It’s not uncommon for women to suddenly become single moms after divorce in Washington. Mothers are more likely to be awarded custody in any divorce, making them feel like solo parents even when they have split custody.
It’s also not uncommon for fathers to become absent or uninvolved with their children’s lives after divorce. It can be incredibly challenging to transition into solo parenting, but there are things you can do to make it easier.
Take stock of your life
Your life will certainly be different as a single mom. It’s important to take whatever time you can after the divorce to look at the big picture to see what works and what doesn’t work with the current arrangement.
If your current employer expects you to work late every night, you might need to pay a babysitter or request a revision to your work schedule so your children aren’t alone. You’ll also want to monitor your expenses to ensure you can afford everything on a single income.
Build a support system
It’s important to have people around as a single mom. You’ll want to ensure that everyone understands how your life has changed and is willing to support you.
To do this, you need to make time to nurture your relationships. Visit friends and family when you can, and reach out to them over text or phone when needed.
Be gentle with yourself
Being a single mom can be difficult. Sometimes you are overwhelmed, stressed, and wondering if you made the right decision. During these times, you’ll want to lean into the support system you’ve built and ask for help.
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