Anne

Finding the Motherhood Support You Need as a Single Parent in 2025

October 20, 2025 By Anne Leave a Comment

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Motherhood support can feel more like a unicorn than something you can access as a single mom. However, there are some ways you can build a support network system for yourself. From connecting with other single parents to accessing financial assistance, here are some ideas.

Specialist Support and Care

Being a single mom (or dad, for that matter) is one of the hardest things a parent can face. On top of that, you might have commitments to other family members with disabilities. When times are tough, this can make things even worse if they require medical care, support, and treatment. Fortunately, you can usually find a home and community based service provider in your local area. This can be just what your child needs, but also the reprieve that you deserve as well.

Connecting with Other Single Parents

There’s almost no barrier to connecting with others in today’s world. With social media and the web at large, it has never been easier to connect with other people, such as other single moms. Platforms like Facebook offer groups for chatting and connecting. But there are also apps made for this very reason such as Frolo. If you don’t trust online platforms, then you can also try recognized charities for 24/7 connection and support, such as the SingleParents website.

Motherhood Support by Networking

Recent data suggests that 45% of single mothers in the US live below the poverty line and are disproportionately affected by issues like housing instability. Sure, making money as a mom is easier than ever these days with things like side hostels and online jobs. But it can be hard to get a small business going or even find a remote job as a new mother. Like any kind of work, you can benefit from networking through local resources, the kids’ schools and local charities.

Applying for Government Assistance

Finances are often the hardest part of raising kids alone. The absence of another partner places a massive strain on a family if you don’t earn much money or aren’t able to work at all. However, there are government plans available for people in your position. The UK’s Universal Credit and Child Support system are good examples. As is the US’s food stamps program that can help with the basics of feeding your children. There is no shame in asking for help when needed!

Personal Wellness and Wellbeing

You can’t take the best care of your kids and possible without looking after yourself. Making personal wellness a priority will help you feel better about your situation and provide the motivation you need. This includes taking breaks when you can, excellent personal hygiene and eating a healthy diet. A positive mindset like this encourages a more harmonious home, even when times are tough. And this can be passed to the children as a greater support provider.

Summary

Finding specialist care for children with disabilities can be a lifeline when looking for the motherhood support you need as a single parent. Of course, networking can open up tons of opportunities for your professional life, but you must also take better care of yourself, too.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

How Taking Care of Your Health Can Transform Your Future

October 16, 2025 By Anne Leave a Comment

Health is one of those things people don’t always think about until something forces them to. Between work, responsibilities, and the general pace of life, it’s easy to put personal wellbeing on hold. But sooner or later, your body and mind start sending reminders that rest, nutrition, and peace of mind can’t be ignored forever.

Taking care of your health is about far more than fitness or diet these days. The trick is to create a foundation that supports every other part of life. When someone starts to prioritise their wellbeing, everything from focus and confidence to energy and relationships begins to change. It’s a gradual change that has a lasting impact, one small decision at a time.

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Understanding what “health” really means

Good health is something that keeps evolving with time. It’s as much about how a person feels mentally as it is about their physical strength. When you pay attention to your health, you’re really choosing to give yourself a better quality of life.

It’s easy to think that being healthy only means avoiding illness, but it’s also about your energy levels, motivation, and mindset. People who take small and consistent steps toward better wellbeing often find that everything else becomes easier to manage. Your work feels more productive, relationships more positive, and challenges more manageable.

Taking care of your health also gives a sense of control over your life. It’s deciding that your future comfort, energy, and happiness are worth the time and effort it takes to maintain them.

The connection between health and daily habits

Many of the things that shape a person’s health happen quietly through everyday habits. Sleep routines, food choices, and stress management all play a role in how much energy someone has throughout the day. When these habits work together, your life will end up feeling a lot smoother than it used to.

Small changes can build momentum faster than you might expect. For example, simply swapping a few processed meals for fresh food, encouraging yourself to walk a little more, or even just limiting phone time before bed can make noticeable differences in your focus and energy levels.

These small actions become important steps toward a healthier future. The goal isn’t perfection but consistency. Building a lifestyle that feels sustainable helps create long-term results that last far longer than quick fixes or strict routines.

The barriers that hold people back from being healthy

Many people want to live healthier lives but are often hindered by deeper challenges. Issues like constant stress, poor sleep, or emotional exhaustion can make it difficult to find the motivation to start. For some people, it might even involve overcoming more serious health barriers such as substance dependency or social pressures that make it hard to change.

When personal struggles like these take hold, outside help can make all the difference. Accessing addiction treatment or other forms of medical and psychological support can help someone break free from cycles that keep them stuck. It’s a step toward regaining control over both body and mind. Acknowledging those barriers is a sign of self-awareness. When people start addressing what’s really holding them back, they open up the possibility of genuine, lasting transformation.

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Why mental health matters just as much as physical health

Physical and mental health are connected, and one rarely improves without the other. Stress, anxiety, and constant worry take a toll on the body in ways that often go unnoticed. Over time, those effects can show up as fatigue, headaches, or difficulty concentrating.

Looking after your mental wellbeing can mean setting boundaries, practising mindfulness, or finding quiet moments to reset. It might also involve talking to someone, journalling, or finding hobbies that help clear the mind. These small actions build resilience, which in turn supports physical energy and emotional balance.

The better a person understands what affects their mind, the easier it becomes to make choices that keep them centred and motivated. Good mental health gives a sense of stability that supports every other part of life.

Building consistency and structure in your health

Health improves most when it’s supported by a consistent structure in life. This doesn’t mean rigid schedules, but rather routines that make healthy choices easier to maintain. Planning meals, setting sleep times, or organising short daily walks are great examples of structure that helps the body and mind thrive.

Structure also helps people stick with their goals during stressful times. It creates a rhythm that keeps progress moving even when motivation feels low. Over time, these routines start to feel natural instead of forced. It’s about creating an environment that supports good habits rather than relying on willpower alone. The more automatic healthy routines become, the less effort it takes to maintain them.

How relationships influence your overall wellbeing

The people around someone can have a strong impact on their health. Supportive relationships encourage better habits, while negative or stressful environments can make it harder to stay consistent. Surrounding oneself with people who respect the need for rest, good food, and balance makes the journey easier.

Social connections also bring accountability. Friends or family who share health goals can help each other stay motivated and celebrate progress. Connection plays a big part in overall wellbeing, as it supports emotional strength and creates a sense of belonging.

When relationships encourage growth rather than drain energy, they become one of the strongest parts of a healthy lifestyle.

The long-term rewards of better health

When people start taking care of their health, the first improvements are often small. It could be more energy in the morning, better focus, or fewer aches. But over time, these small gains build into something far greater. A healthier body supports a sharper mind, which in turn leads to more confidence and stronger decision-making.

Good health also helps people plan for the future with optimism. It gives them the energy to pursue goals, enjoy relationships, and make choices that feel right. The investment in wellbeing continues to pay off year after year through improved quality of life and personal growth. The longer someone maintains these habits, the more natural they become.

Taking care of your health is an ongoing process, but it’s one that changes every part of life for the better. When someone learns to care for their body and mind, they open the door to more energy, focus, and freedom.

Anne

Smart Ways To Save For Your Child’s Future

September 26, 2025 By Anne Leave a Comment

Explore practical savings tools—from 529 plans to UGMA accounts—that help you prepare for both college and beyond

As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the foundation for a secure financial future. While we can’t predict exactly what their path will look like—whether they pursue higher education, launch a business, or simply need help navigating life’s early expenses—we can take steps now to prepare them for those milestones.

This blog will walk through some of the smartest ways to save for your child’s future, highlighting both traditional options and lesser-known ones. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to diversify your family’s financial plan, these ideas can help you feel more confident knowing you’re setting your child up with opportunities—and peace of mind—for the road ahead.

Start With a Savings Account

The simplest place to start when saving for your child’s future is often the most effective: a savings account. This is an easy, low-risk way to begin setting money aside while building the habit of consistent saving. Many banks and credit unions even offer special “youth savings accounts” designed specifically for children, which can be a fun way to get your child involved in learning about money.

A savings account offers accessibility and safety, making it a smart first step for families who are new to saving or may not have extra money to invest right away. Your deposits are federally insured (up to certain limits), and though interest rates may not be sky-high, your money grows steadily without risk. Over time, this account can serve as an emergency fund for child-related expenses or be used as a stepping stone to more advanced savings vehicles.

Even better, opening a savings account in your child’s name can become a teachable moment. You can show them how deposits and interest work, reinforcing the idea that money grows when you set it aside instead of spending it right away. While it won’t cover college tuition or buy a first car on its own, a savings account is a practical and empowering way to start building toward bigger goals.

Consider a 529 Plan

If college is on your radar, a 529 plan is one of the most powerful tools you can use to prepare. These state-sponsored savings plans are specifically designed to help families set aside money for future education expenses, and they come with unique tax advantages that make them stand out from a regular savings account.

Here’s how it works: you contribute money to the plan, and it grows tax-deferred over time. When your child eventually uses the funds for qualified education costs—like tuition, room and board, textbooks, or even certain K-12 expenses—the withdrawals are tax-free. Some states also offer tax deductions or credits for contributions, which means you can save on your state income taxes while investing in your child’s future.

If higher education is a priority for your family, this plan should be near the top of your list.

Explore Custodial Accounts

For parents who want a little more flexibility than a 529 plan provides, custodial accounts—specifically UTMA or UGMA accounts—are a smart option to consider.

These accounts allow you to save and invest on behalf of your child, but unlike 529s, the money isn’t limited to education expenses. That means the funds could be used for college, but also for a first car, starting a business, or even a down payment on a home when your child reaches adulthood.

Here’s how they work: you open the account as the custodian, and your child is the beneficiary. You can contribute cash, stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, and the money grows until your child comes of age (usually 18 or 21, depending on your state). At that point, the account legally becomes theirs to manage as they see fit.

Custodial accounts do come with some trade-offs. Because the assets legally belong to the child, they may impact eligibility for financial aid more than parent-owned accounts. Additionally, once your child reaches the age of majority, you’ll no longer have control over how the money is spent.

If you’re looking for a versatile way to invest in your child’s future while keeping options open, a UGMA or UTMA account may be the right fit.

Invest For the Long Haul

While savings accounts and dedicated plans like 529s or custodial accounts are excellent starting points, it’s also worth looking at long-term investment options to build lasting wealth for your child. Investing in assets like stocks, bonds, or low-cost index funds can give your savings the opportunity to grow much faster than they would in a traditional bank account.

The key advantage of investing is the power of compounding over time. Even modest contributions, if invested wisely, can snowball into significant amounts over the course of 10, 15, or 20 years. Even investing just $100 a month in a broad-market index fund could grow significantly by the time your child is ready for college or reaches adulthood.

Of course, investments come with some level of risk, so it’s important to choose a strategy that matches your comfort level. Many parents opt for diversified funds that spread money across different sectors, balancing growth potential with stability. Others may mix in bonds or safer vehicles to reduce volatility. The beauty of investing is that you can adjust your approach as your child gets older and their needs become clearer.

When paired with other financial tools—like a 529 plan or custodial account—long-term investments can serve as the engine that accelerates your child’s financial foundation. By thinking beyond simple savings and embracing smart investing strategies, you’re not just setting money aside—you’re actively growing it into opportunities and security for your child’s future.

There’s no single “perfect” way to save. What you really need is to layer different tools together to fit your family’s needs, goals, and budget. A simple savings account can be a great starting point, while options like 529 plans and custodial accounts help you plan for even bigger milestones. By taking small, consistent steps today, you can ease future financial burdens while teaching your child valuable lessons about money, responsibility, and planning ahead.

No matter where you’re starting from, every dollar saved and every smart choice made is a step toward giving your child the gift of stability and opportunity.

Anne

3 Things First-Time Dog Owners Should Know Before Adopting

September 18, 2025 By Anne Leave a Comment

Did you know that owning a dog is part of life in many American households? In fact, about 45.5% of U.S. households own a dog. This is roughly 68 million households with at least one dog, and sometimes even more. So, there’s no doubt that dogs are the most popular pet in the country. Ultimately, people love having canine companions, so if you’re thinking about adopting your first pup, you’ll be joining millions of families who’ve made the same choice.

Bringing a dog into your family is one of the most exciting decisions you can make. Dogs add joy, love, and companionship to your life, but they also bring new responsibilities. For first-time dog owners, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of a cute puppy without realizing the long-term commitment that’s involved. Before you bring home your first furry friend, here are 3 important things to think about.

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#1. Picking the right dog for your family

The best dog for one family might not be the right fit for another. Every breed, and every individual dog, has its own personality, exercise needs, and care requirements. A high-energy breed might thrive in a busy and active household. A calmer and smaller dog might be better-suited for apartment living or a family with young children.

It’s important to think carefully about size, temperament, grooming needs, and cost before deciding. If you’re still in the browsing stage, take time to do your research and consider what works best for your lifestyle. When you choose the right dog for your family, you’re already making looking after a pet a lot easier on yourself.

#2. Training is not optional

No dog will come to you already trained. No matter which dog you adopt, training will be a crucial part of your journey together. Dogs don’t automatically know what’s expected of them in a household. And even the sweetest pup can develop habits that become stressful without proper guidance. Training not only teaches good behavior, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

Basic obedience, housebreaking, and leash manners are all skills that make everyday easier and safer for everyone. For first-time owners, this process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Professional dog trainers can provide support and structure. They can also share proven techniques to set your pup on the right path. Even experienced owners often turn to trainers for consistency, so it’s well worth the investment.

#3. Expect a lifestyle change

Owning a dog isn’t just about buying food and toys. It changes the way you live. You’ll need to plan for daily walks, playtime, and feeding schedules. Vacations might require pet-friendly accommodations or reliable boarding. Your budget will need to include vet visits, grooming, and the occasional replacement of a chewed-up shoe!

While these adjustments can feel big at first, many families find that the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. Dogs encourage you to spend more time outdoors. They help you develop routines and bring endless affection into your home. The key is being prepared so these changes feel manageable instead of overwhelming.

In conclusion, adopting your first dog is a big step, and it’s a step that requires proper consideration. You want to know what you are signing for so you can approach dog ownership with the right mindset.

Anne

How Can You Make Your Next Trip More Exciting?

September 18, 2025 By Anne Leave a Comment

How can you make your next travel adventure a little more exciting? That’s a fantastic question, and one that people are always asking when they’re taking trips around the world. While the internet and articles like this are a fantastic source of inspiration, you need to be thinking about the things that you like, and the things that you want to do so that you don’t end up leaving with any regrets. But, speaking of inspiration, let’s give you some.

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Go Somewhere Completely Random –

We’re going to kick things off by suggesting that you go somewhere completely random. Find a place in the world that you would never have considered going, and go there. It might feel as though you’re going in blind, and you are unless you do a little bit of research after you’ve booked it, but what’s wrong with that?

It’s a fantastic way to see places around the world that you might never have even thought about traveling to, simply because it’s not one of the main tourist spots of the world. If nothing else, it shows you more about different cultures and ways of life as you experience the way in which others live. We promise, it might sound scary, but it’s a fantastic adventure no matter where you go.

Consider Who Is Coming

The next thing that you’re going to need to think about is who is coming. Who are you going to be going on your next adventure with, because this will make all of the difference in the world. If you want your trip to be exciting, you need to go with people who are happy to do the things that you want to do, and you’re happy to do the things that they want to do. You can’t decide that you want to go exploring in a new city without a map and just get lost if you’re going with small children for example.

There are destinations that are suitable for kids, and there are ones that aren’t. There are types of holidays that are suitable for younger kids, and there are ones that aren’t. So, you need to decide who you are going with, and what kind of trip you’re taking so that you can plan around this.

Splurge On Luxury

Why not splurge on a little bit of luxury for your next trip? There are so many different ways that you can do this depending on your budget and what is available in your chosen destination. For example, on the extremely expensive side you could be looking into yachts for charter so that you can experience life on the seas. Or, you might want to keep it to luxury on a budget and splurge on your accommodation and food choices.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the ways that you can make your next trip more exciting. It doesn’t have to be a nightmare to plan, and you just need to be open to trying something new.