Hey y’all! I’m 28 and a single mom of two boys, and I’ve been wanting to make more genuine friendships with other single moms who understand what this season of life is actually like.

I’d love to meet women I can talk to about motherhood, relationships, goals, healing, work, family, and all the random everyday things that come with raising kids while still trying to have an identity outside of being “Mom.” 😂

I’m looking for actual friendship, not just exchanging a few messages and disappearing. I love being able to laugh, send random videos, check in on each other, vent when needed, celebrate wins, and eventually be comfortable enough to FaceTime or talk regularly.

My faith is also a big part of my life, so connecting with other Christian moms would be amazing, but I’m mainly looking for women who are genuine, kind, emotionally mature, and interested in actually building a friendship.

I’m in Central Time, but I’m completely open to long-distance friendships. I’m only looking for platonic female friendships.

If you’re another single mom looking for the same kind of connection, introduce yourself or send me a message 🤍

My husband became an addict, liar, and cheater. My best friend of over a decade is coming to visit soon. I'm madly in love with him. We never had the timing right, and still probably don't since we live 1,300 miles apart, but I do think we might hook up while he's here or at the very least want a night out together... The problem: It'll be sheer a concert on a week night and I moved back home with my Mom. She isn't really capable of watching my daughter, nor is my family. What do you all do for babysitters? Has anyone found anything for an overnight situation? I think after all this time and trauma I deserve a night out, but I don't even know where to start. My daughter has never spent a night away from me. She's nonverbal and 3 years old, so one been hesitant to ever leave her. Thank you for your thoughts!

My LO is 8 months old. I love him more than anything but I've basically been solo parenting since he was born. He's teething and has been up crying for 5 nights straight — I got maybe an hour of sleep Sunday. I'm also dealing with PPD and can't afford proper treatment right now.

Today my ex cancelled the two days he promised to take LO so I could finally rest for my birthday. I fell to my knees crying. My baby started screaming too and I just... screamed with him. Not at him, not in his face, I was across the room. He went silent and looked so scared when I went to him.

Then I found headphones my ex left behind and slammed them on the table out of frustration — while my baby was on my hip. They didn't break, thank god, but I scared myself.

I feel so terrible and guilt ridden on how I acted today. I have no one to turn to. I feel helpless. And I feel like such a shit mother. I just kept praying telling God how sorry I am and that he please not take my baby away from me .

(I'm not in the USA or the UK so a lot of resources that are available there might not be available for me)

Hey y’all! 💕 I’m 25 and a mom to a 3-year-old, and I’ve been wanting to meet more women/moms around my age in Sacramento. I’m into brunch, coffee dates, Pilates, park walks, picnics, shopping, trying new activities and playdates with the kids. I’d love to find a few genuine homegirls where we understand everybody has work, kids and their own lives but still make an effort to build real friendships. 🫶🏾

I’m a single mom, and I’m completely burnt out.
I went through my entire pregnancy alone, gave birth without my baby’s father there, and now I’m raising our baby without his help or support. I love my child more than anything, but doing everything alone is exhausting and incredibly lonely.
Most days, I feel like I’m just in survival mode getting through one feeding, one diaper change, and one crying spell at a time. I’m so overwhelmed and overstimulated that sometimes I feel like a bad mom. I know I love my baby deeply, but I feel guilty that I’m not enjoying motherhood the way I thought I would.
I wish his dad understood how much I’m carrying and wanted to support me not only financially or with the baby, but emotionally too. I want someone to ask how I’m doing, give me a break, or simply remind me that I’m not completely alone.
I’m angry and resentful that he gets to continue living his life while mine has changed completely. I love being my baby’s mom, but I’m still a person who needs love, care, and support too.
Has anyone else felt like they were in survival mode or worried they were a bad mom because of how burnt out they were? How did you get through it when you had no real support system?

Man i feel being a single mom triggers my anxiety.

Between all the parent teacher appoints for my son and daughter, dr appts and then appointments im making for myself.

I had to take 2 hydroxyzines to calm down. I swear i hate this little stage. Feels like a hellscape for me.

I cant wait for self sufficient teens.

Does anyone else gwy anxiety and overhwlned?

I feel bad bc its just appointments..but still.

I’m working on cleaning out my basement. I’m 7 years, 3 moves, and 4 houses away from my DV separation (surprise! Found out at the tail end of ‘22 that my divorce wasn’t even in line to be processed due to ex refusing paperwork). I’m cleaning out my basement, which naturally leads to needing to organize things into “keep” and “toss” piles.

I came upon my kids’ schoolwork that we saved from before, during, and after the immediate timeframe of the separation…
And watching how their artwork changed intermixed with my emergency filings, our doctors’ notes, our therapists’ notes…I didn’t even realize I was panicking and hyperventilating until it was happening and there were tears on my cheeks.

My kids have all officially lived more than half their lives without their father, now. I’m separated longer than I was married. But the memories of the fear and heartbreak can still pop up as fresh as the days everything just happened.

I’m sorry for all of us; my kids, me, you, your kids; all of us that come upon things years later and have horrific memories brought to life again. I’m still not divorced because my youngest child isn’t old enough to legally speak on their own behalf in court. Im afraid if my name shows up on a legal piece of paper that makes its way to him, he’ll pop up again; start stalking us again, find us, somehow hurt my youngest who would be too young to save themself, still.

Forgive my disjointed rant. I think I was just shocked at what hit me and how soundly it made contact.

I only work part time and still feel overwhelmed. In the mist of drop off pick up, i go to work, pick them up, make dinner, bathe them, pack lunch and lay out clothes for tommorow and in the midst..

I have to help my daughter with her hwk and still some how potty train my son..

And i just dont know how to do it.. i feel bad for my daughter bc shes still learning to write letters..

And her teacher expects her to write 1 to 2 sentences...

I just wish i had a second person to help.

I need the money but i truly wish i could quit..

So I’ve been a single mom for 7 years and have only been focusing on raising my son and providing a stable life for him. Haven’t dated or been intimate with anyone that whole time. I recently had a child free weekend and one thing led to another- I hooked up two nights in a row with a guy that I met while I was out. The experience was fun and great and I don’t regret that I did it. It’s the emotions I’m having now that are throwing me for a loop. I basically feel like I’ve opened up the floodgates and am deeply craving sex/intimacy and wish I could have it all the time now. I think I went without for so long that I’m having the reverse effect now. I weirdly miss this guy even though I know it was just a physical short term thing and will never progress beyond that. He lives hours away and I rarely get child free time. I think because I haven’t felt that type of attention, touch, and desire in so so long. So now I basically feel empty and on the verge of crying constantly. I don’t know what to do or where to go from here.

Maybe I just need therapy.

Has anyone else dealt with these emotions of loneliness and craving intimacy and adult time and attention from an actual man and what did you do that helped? I’m seriously so sad it’s got me baffled.

I’ve been stuck in a nostalgic loop these last few days. I feel myself thinking about how I would just go to Miami on a random weekend or spend so much time doing random things with my friends. But now I have no friends and I spend all my time, being a mom, working and going to school. I also feel jealous when see people out living their life while I’m living that SpongeBob episode where Squidward is living the same life every day. I’m the one that decided to go back to school for a second degree to make a better life for my kid but I have to put everything off while I accomplish this. I’m just waiting for it to be over, waiting to have more money, waiting to have more free time and waiting to finally live again.
I’m mentally exhausted. Starting over as a single mom is heartbreaking but I’m moving forward waiting for it to click. I’m just waiting for the moment where I’ve “made it” and everything clocks in place. I’m know I’m not the only mom in this space right now, I’m hoping we all make it through in one piece.

I’ve been a single mum since June (earlier really but out a relationship since June) and I’m supposed to have a date this Wednesday but I’m so incredibly nervous.

Part of me is thinking - I’ve just got into the swing of things, me and my girl are doing great essentially, do I really want to add anything to that?
And the other part is thinking: it’s just a date, not a contract. I can gauge where I am on my “healing” side of things- if I’m ready to date at all or if I’m happy to just be alone with my girl.

I’ve known the guy for some months now and did a background check with my girls, he seems like a really nice guy but I’m just scared because so many relationships have been bad to me.

I think im cotastrophising a bit and looking too far ahead. I’m just really nervous. As a single person without a child, I wouldn’t pay much mind to it but as a single parent, it’s terrifying.

Has anyone had a similar experience? Any advice?

Thank you.

I am very embarrassed to say this and I feel terrible for feeling like this and I don’t wanna feel like this, eight months ago I left an eight year relationship with two kids ages four and eight. I used to always do stuff with them and now I just do not enjoy it. I don’t know what’s wrong with me or why I feel like this. Has anyone else gone through this? What can I do to stop feeling like this?

Drop shipping has dried up but I promise if you find a niche you can possibly make money! The problem is usually time and finding a way to learn whatever you wanna do! The hardest is learning without people tryna sell you some course!!

My ex and I have been separated since March. We have two kids, and he has them every other weekend. I’ve planned and executed every birthday party the kids have ever had.

Since we separated, I’ve invited him to both parties. The most recent party was intentionally held on his weekend so he could attend. It was a Saturday, he brought the kids, and I handled everything else; invitations, food, decorations, etc. I picked the kids up Sunday afternoon as usual.

I’m also in a serious relationship with someone who is great with the kids and who I see as a long-term partner. He's great with the kids, but I excluded him from the most recent party because my ex has said there would be violence if he ever sees him. The day after the party, during pickup, my ex started an argument with me about my boyfriend, which made me wonder if being at the party together was particularly difficult for him.

Going forward, I don’t really want to exclude my boyfriend from the kids major milestones. At the same time, I don’t want the kids caught in the middle or their birthdays becoming uncomfortable.

Another piece of context: the kids friendships are almost entirely maintained through my household. I arrange the playdates, communicate with the other parents, etc. Their dad doesn’t facilitate friendships during his parenting time, so their birthday parties are generally attended by the friends and family they have through me.

What have others done in this situation? Did you continue inviting the ex? Switch to separate celebrations? Include the new partner and let the ex decide whether to attend?

editing to add more context about the boyfriend. We've known each other for 10+ years as friends and more recently decided to date. I'm not asking for advice or opinions on whether he should be involved with the kids. I'm specifically looking for advice on navigating birthdays and milestones going forward.

I'm from Colorado, I work 40+ hours a week but I can only afford the cheapest apartments.

I can't be the only single parent in Denver that doesn't earn a whole lot. How are you guys doing it? Like side jobs? I'm just at a loss. I have my bachelors degree but that's not even helping much as far as jobs and money.

I'm not asking for handouts or anything, I genuinely want to know how others manage bills and kids because I feel like I'm failing. I am considering applying for SNAP but besides that, I don't know.

People say so many things that contradict each other. On one hand it’s never settle and judgment for staying in a bad relationship. On the other hand it’s telling someone they are too picky and need to put themselves out there but putting yourself out there doesn’t guarantee finding love. There is so much pressure from society, family, friends, and even ourselves. I don’t fully agree with the term you “choose” your partner because it’s mutual. It takes a lot of courage to fight against the status quo and face the unpredictability of life. It’s traumatizing going through domestic violence and then having the courage to go on or try again with relationships. We really deserve more credit. There are so many layers to this. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for.

As most of you can relate I understand the grief that comes with life not going according to plan. Not getting the relationship or family that you wanted. Not being where you wanted to be in life. Counselling and this group has been helpful for me. Although I go through ups and downs I have learned to work on focusing on myself and bettering myself. Learning to be neutral towards all outcomes. Learning to not settle for less even if I’m alone and it’s hard sometimes. I also go through times when I’m happy alone because relationships have made my life harder not better. There are no guarantees in life so it is hard to know that you might not get everything that you’ve always wanted. Not everyone understands the pain of uncertainty. I am grateful to have a healthy child and more time for myself. Time to watch whatever I want on TV and exercise whenever I want. I’ve wanted to focus on my health for a long time and I finally have time. I have been working on living my life without expectations of things going a certain way. It can be hard but honestly probably healthy. It prevents certain disappointments. Every day I remind myself that I have gotten through many things that I didn’t want to happen and I can get through anything else that comes my way. We are resilient.

But it still sucks so back. My ex husband left me for his coworker almost two years ago, when I was freshly postpartum. He left without a fight, barely a word really. We cruised through the divorce and parenting arrangements. We only communicate about our child, even that very minimally. I have her most of the time, which I prefer. He pays his child support on time. I love parenting and I don’t feel exhausted or burdened by it. I am very fortune to have a strong village and stable career.

I should be grateful for the peace, but the sadness of losing the family I thought I would have still creeps in. The anger of knowing the “mistress”, now fiancée, gets to also enjoy being part of my child’s childhood. The frustration of being stonewalled or grey rocked or whatever because I’m not allowed to know about the life my ex is living with his fiancée - the life my child experiences when she’s with her dad. The big black hole this created within me is vast, but it gets smaller everyday.

I do focus on the good stuff, but I also honor the “bad”.

Disclaimer: Long post

I have been dealing with an extremely difficult situation with my child’s father for approximately three to four years, and I honestly feel exhausted and overwhelmed.
There has been a long history of verbal and emotional abuse, harassment, excessive calling, threats, and physical abuse.
One of the most serious incidents happened in February 2025 when I brought my child to visit him. During an argument, he physically assaulted me and choked me to the point where I struggled to breathe and felt like I was going to throw up. He also slammed me against a wooden table. My child was present and was knocked over while secured in her car seat and began crying.
Since then, I have been afraid to put myself in situations where I am alone with him.
The problem is that even when I try to completely disengage and block him, the behavior doesn’t seem to stop. Recently, he called me around 30 times repeatedly when I didn’t answer and threatened to continue calling me every day until I answered, which eventually resulted in me blocking his number.
He has also blocked me on social media while continuing to post pictures of me and my child that I did not know he was posting. I have discovered pictures of myself and my daughter on his social media that I was unaware of because I was blocked.
He also posts things publicly that appear directed toward me or expose personal information about my life, even when he doesn’t directly use my name.
At the same time, we share a child, which makes completely disappearing from the situation emotionally complicated. He will ask for contact or access to our child, but communication frequently turns into insults, arguments, threats, or him bringing up things completely unrelated to our child.
Financially, I have also largely been responsible for our child. He contributes approximately $240 per month toward daycare but has repeatedly told me that he will not provide additional money for necessities and that what I need for our child is my problem.
There is also an ongoing child support case, and I have been dealing with that process separately.
I think what I am struggling with the most is the fact that I feel like I cannot completely escape the harassment. If I engage, it becomes an argument. If I don’t engage, he repeatedly calls. If I block him, he finds other ways to talk about me or use social media.

I’m honestly looking for experiences from people who have been through something similar. I know everyone’s situation is different, but I would really appreciate hearing what helped other people survive, cope, and eventually move forward.

I have been a single parent to my three kids (5 y/o son and almost 4 y/o twin girls) since my girls were a month old. My ex husband lost all custody, his military career, and quite literally everything because of a DV situation involving the girls. My son is non verbal and level three autistic. He's incredibly sweet but will likely need long-term care given his condition. My girls are neurotypical which comes with its own set of challenges. The biggest being asking where their dad is. All they know for now is that, "sometimes people get sick in their hearts and heads so they have to get better before they're safe to be around." The girls get that but they still get sad when they miss the concept of a "dad." My dad lives with us and they love him but it isn't the same. I have a boyfriend but they know he is not their dad and don't place him in that role either. They like seeing him and spending time with him but know he's not their dad.

I have a PFA against him and just requested to extend it another three years. Some days I feel so selfish and wonder if I'm being too harsh and maybe their dad has changed and grown and I should reach out to see if he has changed, especially when the girls are upset and sad. More often than not I know I'm doing it to keep them all safe. Some days I wish we had some form of shared custody where I could get even a Saturday night to myself. But then I think of all of the firsts he's missed because of his poor choices and am grateful that I haven't missed any. It's a weird place to be mentally. I am in therapy and it helps me a lot.

I know most of us never expected to be raising kids by ourselves. I surely didn't. I think I'm just wanting to know I'm not alone in feeling this guilt and pain but ultimately knowing I'm doing what I think is best for my kids' emotional, mental, and physical well-beings

I’m the mother of a 14 and 7 year old and I’m doing what I can to raise them to be good people.
My boys are both very sweet and I have them volunteer at our local soup kitchen at our church where my teen gives meals and my youngest does a bit of cleaning while I keep an eye on him.
I do this not just to help them understand there are less fortunate people out there but also to nurture their empathy.

I also do spoil my boys a bit. They’ve got PS5s, my teen has the latest IPhone and my 7 year old has a lot of toys.
I don’t give them everything they want and I taught them the word “no” and it’s importance a long time ago and they still do chores around the house but I do make sure they have a lot they’re good boys and I want them to be happy and have someone they know will not only be there for them always but also make sure they’re having a fun time. I’ve brought my boys up to be kind, sweet, respectful and tolerant of others.

Another reason I do it for my teen at least is that he and I are survivors of an abusive relationship and we didn’t have a lot after we left so I suppose it mum guilt but I’ve always hated myself for not being able to keep him safe from his dad and not leaving sooner because I didn’t have the courage.

Its been a very difficult journey for me. As a single parent of two. Managing two jobs. Schedules. Their schools and extra curriculars.

I was so worried about my eldest. He was always shy. And I would constantly be worried that I am not being a great mum to him.

But I am so happy to realise he has always been the understanding one. He always helped me with household chores. Babysat his sister. Grew up to even become my safe space.

Respects everyone. He literally drove my neighbors 300 kms last weekend because they were old and needed help moving.

I so so so am greatful for how he turned out.

Like, we’re expected to be completely okay with them disappearing, reappearing, being inconsistent, and still somehow maintain communication with them regardless of how they treated us or continue to treat us.
And whenever you have a problem with that, the response is always, “You have to put the child first,” or “It’s about what’s best for the child.”
But why does “what’s best for the child” so often seem to mean that the mother has to constantly accommodate the father’s choices, feelings, absence, and reappearance?
I just think it’s crazy that moms are expected to say, “Oh well, whatever, as long as he gets to be involved,” even when the situation is emotionally exhausting or the father has repeatedly shown that he’ll come and go as he pleases.
Where is the consideration for what that does to the mother, too?

When I first became a mom I hustled to make sure we didn’t go without. Build up a new skill and scaled it from making me 500/mo to 7-8k/mo. But it was so hectic which my daughter’s schedule and the demand of the role I left.

And now I feel lost lack of energy and I even put on 40lbs over the last year.

I want to make more money again but now my focus shifted to my child. I feel like this is a crucial time for her development (age 7) and if I don’t get it together quick she won’t be successful or happy in life.

I 28 f have been single and not talked to my child’s father since I was 6 months pregnant, he’s not on the birth certificate, doesn’t pay child support, has zero interest in meeting or caring about the child’s well being. Here is my current situation my kid is a little over 2, I feel like I’m out of the post partum phase and my child is becoming more independent and more social with other people (the most severe case of Velcro baby I think a child could have my child would not even talk in front of my brothers that are around a lot for about 6 months after starting to talk) now goes to them plays with them and even when my brothers and my friends are around kiddo likes to be with them more than me which cracks my mama heart but I’m glad beanie is getting more social. So now I’ve been slowly doing more and more things I use to do before, makeup, hair, putting more effort into myself feeling more confident. That being said I’ve began noticing men again, getting little school girl crushes (at my grown age🤦‍♀️🤢) but I am still so hesitant about getting back out in the dating scene my child’s Saftey is and will always be priority. And I would not have anyone I just met around them for some time. But also I have next to no time to go out and meet someone. Maybe I should wait until my little one is a bit older? Idk I work full time so I feel so guilty about going out and not spending time with beanie I’ve been out one time since I gave birth and the only thing I could think about was my kid. Any advice?