Being a single parent can be a strain on you financially as well as emotionally. The demands of being a single parent means that most single moms and dads limit or completely cut out any socializing. But not investing in friendships or relationships can be a bad idea, and can cause you to become isolated and depressed. Finding and getting involved in a single parent support group can really be worth the time and effort because the group can help you cope with single parenting issues. There are a variety of things that a single parent support group can offer you such as:

Activities – Many support groups have different types of activities that single parents can participate in. Group activities are a good way to meet others like yourself who have similar single parent issues and provide support. Enjoying a group activity can also help keep depression at bay and give you something fun to look forward to on a regular basis.

Conversation – Having an opportunity to talk with people who are in similar situations can be a relief. So often single parents feel they are being judged by others who don’t understand what being a single parent entails. You also have an opportunity to listen to and get advice from other single parents who have overcome some of the issues that you may be dealing with currently, and that can be very encouraging.

Learning – Many single parent support groups invite speakers to educate the group on various relevant topics, or provide useful information in other ways. Some of the useful topics covered might be learning how to talk to teens about touchy subjects such as sex, drugs, and alcohol. Or learning how to create a budget that works for the single parent; how to make their income go farther, or how to find ways to supplement their income. Being a single parent can be frustrating and confusing if you try to go it alone, and that’s where single parent support groups can help.

Find new interests – As a single parent you want to show your kids that you’re ‘okay’, and that means keeping some of your life for yourself; and living it! Getting involved in a single parent support group can be a great way to grow and enjoy life as you meet new people and develop interests. The truth is, the kids will appreciate and respect you more if you have some boundaries when it comes to carving out much needed ‘adult time’.

Support network opportunities – The people you will meet in single parent support groups will be more likely to want to be a part of your support network because they’re looking for support also. From something as simple as knowing people who can form a babysitting co-op with you to knowing people who can help you out with various things you’ll need in life.

Make new friends – If nothing else, a single parent support group will give you an opportunity to be around people like you who are going through similar issues. The potential for making new friends will be great. And who knows; maybe when you’re ready for a deeper relationship, it just might be the place you find it.

If doesn’t matter how you became a single parent, we all know that is can be challenging. Joining single parent support groups can really help give you that extra support that you and your family need. If your not sure where to find a single parent support group in your area, check out your local church websites or do a local search on your favorite search engine.