5 Single parent support groups you may not know about
posted by Lucy Good | May 15 2019 | Single mum truths
With the number of single parent families steadily rising, there are lots of single mums looking for support, advice, guidance and inspiration. Yet when you really put your feelers out, there’s not a great deal on offer when it comes to single parent support groups.
For this reason when you do come across an online space that resonates with you, you feel like you’ve uncovered a hidden gem. In fact, finding a group you love can enlighten your life on many levels.
Of course we know we’re not alone, but there’s a certain sense of camaraderie and comfort being amongst like-minded single parents. A feeling of ‘we’re in this together’. We are amongst like-minded people and at ease to ask for help and share experiences.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU JOIN A SINGLE PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
IS THE GROUP FOR ALL SINGLE PARENTS?
Different groups offer different experiences. Some are for both single mums and single dads. These are great if you want different perspectives with single parenting … but beware many people in these spaces are on the lookout for love!
Often women feel more comfortable in the presence of women only, especially as we can be more open and share specific issues that are unique to females. Plus, in an all-woman community you don’t have to worry about finding yourself in a chat with your ex!
WHAT IS THE VIBE OF THE GROUP?
In some support groups, anything goes. You can say whatever you like, have a good old rant, bad-mouth the ex and basically let it all out. This may be perfect for you. And then there are groups which focus on the positives and encourage light-hearted chat and banter. Our advice is to join several groups and use them according to what they allow and what they have to offer.
IS THE GROUP ANONYMOUS, OR NOT?
Another important factor when choosing a support group that is right for you, is to find out whether you can post anonymously or not. There are benefits to both types of groups.
A group where you share your identity, such as a Facebook group allows you to connect more naturally with the other people in the group and this develops an element of trust. You can usually see a photo of them and can check out their page. It is not unknown for people to find life-long friends on support groups. Remember, with a Facebook group, as long as it is a closed group, only the other group members can see your posts, so there is still a level of privacy.
For more tricky questions, especially those relating to your separation process, a group where you can post anonymously would be more favourable. Social media now holds plenty of weight in the family courts with at least 75% of cases using online evidence. Never underestimate the role of social media in a divorce. Yet, you can still have the conversation, just have it in an anonymous space. The downside is that you are not entirely sure who you are chatting to and this can be a little unnerving, but you will soon get used to it, and may even start to enjoy chatting behind the disguise of your preferred username.
SINGLE PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS (FOR SINGLE MOTHERS)
BEANSTALK ANONYMOUS SINGLE MOTHER FORUM
A great resource from Beanstalk Single Mums is the Beanstalk Anonymous Single Mum Forum. This is an entirely anonymous platform for single mothers to get into the nitty-gritty of single mum life. With the go-ahead for medium to heavy discussion without rudeness or disrespect, it allows freedom and opportunity to post more tricky questions and opinions.
Image: Beanstalk Anonymous Single Mum Forum
This is the single mum support group for you if: You feel shy, embarrassed or nervous to share your identity when you post. It is also great to get advice and experiences about separation proceedings or anything that requires a level of privacy.
NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SINGLE MOTHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN (NCSMC)
An active organisation since the 1970’s, the NCSMC has been a firm voice for single mothers throughout the years. It’s a must on the single parent support groups list. Here you’ll find a comprehensive offering of information with focus on child support, domestic violence and financial hardship. You can also join their Facebook and Twitter spaces where they delve deep into the really ground-level issues facing single mothers in Australia. They endeavour to give single mothers the power to make informed decisions, protect themselves and share experiences.