Encouragement for the Young Single Mom 

Becoming a mom throws you into one of life’s biggest learning curves. So many firsts are experienced:

• The sound of the heart beat
• The look into the eyes of your newborn
• The first week as a parent is full of overwhelming love and the weight of responsibility
• Cry and smile 
• Bath and boo boo
• And all the milestones, such as the first time they roll over, sit up, stand, walk, and celebrate their first birthday! 

By God’s design, the joys and trials of these firsts are supposed to be shared together, mommy with daddy. Unfortunately, however, many don’t get to experience that time together because of death. Not only is mom forced to adjust to being alone but also to becoming a single mom. 

If you find yourself as a single mom, here are 16 words of encouragement:

1 Place your trust in God

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

2 Marvel at His power

“Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17, ESV).

3 Focus on being the mom and look to God as Father to your children

“A Father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation” (Psalm 68:5, NIV).

4 Limit distractions (social media, activities, and attempts at filling the void to escape the pain)

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV).

5 Rally support

Allow others to help! Outsource what you can so that you can do what no one else can do – mother your children. 

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, ESV).

6 Protect sleep for all

Grieving is exhausting. Tuck your little ones in bed early, allow space at the end of the day for downtime without screens and give yourself a full night of rest.

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8, ESV).

7 Invest in family time

Even though your family unit has changed, you are still a family. Make the most of your time together. Be intentional about how you do life together, including work, school, home management, extracurricular activities, and vacations.

“I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

8 Read the Bible together every day

The Word of God does not turn back void. Simply reading a Psalm or Proverb nourishes your soul.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105, KJV).

9 Eat at least one or more meals together every day. 

This unhurried time around your own table is conducive to meaningful conversation and connection.

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42, NASB).

10 Communicate clearly the individual needs, expectations, and desires

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Romans 14:9, NIV).

11 Engage in spontaneous or purposed heart-sharing 

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up” (Proverbs 12:25).

12 Establish a routine vs. running in survival mode and chaos

This will take time to develop, but it is worth it in the long run. When everything feels out of control, a simple schedule with flexibility offers security and boundaries for your home.

“The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (Proverbs 13:4, NKJV).

13 Include children in household chores

It has been proven that there are benefits for children as early as three years of age who feel they are part of the team. “Children who do chores may exhibit higher self-esteem, be more responsible, and be better equipped to deal with frustration, adversity, and delayed gratification. These skills can lead to greater success in school, work, and relationships.” 

“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17, ESV)!

14 Lead well

Look to God to guide you as you lead your children.

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young” (Isaiah 40:11, KJV).

15 Wait on the Lord

Other chapters will be added to your life story, but this one is not to be rushed as you establish the important foundation for your children to know and trust God. 

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31, KJV).

16 Humble yourself

Receive the responsibility entrusted to you and surrender in your suffering. 

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10, KJV).

The best instruction manual for raising children is the word of God. Guidance for the solo mom comes daily from various sources but, most importantly, by the shepherding of the Holy Spirit.