As a single parent have you ever felt ostracized or judged by those around you? Have you ever tried to support a single parent only to have your well-meaning help hurt their feelings? In today’s episode, we are joined by Audrey Bennet, a single mother who shares her experience and advice with us. We hear about how she accepted a new reality, the lessons she’s learned over the years, and her number one lesson for dating after a divorce. If you’re a single parent or have a single parent in your life, you’ll want to hear this episode.

Episode Highlights

[1:30] Audrey introduces herself as a single mother and discusses how it defines her. “I was trying to figure out how to keep going.”

[4:07] “When you are a single mom you have no option.” We learn about the life lessons Audrey learned early on, and what motivated her to keep going on those hard days.

[7:57] “When you are a single mom, it’s like you have a scarlet letter.” Feeling as though people were trying to write her story for her, Audrey took ownership of her vulnerability. She shares with us how she did that, and the positive outcomes she saw as a result.

[15:23] “At the beginning I was not okay.” Audrey gives us some insight into her early days as a single mom, and how she was feeling during that time.

[19:10] Single parents have unique needs that look very different to the needs of conventional parents. Audrey has some advice for anyone trying to support a single parent in their life. 

[21:43] “It’s like someone stepping into your story and highlighting your pain.” Hear how Audrey feels about this one well-meaning attempt at compassion.

[24:09] Audrey talks about how you can love the single parent in your life well.

[29:09] “That can be really dangerous.” We hear about Audrey’s experience as a dating single mother. If you are a single parent, you’ll want to hear the one important thing Audrey recommends before you dive back into the dating world.

Episode Resources

Pathways Counseling Center