Single Mother

Long perceived as the ultimate symbol of social breakdown and sexual irresponsibility, the single mother is now, in the context of welfare-to-work policies, often hailed as the new spokesperson for hard work and self-sufficiency. A dozen years after Dan Quayle denounced the television character Murphy Brown for making the decision to become a single mother “just another lifestyle choice,” President George W. Bush applauded single mothers for “heroic work,” and positive on-screen representations of single mothers abound, from The Gilmore Girls to Sex and the City to American Idol. Single Mother describes the recent cultural valorization of this figure that—in the midst of demographic changes in the U.S.—has emerged as the unlikely heroic and seductive voice of the new American family. Drawing on her own life as a single mother, interviews with dozens of other single mothers, cultural representations, and policies on welfare, immigration, childcare, and child custody, Juffer analyzes this contingent acceptance of single mothers. Finally, critiquing the relentless emphasis on self-sufficiency to the exclusion of community, Juffer shows the remarkable organizing skills of these new mothers of invention. At a moment when one-third of all babies are born to single moms, Single Mother is a fascinating and necessary examination of these new “domestic intellectuals.”

Being a single mother wasn't always part of the plan. The fear of it kept me and my family in a situation that wasn’t good for any of us. I never thought it could be the life change we all needed. Yes, it can be exhausting, lonely, and financially tough. But it can also be empowering and joyful, in ways you might never have imagined. At first, I felt like a big failure. And how was I supposed to feed and clothe my children, keep a roof over our heads, and work wearing something other than pyjamas, while also remembering to at least once a week drink a glass of water? But as I began to let go of other people’s expectations, I started to enjoy the freedom of being a single parent: I was liberated, empowered and able to be the authentic mother I wanted to be. In this book, I share my own experience of single motherhood, alongside insights from fellow solo parents, child psychologists and other experts, providing reassurance and tips to help you: Raise resilient, emotionally intelligent children Manage your money Navigate the world of dating Forge meaningful friendships Discover the untold joys of the single-mother life From one single mother to another, this book celebrates solo parenting and tackles the issues that we face daily, offering a fresh perspective and practical advice for anyone who has ever felt the weight of disappointment and guilt at their single parent status, declared themselves a failure or worried about their children's 'outcomes.’ I hope reading about my experiences will help you feel excited and proud to be a single mother. ‘Full of real advice, hopeful and uplifting, Sarah Thompson is the friend every single mother needs in her life.’ Emma Bunton ‘Refreshing… I related so much… it felt like I was being seen… empowering. I found myself laughing out loud quite often while reading it.’ Goodreads reviewer ‘As a single mother it’s so wonderful to feel validated and know you’re not alone. There is hope in this journey. Enjoyable and helpful read!’ Goodreads reviewer ‘A really good read… interesting, informative, entertaining… a well-researched and intriguing book that was exactly what I needed.’ Goodreads reviewer ‘I really enjoyed this… I'm a single mum and it's great to know there are others out there feeling the same way… reminded me to appreciate the good that has come from being a single mother. I highly recommend this.’ Goodreads reviewer

Your best resource now completely revised and updated! Being a single mother isn't easy--but with The Complete Single Mother, Third Edition, it just got easier. Long the most popular source of encouragement and advice for single moms, this engaging, enlightening guide explores such important issues as: Finances Dealing with the absent father Custody Dating and remarriage With a new chapter devoted to children with special needs, as well as inspirational sidebars about famous single mothers, this updated classic is the supportive, one-stop handbook you'll turn to again and again!

Self Improvement book that addresses the personal and emotional issues that many single mothers find themselves dealing with while trying to find their way in this world. It is a safety net for the single mother out there looking for answers; an aid in helping them deal with their own issues that may be preventing them from reaching their fullest potential and from being the best parent to their children.

Veteran single parent Sandra Aldrich offers single moms heart-lifting encouragement, practical advice and occasional humor in several areas common to single mothers.

This must-have guide uses the latest research on the science of happiness to show single mothers how to transform feelings of fear, guilt, anxiety, and low self-esteem into feelings of power and freedom. There are 82 million mothers in the United States and Canada alone. This book is for them. Single Mother in Charge: How to Successfully Pursue Happiness employs the latest research on the science of happiness to show single moms how to be stronger, happier, and more balanced. Through it, they will learn to use their own power to improve the quality of their lives and those of their children. This hands-on guide starts with three critical lessons for personal transformation: the right belief, the right attitude, and taking action. Readers are then taught how to transform feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt, and low self-esteem into a positive, confident attitude. Once these barriers to happiness have come down, the single mother can use the 22 "happiness strategies" outlined in the book create a happier and healthier life for herself and her family.

Life as a single mother is never easy. World conditions, financial difficulties, children displaying outrageous behavior, are just some of the many challenges that a single mother faces each day. Without the other half of the parental equation, maintaining the home becomes twice as difficult. Without God in the midst this experience is virtually imposible to have a positive outcome. However, all is not lost. Hope and a better tomorrow is always available in abundant supply. With God all things are possible. This aims to present a perspective that there is a bright light at the end of this tunnel. Perseverance is one of the vehicles to get there.

Among many factors, perhaps their confidence was shaped by cultural mantras in the United States, which proclaim that this is a country of opportunity where it is possible to pursue one's dreams and "reach the top of [one's] potential," as one of the participants indicated. Of relevance, there are a multitude of good reasons for women to leave abusive relationships in order to reach their full potential, and this was what many single-mother doctoral students have had to do. On one hand, societal expectations are on their side, encouraging them to leave the relationship. On the other hand, when they do leave, they often experience a crippling lack of cultural, societal, and programmatic support. When they left these relationships and decided to pursue their doctorates while being single parents to their children, they were often marginalized by their universities' doctoral programs and faculty, by peers, and by what should have been their support systems.