The Problems Single Mothers Face

Single moms face a larger number of problems than the average person. Here is a list of just some of the battles they face:

Less Free Time - Between working, taking care of the kids, and holding down the home-front, single moms rarely get any me time. This can lead to excess levels of stress, with no outlet to vent their frustrations. They may also start to feel disconnected from their peers, and unable to connect with others who aren't in the same situation. This can lead to feelings of isolation and depression.

Less Disposable Income - Only having one income to rely on can create a very shaky existence. This is especially true if a woman has grown to rely on her husbands income, and now only receives a child support check. Many times the child support that is awarded in the courts is a fraction of what the husband was previously contributing to the running of the household.

Daycare Worries - Most single mothers find themselves holding down at least one job in order to make ends meet. This means that someone must watch the kid or kids in order for her to go to work. While this leads to a classic catch 22 of working to pay for day care, there is seldom another option. Sometimes a grandparent or other family member can fill in and reduce costs, but most times it's a mom's last resort to put her kids in day care.

Trouble on the Dating Scene - The stigma surrounding single mothers is hard to overcome for many women. Men are known to avoid women with children, not wanting to get involved in a complicated situation. While of course it's not impossible for a singe mom to find love, the deck is stacked against her.

Divorce-Related Problems - If the divorce was a messy one single moms also have to deal with attorney's fees and child support issues. Some fathers fight for the custody of their children in order to reduce or eliminate child support payments. If this happens a single mom has to prove that she's the best caretaker for the children, and that she deserves the child support amount she's requesting.

Single moms have it rough, there's no doubt about that. But society holds a soft spot in its heart for single moms that try their best. Many human interest stories revolve around super human single mothers that can somehow manage to overcome all odds. Those that provide a decent life for their kids and have them grow up to be model citizens as adults are always commended. It's important to realize that the situation never defines the person. It's always the other way around.

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