional strain has its ebbs and flows. You will settle into a routine and the daily grind will become more manageable. Fortunately, children are resilient and even though they may resist change, they will adjust. As long as you continue to keep a positive attitude and model positive