When Riley had reached three months I became a single mom. Her sperm donor (SD) has not been in her life since then nor does he want to. That is his lost and it does NOT mean she less loved. Riley is my greatest accomplishment in life and if I could go back I would never change anything! Not going to lie though it did come with its difficulties. I had my moments of break downs and memories of sitting on the floor crying. But, it did get easier.

The day SD left was my first day working at my local Sonic and I hated it! I constantly worried about my daughter and I felt SO much guilt of not being able to be with her 24/7. But I had the responsibility of needing to provide a roof over her head and keep her stomach full and with that I needed money.

Fast forward a few months and I was working at a call center in Athens, Texas. Living in an over priced one bedroom apartment with five dollars in my bank account. I was always budgeting, rearranging bills and getting late fees tacked on continuously. Also stressing about having to miss a day of work when Riley got sick because that would mean that my check was a hundred dollars less. Life was hard.

I was continusly having to borrow money from my mom (that I wouldn’t be able to pay back). Stretching meals as much as I could to be able to afford diapers and wipes for the week. Lets just say SNAP food benefits and WIC was my best friend. I got through it and so can you!

I am now working at an insurance company making way above my means of living! It gets better just take it day by day! These are my tips to get through a little rain.

Tip One: Know Your States Benefits

Like I stated above SNAP and WIC were my best friends! If you don’t know what either one of those are SNAP is basically food stamps and WIC is another food benefit program.

SNAP provides some income that they put on a EBT card that you use towards your groceries. Where as WIC provides a list of certain things that their card would pay for. For example, they would cover 60 cans of baby food.

Now I don’t know what other states provide, but for Texas you can contact 2-1-1 and get assistance for troubled times. There are income limits and rules, but I would advise to talk to them to see what type of assistance you could get.

There is also childcare assistance, but I never used this because the waiting list was too long. But you can contact your local workforce solutions and they will provide you with an application to fill out to get on the list for assistance. Childcare assistance pays for if not all but some of childcare cost because let us be real childcare is EXPENSIVE!

Tip Two: Rely on Family

Family is your number one supporter. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of my family. I don’t know how many times I asked for money or for someone to watch Riley. Not to mention the months they let me stay with them to get on my feet for multiple different times throughout my life.

I will be forever grateful for what they have done for me and will do in the future. They are my own personal mamma tribe. ❤

Tip Three: Be Honest to Your Bills

Now I can understand dreading this, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. You HAVE to be honest with your billing companies. Whenever you are going to be late with your payment call your billing companies and be honest with your situations.

I don’t know how many times I had called my car company to tell them yet again I couldn’t make my payment til my next check. They were ALWAYS understanding even gave me a an extension a couple of times!

They work with you because honestly in the end they want their money!

Tip Four: You Time

Remember to always take a little time for you. With all the stress of being a single mom it can it really overwhelming. Take a long bath or read a book at nap time. Just take some time with for you!

Going day by day with the pressure of being a single mom (or a mom in general) with no form of relaxation will really burn you out.

What I did the majority of the time was that as soon as Riley had gone to bed for the night I would take a LONG relaxing bath and simply didn’t think about anything. I took the time to meditate in the bath tub and relieve my mind of all my struggles and just breathe.

Tip Five: It Gets Better

It will get better. Everyday is a new day and everyday is another day into a changed life. You will NOT be in this situation forever. Be grateful for what you have and work for what you want. Your little one loves you so much! All that matters to them is YOU! Your doing great Mamma keep on taking it day by day 🙂

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