Single Mother Survival Guide

In this special 500th episode, I take a moment to reflect on the journey of the podcast and the many conversations I've had with single mums over the years. After hundreds of episodes, coaching sessions, and messages from this community, I've noticed a pattern in things that come up again and again. This episode is a distillation of the patterns, fears, blocks, breakthroughs, and truths I've witnessed throughout 500 episodes of time. Wherever you're at in your journey, this conversation is for you. Links mentioned in the episode:  Check out my blog post on Grey Rock 101: How to Respond When Your Ex Pushes Your Buttons Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

In this episode, I'm talking about co-parenting and why it can feel so triggering - sometimes even more than when you were in the relationship. If you've ever wondered, "Why is he still affecting me?" or felt frustrated that one text message can shift your entire mood, this conversation is for you. I explain why co-parenting is such a uniquely complex dynamic - distance without disconnection, responsibility without emotional safety - and why your reactions don't mean you're failing or not healed. Co-parenting is hard, and if you're feeling activated, there's a reason for that. Links mentioned in the episode:  Link to Episode 329 - Dealing with high-conflict people in divorce, with Bill Eddy Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

In this episode, I'm talking to the single mum who's quietly wondering, "What is wrong with me?" If you've been feeling more emotional, more exhausted, or less able to cope than you used to, this is for you. I share the important difference between change and transition, and why feeling disoriented or overwhelmed doesn't mean you're broken. It may simply mean you're in transition. And that's something we need to talk about. Links mentioned in the episode:  Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

In this episode, I talk about the invisible shock that can follow separation, even when you were the one who chose it. There's a myth that if you initiated the breakup, you should only feel relief. But separation is still a loss, a rupture, and a nervous system shock. Mixed emotions like grief, sadness, confusion, and relief can exist at the same time, and that doesn't mean you made the wrong decision. I explore why your body and emotions don't always process separation logically, and how it can impact your sense of safety, identity, and the future you imagined. If you've ever wondered why you feel so shaken even though you knew leaving was right, this episode is for you.  Links mentioned in the episode:  Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

This week, I wanted to have an honest conversation about something we hear a lot as single mums - "You're so strong." While it's often meant as a compliment, I want to explore why that phrase can sometimes feel like a burden rather than support. When you're juggling work, parenting, co-parenting, emotional stress, and maybe even a hostile ex, being told "you're strong" can quietly reinforce the idea that you have to keep holding it all together, no matter how exhausted or drained you feel inside. In this episode, I talk about why you don't actually need to be strong right now, and why feeling tired, overwhelmed, or like you're barely keeping it together doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you. This is a reminder that you're allowed to soften, to feel, and to let go of the pressure to constantly cope. If you're reading and nodding along, this episode is for you - a space to breathe, feel seen, and not be "strong". Links mentioned in the episode:  Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

When we go through a separation or divorce, it's not just the end of a relationship; it's the unraveling of almost every part of our lives. Our routines shift, our finances change, our plans for the future are rewritten, and our sense of identity can feel completely shaken. Everything we thought life would look like suddenly flips upside down, and the impact of that runs far deeper than most people realise. In this episode, I'm talking about why separation feels so overwhelming, especially for single mums who are often trying to process life-changing emotional pain while also holding everything together for their children. We'll explore what makes this transition so heavy, why it's normal to feel lost or disoriented, what the six needs are that help us move through the divorce transition, and how to begin moving through the emotional shock while still navigating daily life. Links mentioned in the episode:  Check out the following blog posts on co-parenting arrangements:  Building a better future: 20 co-parenting milestones to strive for  Utilising Technology for Co-Parenting Success: Tools to Make Life Easier Three common co-parenting styles Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Your 40s can be a season of transition - physically, emotionally, and hormonally.  In this episode, we talk about how to work with your body rather than against it. You'll learn why awareness is the key to navigating this stage with confidence, how to adapt your habits to support your changing body, and why prevention and self-care matter more than ever. Links mentioned in the episode:  To support this episode, I've created a free guide -- a simple, practical resource to help you feel stronger, calmer, and more in tune with your body. Download your free guide HERE and start feeling your best from the inside out: Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Dating as a mum is a completely different world compared to dating before kids. It's not just about chemistry anymore; it's about compatibility, respect, and the kind of energy someone brings into your life (and potentially, your children's). In this episode, we're diving into the realities of dating as a single mum - the emotional hurdles, the practical challenges, and the powerful growth that comes with approaching love from a new perspective.  Links mentioned in the episode:  To go with this episode, I've created a free guide designed to help you date with clarity, confidence, and calm. Download your free guide HERE and start dating from a place of strength and self-trust: Check out the following links mentioned in the episode:  Blog post: Dating a single mum - from a male perspective! Blog post: What you need to consider when introducing a new partner to your children Episode 371 - 15 red flags for single mums to be aware of when online dating Episode 418 - Ten dating red flags you need to know about Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Today's episode is all about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with sending your child off to school - whether it's their very first day in kindy, their start in high school, or another big transitional year. While we're busy sorting uniforms, stationery, lunchboxes, and the endless school admin, there's a whole other layer happening quietly underneath: our emotions. For mums (especially single mums or those navigating complex co-parenting), this transition can feel huge. You might feel proud one moment and teary the next, excited but anxious, or completely overwhelmed by the weight of it all. In this episode, I'm diving into why these emotions feel so intense, what's really happening beneath the surface, and how you can support both your child and yourself through this big change with gentleness and awareness. Links mentioned in the episode:  Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Rebuilding confidence as a single mum after big life changes can be incredibly difficult. But here's the truth: confidence isn't something you're born with, it's something you rebuild, one small step at a time. In this episode, I share five gentle yet powerful steps to help you reconnect with your confidence and sense of self. You'll learn how to acknowledge where you really are (without pretending you're fine), how to reconnect with what makes you you, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who lift you higher. We also talk about how to shift your inner dialogue, and speak to yourself with the same kindness you give your children, and why taking imperfect action is the ultimate confidence-builder. Links mentioned in the episode:  To go alongside this episode, I've created a free Confidence Rebuild Guide to help you rediscover your spark and rebuild your confidence one day at a time. Download your free guide HERE and start your own confidence rebuild today: Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

As single mums, it's so easy to start the new year feeling like we need to do more - being more productive, achieving more, earning more... But what if your "best year yet" wasn't about doing more… but feeling more? More joy, more peace, more confidence?... In this episode, we'll take a step back and reflect before we reset. You'll be guided through gentle self-reflection questions to help you understand what's working in your life, what's draining your energy, and what truly matters most to you this year. Because creating your best year starts with clarity. Let's make this the year that feels good, inside and out. Links mentioned in the episode:  To go with this episode, I've created a free Design Your Best Year Yet Reflection Guide - a gentle companion to help you pause, reflect, and set intentions with clarity. Click HERE to download your free guide and begin shaping a year that feels balanced, meaningful, and aligned with the woman you're becoming. Check out Episode 435 - Lessons learned in 2024 and how to apply them in 2025. Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

This week, I'm inviting you to step out of the chaos, away from the never-ending to-do lists, court dates, and laundry piles, and to tune into that deeper part of yourself, the part that dares to want more, even after divorce or loss. In this epsiode, I talk about how to start dreaming again when survival mode has taken over, and why you're worthy of building a vision for the life you truly want. If you've ever felt that dreaming is impossible after a major change, this episode will offer support, hope, guidance, and a reminder: your future can be so much bigger and better than your past. Links mentioned in the episode:  Ready to start dreaming again? Download your free guide HERE. This gentle resource is created to help you rediscover what's possible and start building a vision for brighter days ahead. Give yourself permission to want more, because you deserve it. Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

As we welcome 2026, I want to take a moment to share from the heart what I truly wish for you this year. This isn't about setting resolutions, making lists, or creating strategies, it's simply about the hope I carry for you in the months ahead. This year doesn't need to be perfect. May you give yourself permission to make it your own, to choose yourself, and to step into the new year with gentleness and self-kindness. Here's to a year that's about you - because you deserve it!! Links mentioned in the episode:  Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

As this year comes to a close, I've been reflecting on the lessons it's brought me, and honestly, it's been a big one. A year of growth, surrender, unexpected changes, and a lot of learning. In today's episode, I'm sharing the top ten things this year has taught me - not because I've mastered them, but because there's something powerful in pausing, looking back, and acknowledging how far we've come. These reflections aren't about perfection or ticking boxes; they're about self-awareness, compassion, and recognising the woman you've become through every challenge and every small win. And I'd love for you to do this exercise too. You might be surprised by how much strength, resilience, and quiet transformation this year has held for you. Links mentioned in the episode:  Check out Episode 435 - Lessons learned in 2024 and how to apply them in 2025 To go with this episode, I've created a free Year-End Reflection Guide to help you unpack your own lessons from the past year. It's filled with gentle prompts, journaling questions, and space to explore what you're proud of, what you're releasing, and what you want to carry into the new year. Download your free guide HERE and take a moment to honour your own journey: Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.    

Christmas can look and feel so different for each of us. You might be waking up to squeals of excitement and wrapping paper everywhere, or you might be on your own, missing your children, holding back tears (or letting them flow). You might be somewhere in between. However this season finds you, I just want you to know that you are not alone. In this short episode, I share a gentle Christmas pep talk. This is your reminder that you are seen, you are supported, and you're doing an incredibe job.  Links mentioned in the episode:  Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

The holidays can feel complicated when Christmas is split between two homes. Whether it's your first year sharing custody or your fifth, it's normal for big emotions, tricky logistics, and even guilt to creep in. You might feel torn when you can't be with your children on certain days, and they might feel the same pull between two households. In this episode, I remind you that your best is enough, and share six practical strategies to help your children not just survive, but thrive, through a two-household Christmas.  Links mentioned in the episode:  I've created a free resource guide to accompany this episode, filled with strategies to help you feel more grounded and confident during the festive season. Inside, you'll find gentle reminders, practical tips, and ways to make Christmas a meaningful time for your children, even when it's shared between two homes. Click HERE to get your free copy today. Resources shared in the episode:  Episode 327 - Developing new holiday traditions Episode 242 - Three common co-parenting styles Episode 353 - Four common co-parenting issues and effective strategies to set you up for success! Episode 356 - Ten practical tools for setting boundaries with your ex to nurture a healthy co-parenting relationship Episode 373 - How to handle co-parenting with a narcissistic ex Episode 375 - Five co-parenting challenges to work on for your child's well-being Episode 462 - The top 5 things co-parents argue about and how to manage them Episode 467 - Seeking professional help when dealing with a high-conflict ex Episode 484 - When Christmas Doesn't Feel Merry - Grief, Loss & Letting Go Blog Post: Ten strategies for single mums to navigate Christmas season sadness Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

The holiday season is often seen as a time of warmth and togetherness, but for many single mums, family gatherings can feel overwhelming. From navigating tense dynamics to addressing old conflicts, these moments can bring up anxiety or discomfort. In this episode, we'll share practical tips to help you approach holiday gatherings with grace, confidence, and strategies that prioritise your well-being and your children's happiness. Let's turn family time into an opportunity for connection, not stress. Links mentioned in the episode:  Feeling anxious about upcoming holiday gatherings? Click HERE to download our free resource guide for practical tips on navigating tricky family dynamics with confidence and ease.  Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

The holiday season is a time for giving, but it's easy to get swept up in the hustle and lose sight of its deeper meaning. In this episode, we explore how single mums can foster gratitude and generosity in their children while creating cherished holiday memories. From charity work to community service, learn practical ways to encourage giving back and instilling important values in your family. Let's dive into how to make this season truly meaningful for you and your children. Links mentioned in the episode:  Click HERE to download our free resource guide, filled with tips and ideas to inspire gratitude and giving in your household this festive season. Start spreading the holiday cheer today! Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Resentment can feel heavy - like carrying around invisible baggage that weighs you down, day after day. Maybe it's anger towards an ex, frustration with family, or disappointment about how life turned out. Whatever form it takes, resentment steals your energy and blocks your joy. In this episode, we're unpacking what resentment really is, why it lingers, and how to begin releasing it - gently and intentionally. I'll guide you through a simple self-assessment to recognise where resentment might be showing up in your body, mind, or relationships, and share practical tools to help you move from frustration to freedom. Links mentioned in the episode:  I've created a free Letting Go of Resentment & Reclaiming Joy Guide - your gentle companion to help you work through old hurts and begin healing. Download your guide HERE and take your first step towards emotional freedom. Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

In this episode, we dig deep into society's idealised image of family. We explore where this cookie-cutter vision comes from, how it's shaped expectations, and why it often leaves single mums and their children feeling like outsiders. And what can we do about it? It's time to shine a light on the diverse, modern families who prove daily that love, resilience, and success aren't limited to one outdated model, and how we can help change the views of society.  Links mentioned in the episode:  Download the E-book, I'm A Single Mum... Now What? - HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Trauma coaching and support group program.  Join the Thrive Tribe waitlist HERE.  Click HERE to join the free Facebook Group, The Single Mother Survival Guide Support Forum.  Download the E-book – Thirteen single mothers share their struggles, top tips, and their favourite things about being a single mother – HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide. And join the email list there too. Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.