Hi Superparents, My apologies for being a bit quiet in here this week! It was a very active one behind the scenes. I was head-down on a big work project (working on bringing more resources to this very community!) and navigating some personal stuff. It reminded me how easily we, as solo parents, can get trapped in the mist when so many things are happening at once. I've noticed this with some of my clients, and I've certainly lived it myself: the everyday grind of solo parenting can be so all-consuming that self-care isn't just on the back burner, it's fallen completely off the stove. The co-parenting drama, school emails, bills, grocery lists, homework battles, work deadlines, and the ghosts of things you want to do... it all merges into a thick 'mind fog'. Before you know it, the kids are in bed, and you're just doom-scrolling on your phone, too mentally drained to do that one thing you promised yourself you'd do. If that was you this week, please know: It's okay. That is a completely normal part of this journey. But here's the thing: we often try to push through that fog alone. The idea of reaching out for help can feel like one more overwhelming task. We might feel embarrassed, like we're failing, or that we'll be a burden. From a psychological perspective, this is often a learned behavior. There's a concept known as the 'buffering hypothesis' of social support. It suggests that strong social connections act as a protective buffer against the negative impacts of stress. However, if you've been exposed to a lot of drama or unreliable situations in the past (sound familiar?), your brain can get wired for hyper-independence as a survival mechanism. You unconsciously learn that it's "safer" or "easier" to just do it all yourself. It's time to unlearn that. It's time to rewire. Reaching out for help isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strategic strength. Most people in our network are willing and often honored to help. You just have to take the leap and ask the question. You'll be surprised by the answer.

Hey Superparents, Being a single parent can be exhausting sometimes. You get to do double the work, provide, support, find time with your kids, carve out time for yourself, clean the house, run all kinds of errands, and still try to be a functional person. The key component to being in a good mood is rest. Of course, we get to rest, but what really is rest? I want to talk to you about mindful rest. This happens to all of us: just because you had some time to yourself doesn't mean that you're actually resting. You can have hours of "downtime," but if you don't use it intentionally, you can end up feeling like you didn't rest at all—or sometimes, even more tired. Think about what happens when we get that precious time. We fall into the trap of doomscrolling, where our minds dissociate but don't rest. Or, we can't stop the mental marathon of everything we have to do. Our bodies are sitting, but our minds are sprinting, ruminating on "what-if" scenarios. The point is, when we get free time, we should maximize it. So, how do we do that? The Psychology of a Wandering Mind Here’s a fascinating psychological fact: Our brains have a "Default Mode Network" (DMN). This is the part of your brain that activates when you aren't focused on a specific task. What does it do? It replays memories, worries about the future, and overthinks social situations. This is why just "doing nothing" can feel so exhausting—your brain isn't actually resting, it's running a chaotic highlight reel of anxieties! Mindful rest is the practice of intentionally disengaging this network to give your mind a real break. 3 Tips to Make Your Rest Count Here are three practical ways to practice mindful rest and truly recharge: 1. The "Sensory Reset" Instead of grabbing your phone, take 60 seconds to anchor yourself in the present moment using your senses. This forces your brain out of its default worry mode. - How to do it: Wherever you are, softly name: - 5 things you can see (the pattern on the rug, a pen on the table). - 4 things you can feel (the warmth of your coffee, your feet on the floor). - 3 things you can hear (the hum of the fridge, a car passing by). - 2 things you can smell (the lingering scent of breakfast, soap on your hands). - 1 thing you can taste (your toothpaste, a sip of water).

Hey Superparents, When somebody asks you, "How is your relationship with your child?" how do you respond? Do you have an immediate, confident answer, or do you pause and think for a second? We all desire that amazing connection with our kids—that sweet spot where we're like friends, but with the loving authority of a parent. It's important to remember that this connection isn't static. It will shift and change through different phases. As our kids grow, build their independence, and form their own ideas, the way we connect with them has to evolve too. And that’s okay. The bond is always there; it just needs to be nurtured in new ways. The Power of Presence: Building a Secure Base Quality time is the cornerstone of this connection. Spending time with your child—being truly present, engaged, and curious about their world—makes them feel seen, valued, and safe. When you ask about their day, their friends, or their dreams and genuinely listen, you're doing more than just having a conversation. You're helping them build their sense of self. This concept is strongly supported by a cornerstone of developmental psychology called Attachment Theory, developed by psychologist John Bowlby. The theory states that a child needs to have a strong, secure attachment to at least one primary caregiver for healthy emotional and social development. As a solo parent, you are their ultimate "secure base." This means you are the anchor they can rely on as they venture out to explore the world. When they feel safe and connected with you, they have the confidence to be independent, try new things, and learn from their mistakes, because they know they always have a "safe haven" to return to—you. Every time you engage in mindful, dedicated interaction, you are strengthening that secure attachment. This is the foundation of their future resilience and self-esteem. Presence Over Presents: The Most Valuable Investment As a solo parent, the financial pressure can be intense. It’s completely normal to feel stressed or guilty when you can't provide every toy or gadget they desire. We all want the best for our kids.

Being a single parent is a heroic journey, and you're already doing an amazing job for your children! 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️ 🔹 Let's connect! In this safe space, you'll find a supportive network of specialists and fellow solo parents navigating the adventures of single parenthood. 🔹 Dive in by commenting below: Tell us where you're located, one fun, unique thing about your relationship with your kids, and a parent superpower that you have!