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Single Parent Reset
Single Parent Reset
Author: Orla Donoghue
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© Orla Donoghue
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Single Parent Reset is here to help single parents reclaim balance and prioritise themselves. I'm Orla and as a single parent I know the unique challenges single parents face—burnout, guilt, loneliness and trying to do it all. In each episode, I’ll share practical steps to reset your mindset, find more calm and take back control of your life. If you’ve ever felt like no one gets what you’re going through as a single parent, this podcast is here to remind you that you’re not alone. Tune in every Monday for short, empowering episodes that help you thrive on your single parenting journey.
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In this episode of Single Parent Reset, I’m joined by Francesca Amber for an honest and uplifting conversation about rebuilding your life as a single parent. Francesca shares her single parent journey and how during one of the most challenging periods of her life she chose to actively apply manifestation to her circumstances rather than feel defined by them. We talk about what manifestation really looks like in real life especially when you’re exhausted, time-poor and simply trying to hold everything together and how intentionally shifting your focus can begin to change the direction of your days.Francesca also opens up about the loneliness that can come with single parenthood, learning to create your own support system, travelling alone with children and why she has chosen not to date during this season of her life. If you’re in the middle of a difficult transition or feeling stuck between the life you planned and the one you’re living, this episode is a reminder that rebuilding can start now and that it’s possible to create something meaningful and empowering from even the hardest chapters.Find Out More Francesca Amber:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francescaamber/Website: https://francescaamber.com/Connect With Orla Donoghue:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
In this episode of Single Parent Reset, the focus is on making gratitude a real, grounding practice for single parents. Many hear “be grateful” and feel pressure to ignore the hard stuff like guilt, overwhelm, loneliness, or financial stress but this episode explores what gratitude actually looks like in everyday life. It helps you understand that gratitude isn’t about pretending things are perfect, but about widening the lens to notice what is steady, meaningful and working well alongside the challenges.The epsiode covers simple, realistic approaches to bring gratitude into daily life from naming specific things with real meaning to noticing where it feels hardest without adding pressure or unrealistic expectations. This episode supports single parents in resetting their mindset and finding small but powerful ways to feel more grounded and balanced.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
In this episode of Single Parent Reset, I’m joined by fellow single parent Nicola Rae for an honest conversation about navigating the practical and emotional reality of single parenting, especially when you’re in a long, drawn-out transition and just trying to get through the days. We talk about why it’s important not to put your life on hold while you wait for everything to be resolved, and how creating a “new normal” can start sooner than you think.Nicola shares what’s helped her most on her single parent journey, clearer boundaries, routines that make day-to-day life easier, building in small pockets of peace and getting more comfortable asking for support. If you’re feeling like you’re still in survival mode, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to start again. There can be hope, freedom, and lightness alongside the hard parts and your reset can begin in small, everyday ways.Find Out More Nicola Rae:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnicolarae/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolarae/Connect With Orla Donoghue:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
In this episode of Single Parent Reset, the focus is on why co-parenting can feel so draining even when there’s no obvious conflict. It explores the emotional and mental load many single parents carry and why co-parenting can leave you feeling tense, exhausted or constantly on edge without always knowing why.Rather than focusing on the other parent, this episode brings the attention back to you. It looks at how to protect your energy, recognise what’s quietly depleting you,and begin making co-parenting feel more manageable and sustainable. The emphasis is on realistic shifts that support your wellbeing, helping you move forward feeling calmer, clearer and more grounded without guilt.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
Dating as a single parent can feel exhausting, overwhelming, and full of dead-end dates. In this episode of Single Parent Reset, we explore how to break the cycle of dating burnout by dating with intention. Whether you’re just stepping back into the dating world or have been navigating apps and first dates for a while, this episode will help you get clear on what you truly want from dating, align your actions with your goals, and stop wasting time on experiences that don’t serve you. Learn practical strategies to approach dating with confidence, clarity, and purpose as a single parent.We’ll cover how to identify your ideal outcome, overcome the mental blocks holding you back, and take actionable steps to make your dating life more intentional and fulfilling. If you’re a single parent struggling with dating, feeling frustrated by apps, ghosting, or just unsure where to start, this episode is your reset guide to navigating dating with focus and self-awareness. Tune in to discover how small mindset shifts and intentional action can transform your dating experience and help you create meaningful connections while balancing the demands of single parenthood.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
In this week’s episode of Single Parent Reset, we look at what to do and what not to do when you’re thinking about progressing in your career as a single parent. If you know you want change at work but feel unsure how to move forward without burning out, this episode offers a grounded, realistic approach. We explore why pushing harder, ignoring your limits, or making rushed decisions often backfires, and why career progression needs to look different when you’re carrying the full weight of parenting alone.I share practical guidance on how to make career moves that genuinely support your life, including getting clear on your day-to-day realities, understanding the true financial impact of change, building the right support around you, and advocating for yourself without overexplaining or self-doubt. This episode is about helping you progress in a way that’s sustainable, strategic, and aligned with your reality so your career can grow alongside your life, not stagnate at the expense of it.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
In this week’s episode of Single Parent Reset, Jenny Beckford joins me to share her honest and uplifting journey as a single parent to twin daughters. Jenny opens up about the challenges of transitioning to parenting alone, the moments of self-doubt, and how she navigated the tough decision of when and how to talk to her children about separation.Jenny also shares practical advice for single parents who feel overwhelmed or disconnected, from finding small moments of self-care to building open communication with children. She explains how reconnecting with yourself isn’t selfish, but essential, and offers gentle encouragement for anyone feeling stuck in survival mode. Whether you’re just starting out as a single parent or have been on this path for years, Jenny’s story is a reminder that you’re not alone and that there’s real hope and growth on the other side of the hardest days.Find Out More About Jenny Beckford:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennybeckford1/Connect With Orla Donoghue:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
In this week’s episode, we take the pressure off setting big, unrealistic goals for 2026 and instead explore the power of intentions that genuinely support single parents. Rather than striving for perfection, this conversation focuses on self-compassion, realistic expectations and choosing what actually matters in the season of life you’re in.We also reflect on how small, intentional shifts can make a meaningful difference over time from how you speak to yourself, to the boundaries you hold and the support you allow in. This episode is a gentle invitation to begin the year feeling steadier, clearer and more supported, without the weight of needing to get everything “right” from day one.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
In this final episode of the four-part series Navigating the Festive Season as a Single Parent, we explore reflection, gratitude, looking back on what you are proud of this year, and gently looking ahead to the year to come, focusing on what is within your control.This episode is a reminder that it is okay to feel sadness and joy at the same time, that there is no right or wrong way to feel at Christmas, and that you are not alone. The episode shares calming affirmations to help you find a sense of steadiness and self-compassion during what can be a full-on time.If you are navigating Christmas as a single parent and need reassurance, grounding and a reminder of your strength, this episode is for you. You are showing up every day, and that takes incredible courage.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
The festive season can be one of the most emotionally demanding times of the year for single parents. Between family events, school activities, financial pressure and the expectation to be endlessly festive, it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed.In this episode of Single Parent Reset, we look at how you can prepare for the moments you are least looking forward to, set boundaries that protect your energy, and stay regulated when stressful situations catch you off guard. You will learn practical steps to help you plan ahead with intention, choose how you want to feel, and take small actions that support your wellbeing.We also dive into why boundaries matter more than ever during the holidays and how to hold them without guilt. Plus, you will hear simple in-the-moment strategies for managing emotional overwhelm, grounding your nervous system and responding to challenges with more calm and clarity.And because none of us are perfect, we finish by exploring what to do after a tough moment when you feel like you have lost your cool. With gentle self-reflection, simple repair steps and a reminder that you are human, you can move forward with confidence and compassion.If you are a single parent wanting practical, supportive tools to help you navigate Christmas with less stress, more intention and a bit more peace, this episode is for you.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
In part 2 of this 4-part series on navigating Christmas as a single parent, this episode of Single Parent Reset explores the emotional side of the festive season. It’s a real look at the mix of feelings that can surface, loneliness, overwhelm, guilt, or missing how things used to be, and why these emotions are so common at this time of year.Tune in for thoughtful insights and practical ideas to help you move through the holidays with more ease and self-compassion. The episode is here to offer reassurance, a sense of connection, and simple ways to make Christmas feel a little lighter, no matter what your family looks like this year. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
Christmas as a single parent can feel full-on. Childcare over the school holidays, travel plans, co‑parenting arrangements, money worries and a mix of emotions like sadness, guilt, frustration and loneliness can all pile up at once. On top of that, there’s often pressure to create a “perfect Christmas” that leaves you exhausted and burnt out, based more on other people’s expectations than on what actually works for you and your family.This episode is the first in a four-part series on navigating the festive season as a single parent. It is about stepping back and getting honest about what Christmas really means to you as a single parent. It focuses on noticing the version of Christmas you’ve been trying to live up to, where it came from and whether it still fits your life now. You’re invited to define what genuinely matters to you and your children, and to shape a Christmas that is simpler, more realistic and easier to manage, one that reduces pressure, lets go of what doesn’t help and reflects what feels right for your family.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
Some days in single parent life just feel heavy, the mental load, the loneliness, the constant doing, or simply waking up not feeling like yourself. And when you don’t have another adult in the house to tag in or talk things through with, those low days can hit even harder.In this episode of Single Parent Reset, we’re talking about the small, simple things you can do to lift your mood when everything feels too much. From grounding your nervous system and moving your body, to ways to feel more connected, these are practical mood-boosters you can use any time you need a quick reset.These aren’t big transformations they’re tiny, achievable steps that help you feel steadier, lighter, and more able to get through the day.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
Thea from the fantastic Instagram account @theasmumclub shares her honest story of moving from a traumatic relationship into the freedom of solo parenting, and later into a new, non‑traditional family setup. Thea talks about what it was really like to start again with no nearby family support, the mental load of doing it all, and how she slowly rebuilt her confidence and sense of self along the way.In this episode, Thea reflects on finding her tribe through online communities, navigating dating as a single parent, deciding when to introduce a new partner, and managing the guilt and stigma that can come with parenting outside the “traditional” family model. This conversation is for any single or solo parent who feels alone, is in a period of transition, or needs a reminder that they are doing enough and are allowed to shape family life on their own terms.Find Out More About Theas Mum Club:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasmumclub/Solas Coaching DetailsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
Adjusting from a two-parent household to running the home solo is a huge shift both emotionally and practically. In this episode, we explore the challenges single parents face during this transition and share practical strategies to help manage the day-to-day, reclaim your space, and celebrate small wins. From identifying emotional triggers, creating routines that work, to embedding self-care and connection into your life, this episode gives actionable advice to help you navigate life at home as the only parent with more calm, clarity, and confidence.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
It’s been one year since Single Parent Reset launched and this week, I’m hitting pause to reflect. In this special episode, we take a moment to look back on your single parent journey: how far you’ve come, where you are now, and what lies ahead.I guide you through a structured reflection, helping you acknowledge the challenges you’ve navigated, celebrate the small wins, and notice the lessons and growth along the way. Whether you’re in the first few weeks of single parenthood or several years in, this episode is your chance to pause, reset, and gain perspective on your journey.Grab a pen and paper, or just listen and reflect. This is an episode you can return to again and again as your journey continues.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
Kerry White, motherhood clarity coach and TEDx speaker, shares her inspiring path to solo motherhood. She opens up about the emotional and practical challenges of becoming a mother on her own at 49, from facing fears and societal expectations to finding self-acceptance. This episode explores building supportive communities, managing overwhelm, and embracing the freedoms of parenting solo. Kerry offers practical advice for anyone considering a similar journey and reminds listeners that every family’s path is valid. If you’re a single parent, thinking about solo motherhood, or simply need reassurance that you are enough, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired.Kerry White DetailsWebsite: https://www.kerrywellbeing.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerrywellbeing/TedX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQNqIxj8Se4&t=1sSolas Coaching DetailsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
This episode of Single Parent Reset dives into the practical side of tackling the life admin that comes with single parenthood. Once the emotions around tasks are understood, it’s time to take action but where do you start, and how do you keep going when it feels overwhelming?In this second part of the two-part series, the focus is on actionable strategies: how to prioritise tasks, break them into manageable steps, celebrate small wins, and build confidence in decision-making. Listeners will also learn how to seek support without shame, use knowledge to make tasks feel more approachable, and stay kind to themselves when obstacles arise.By the end of this episode, that never-ending list begins to feel achievable, and the stress it once caused can start to turn into progress, control, and a real sense of accomplishment.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
This episode of Single Parent Reset explores the real reasons life admin can feel overwhelming for single parents. It’s not just about managing paperwork or ticking items off a list, there’s often a lot happening beneath the surface. From updating documents to handling new routines, the admin load can bring up unexpected emotions like frustration, grief, or a sense of loss.In this first part of a two-part series, the focus is on understanding the emotional barriers that make it difficult to get started or keep momentum. Learn how to recognise and work through these feelings, release the pressure to have everything sorted, and find more space for what matters most.Next week, the practical steps for taking action and clearing that list will be covered, one small step at a time.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com
In this powerful episode of Single Parent Reset, I’m joined by Sharon Livermore, a survivor of domestic abuse who has transformed her experience into a mission to help others. Sharon openly shares her story, from the early warning signs in her relationship to the moment she found the strength to leave, and the challenges she faced as a single parent rebuilding her life.We discuss the realities of abuse that often go unseen, how manipulation and isolation can affect anyone, and the practical steps to take if you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation. Sharon also explains why workplaces matter so much for survivors and the work she’s now doing to educate organisations across the UK.Whether you’re a single parent, a friend, or someone looking to understand more about supporting survivors, this episode is filled with honest insights, practical advice, and hope for a brighter future. Tune in to hear Sharon’s inspiring journey and learn how you can help create safer communities for everyone.Support Organisations IrelandAlways Here: https://www.alwayshere.ie/One Family Ireland: https://onefamily.ie/Support Organisations UKWomens Aid: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/Mums In Need: https://www.mumsinneed.com/Refuge: https://refuge.org.uk/Gingerbread: https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/Sharon Livermore DetailsWebsite: https://domesticabuseeducation.co.uk/Email: sharon@domesticabuseeducation.co.ukSolas Coaching DetailsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/Email: orla@solascoaching.com




