Raising kids is hard. Raising them alone? That’s next level. 

If you’re parenting solo, whether by choice or circumstance, you are making every decision, every day, by yourself. 

Thinking through your next move with a partner? Not happening. Tagging out when your kid is losing it?  Nope. Calling in backup when you say no?  You’re on your own.  Processing your day at 10 pm and wondering where you went wrong? It’s lonely. 

This is where single mom coaching can be life-changing.

Why Coaching Is Different Than Advice

Many solo moms (aka single moms) read books, listen to podcasts, and scroll through one too many parenting tips on Instagram…IF they can find the time.  

But when you’re parenting alone, does all that generic advice feel empty? When you’re managing it all: discipline, logistics, emotional support, a career, and likely your own healing or grief, you’re wearing all the hats. And the last thing you need is more empty support. 

As a single mom life coach and parenting coach, I’m clear that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Many of the moms I work with just need a partner to think through tough choices, bounce ideas off of, process difficult parenting moments, and plan for the next one. They need someone who knows them and their child (through their eyes), and they need strategies that are uniquely designed for their unique situation. 

What Coaching Looks Like for Single Moms

Parent coaching is not therapy (though that’s important too). Coaching is focused on practical tools, new mindsets, and strategies you can use – like – right now. It comes with a side of encouragement, a healthy dose of connection, and a lot of authentic feedback from someone who can deliver. 

Here’s what that can look like in action (btw, I specialize in helping moms of boys, so we’ll use he/him pronouns, but I also work with parents of girls, so keep reading if that’s you.)

• Let’s say you’re raising a child alone and he has big emotions or defies you at every turn. I’ll help you figure out why he’s melting down and how to respond in a way that brings him closer to you, corrects his behavior, and teaches him life-long skills.
• Let’s say you’re constantly second-guessing yourself. As your coach, I would help you make confident decisions since you don’t have a partner to validate or challenge your choices. 
• Let’s say you’re tired of being the “everything parent.” We would make a plan to preserve your energy, protect your relationship with your child, and set loving limits without guilt.

What If You’re Raising a Son Alone and There’s no Male Role Model?

If this question has crossed your mind, you’re not wrong to be concerned. Moms raising boys alone (and girls) often say: “He needs a male role model,” or “I don’t know how to give him what he needs as a boy.” 

Let’s break this down:  

1. You don’t need to be a man to raise a good one.
2. With support and creativity, you can build a village that includes the added bonus of exposing your child to great male role models. 

Boys need people in their lives who see them for who they are and don’t judge them for who they’re not. They do well when they feel understood and feel guardrails around them to keep them on track. That can come from you and from the many men your child will encounter in their daily lives. “Father” not required. You’re already meeting your child’s most important needs. Adding male role models to the picture is a bonus that will help them along the way, but that doesn’t mean they need a man at home. It just means they need to witness men in their lives (and even on TV) who are making great choices, respecting others, and making the world a better place.  

A parent coach can help you design your child’s environment to include all of that if it’s missing.

You Have Nothing to Prove! 

I feel like single moms are parenting in a fishbowl a bit more than other parents. They often feel judged and added pressure to be perfect as a way of protecting their child from the downsides of raising a child in a one-parent home.

 

But it’s brave to give perfection the middle finger. 🖕 And it’s even braver to ask for help, even if it’s a bit scary to make that emotional (or financial) investment. 😱  

If you think working with a parenting coach is a sign of failure, I call B.S.

People who invest in the future are not failures. They’re planners. They are people willing to stop, reflect, and choose a path that’s best for their family. You and your child both deserve support. What you don’t deserve is to feel like you’re drowning. 

Coaching Is Flexible when Life Isn’t

In many parent coaching practices (mine included), the service is 100% online. You don’t need childcare, brushed hair, a long drive, or permission to leave work early. We can meet privately by Zoom (call in from your car!) or you can dive into a group program that comes with recordings for sessions you missed, SOS messaging threads, and a structured group program like The Boy Mom Academy. You get to choose what works for your schedule and budget.

In sum…

No matter what your circumstance (single mom by choice, divorced, co-parenting, trauma recovery, or you’re partnered with someone who is completely checked out), you’re not alone. 

Single mom coaching is focused on YOU, where you are, and where you want to be. No judgment. No lectures. Your parent coach will be your thought partner, helping you think through your next move: 

• Should I call the principal about this? 
• Should I pay for an assessment if he’s not reading yet? 
• Should we sign up for Cub Scouts even though it’s not my jam?
• How do we deal with this bully at school?
• What should I do when he says “I hate you” or curses at me?
• How do I get him to do his chores? 
• What if he refuses to get off screens when the time is up? 

 

This is your friendly reminder that you don’t have to do all of this alone. Reach out for help here, and we’ll tackle these questions together. 

FAQs

Q: What’s the difference between parent coaching and therapy?

Therapy often focuses on healing the past. Coaching focuses on moving forward. We work on what’s happening now in your home and how to shift the dynamic between you and your child.

Q: Do I need to have a specific “issue” to start coaching?

No. If you generally want a thought partner but don’t have a specific challenge right now, this is a great time to bring in a single mom coach. Having someone on your side before problems arise is a wise move. Whether you generally feel stuck or need specific tools for a specific issue, don’t hesitate to hire a parent coach to give you that support and help you get clear and confident as a mother.

Q: What if I can’t afford it?

That’s real, especially for solo parents, and it’s why I offer a range of options, from low-cost trial sessions to monthly membership programs that give you access to me and an entire community of moms who can help you tackle issues. The Boy Mom Academy even includes a single mom’s affinity group for added support. 

As always, I can help you figure out what’s affordable and accessible for you. While The Boy Mom Academy membership program has a 3-month or 1-year minimum commitment, I’d be happy to waive the minimum commitment for single moms. Just ask! I also offer free workshops, book groups, and monthly support circles for boy moms. Join my list to get updates about those events.