Single Mother Survival Guide

Isabelle Silbery is my guest on this week’s episode. Isabelle stars in Gogglebox (7.30pm Wednesdays on Foxtel's Lifestyle Channel and Thursdays 8.30pm on Channel Ten) and is, of course, an amazing single mum.  This is Part two of a two-part series. In Part 1 (episode 136) Isabelle chatted with me about the relationship she had with her ex-husband and how it ended. Isabelle fell madly in love early on in the relationship with her ex-husband and the relationship moved forward quite quickly. Her wedding was the fairytale she could only ever imagine. And soon after they had a beautiful little boy. Red flags started showing when her son was quite young. But it was a huge shock when her husband told her that he didn't love her anymore. But despite that, and to her surprise, he wanted to stay in the relationship with her. Isabelle eventually found the strength to ask him to leave because she knew she deserved to be in a mutually loving relationship, not only for herself but also for her son and the relationship she

Isabelle Silbery is my guest on this week’s episode. Isabelle stars in Gogglebox (7.30pm Wednesdays on Foxtel's Lifestyle Channel and Thursdays 8.30pm on Channel Ten) and is, of course, an amazing single mum.  This is Part 1 of a two-part series, and in this episode, we chat about Isabelle's journey of becoming a single mum. Links mentioned in the episode: Connect with Isabelle on Instagram here. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Find out more about the Don't Just Survive, THRIVE online program for single mothers to get empowered here. Visit the website - Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

In this week's episode, I answer the following question sent in by a listener: "Julia! Sorry for the personal message but I’m going out of my mind. My son is 5 months old, and my partner left when I was 5 months pregnant. Almost a year ago. He sees his son once a month for a couple of hours. I’m still devastated. I was diagnosed with PTSD and PND, and I am finding single parenting so overwhelming. I even feel regretful and resentful some days. I love my son, but I just want my partner to come back and share the experience with me. I find motherhood so so lonely, even with the support of my family. Please share some words of wisdom on how on earth you cope, keep smiling and stay so positive. I look at yourself and your daughter as complete inspiration. I am sick of feeling sad and grieving the loss of a “family” ideal. I pictured holidays together, days on the beach, dinner as a family... it’s all gone and I find it so daunting. Thanks for listening. Xx" Spoiler alert: I don't always have it together! But I kn

Sara Lingenfelter is a single mum and the founder and owner of Virtual Biz Partner, which provides business management for online business owners worldwide. She is also dedicated to providing work-from-home opportunities to women through an accessible online educational course that teaches them how to get started as a Virtual Assistant.  Sara is one strong woman; she has been through a lot and got out the other side. She met her ex-husband when he was a single father. When they decided to have a baby of their own and she got pregnant, she saw a very addictive side of his personality that she hadn't seen before. What started off as small amounts of regular alcohol consumption for him, over the years, turned into heavy daily drinking. Then came a video game addiction, and eventually, it was drugs. He lost his job and also got the family into huge amounts of debt. Sara was raising their son and his older children, whilst trying to pay for everything and covering mortgage repayments on two houses.  In this episod

Hayley thought her relationship with her husband had been a fairytale. They had been together for more than nine years. They had traveled, enjoyed hiking and doing things together in the outdoors, had just finished renovating a home and had just had a baby. Hayley was very much in love. So when her husband's demeanor changed and he then casually told her that he didn't love her anymore, her whole world stopped. But, as shocking as this story is, ultimately it’s a story of hope and one woman's strength.  In this final installment of this three-part series, which details Hayley's experience with sudden wife abandonment, Hayley shares how she dealt with her grief and has climbed out of the depths of despair.   Links mentioned in the episode: Listen to Part 1 with Hayley (Episode 131) HERE.  Listen to Part 2 with Hayley (Episode 132) HERE. Vote for the Single Mother Survival Guide podcast in the Australian podcast Awards HERE. Thank you

Hayley thought her relationship with her husband had been a fairytale. They had been together for more than nine years. They had traveled, enjoyed hiking and doing things together in the outdoors, had just finished renovating a home and had just had a baby. Hayley was very much in love. So when her husband's demeanor changed and he then casually told her that he didn't love her anymore, her whole world stopped. But, as shocking as this story is, ultimately it’s a story of hope and one woman's strength.  This is Part 2 of a three-part series with Hayley. In this episode, Hayley continues sharing her experience with sudden wife abandonment and what happened in the lead up to December 1st, 2017, and throughout the rest of that month.  Links mentioned in the episode: Listen to Part 1 with Hayley (Episode 131) HERE.  Vote for the Single Mother Survival Guide podcast in the Australian podcast Awards HERE. Thank you

Hayley thought her relationship with her husband had been a fairytale. They had been together for more than nine years. They had traveled, enjoyed hiking and doing things together in the outdoors, had just finished renovating a home and had just had a baby. Hayley was very much in love. So when her husband's demeanor changed and he then casually told her that he didn't love her anymore, her whole world stopped. But, as shocking as this story is, ultimately it’s a story of hope and one woman's strength.  This is Part 1 of a three-part series with Hayley. In this episode, Hayley shares the start of her experience with sudden wife abandonment. Links mentioned in the episode: Vote for the Single Mother Survival Guide podcast in the Australian podcast Awards HERE. Thank you

In this week's episode, I talk about cruising with kids as a single parent and my recent experience on a cruise with my daughter.  Links mentioned in the episode: Thank you to this week's sponsor - Reading Eggs. Get your Reading Eggs four-week FREE trial HERE.  Vote for the Single Mother Survival Guide podcast in the Australian podcast Awards HERE. Thank you

In this week's episode I, along with a very special guest, talk about your child starting school and how to get through it as a single mum.  Links mentioned in the episode: Thank you to this week's sponsor - Reading Eggs. Get your Reading Eggs four-week FREE trial HERE.  Vote for the Single Mother Survival Guide podcast in the Australian podcast Awards HERE. Thank you

Lisa Kennedy met her husband when she was 21 years old. It was love at first sight. They got married and built a life, business, and family together in Australia. Nine years into their marriage they were on a routine holiday in Turkey with their 8-month-old son when one day her husband took their son to visit his parents. When he had not returned later that day, Lisa called him only to be told that he wouldn't be returning. He told her he had filed for divorce, he was keeping their son in Turkey with him, and she should go back to Australia. Lisa's nightmare had begun. For four years, and beyond she fought to bring her son home.  After fighting the case simultaneously through the Turkish and international courts, and getting in touch with politicians, and doing everything she could legally, she was left with no choice. She had to save her son, and escape Turkey back to Australia. With sixty minutes on her side, she attempted the unimaginable.  Lisa has since written a book about her experience. Her story is o

Lisa Kennedy met her husband when she was 21 years old. It was love at first sight. They got married and built a life, business, and family together in Australia. Nine years into their marriage they were on a routine holiday in Turkey with their 8-month-old son when one day her husband took their son to visit his parents. When he had not returned later that day, Lisa called him only to be told that he wouldn't be returning. He told her he had filed for divorce, he was keeping their son in Turkey with him, and she should go back to Australia. Lisa's nightmare had begun. For four years, and beyond she fought to bring her son home.  After fighting the case simultaneously through the Turkish and international courts, and getting in touch with politicians, and doing everything she could legally, she was left with no choice. She had to save her son, and escape Turkey back to Australia. With sixty minutes on her side, she attempted the unimaginable.  Lisa has since written a book about her experience. Her story is o

In this solo episode, I answer some more questions sent in by listeners. These questions relate to: When your husband whom you recently separated from starts dating one of the other mums in your child's class. When your ex is constantly threatening you with going to court. When you are very pregnant and just separated from your partner and he wants 50% custody of your baby that is about to be born. Links mentioned in the episode: Don't Just Survive, THRIVE! - The online course for single mums to get empowered (kicking off on 28th January 2019) - ENROLL HERE. Parenting arrangements for the 0 - 4 year age group by Federal Magistrate Robyn Sexton, Federal Magistrates Court Sydney Registry - read the paper HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. For information about the single parent mentoring programs available with Julia, visit Single Mother Survival Guide Mentoring and E-Courses. Book in for your complimentary 30 minute Clarity Call with Julia here.  Visit us at Single Mother Su

In this solo episode, I chat about the six steps I take each year to create my best year yet. And you know what? It only gets better and better!  Take a listen and plan out your 2019.  Links mentioned in the episode: Podcast episode 088 - Goal setting for single mums Blog post - SETTING GOALS AS A SINGLE MUM Marcia Watt's podcast - Episode 084 - Re-partnering as a single mum and the intentional family, with Marcia Watts Marcia Watt's podcast - Episode 038 - Re-partnering as a single mum and the blended family, with Marcia Watts Buy the book - The Happiness Project HERE. Sign up to the e-course Don't Just Survive, THRIVE! HERE.  To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. For information about the single parent mentoring programs available with Julia, visit Single Mother Survival Guide Mentoring and E-Courses. Book in for your complimentary 30 minute Clarity Call with Julia here.  Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, T

In this solo episode, I chat about looking after yourself when your child is away with the other parent. We talk about strategies, self-care, and looking after your physical and mental health.  Links mentioned in the episode: To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. For information about the single parent mentoring programs available with Julia, visit Single Mother Survival Guide Mentoring and E-Courses. Book in for your complimentary 30 minute Clarity Call with Julia here.  Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

In this solo episode of the Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast, I talk all things Christmas as a single mum - how to make some quick cash beforehand, how to get through the day and make it easier and better (whether it's your first Christmas as a single mum or not), what you can get started on this year to make Christmas 2019 even better and less stressful, and tips on how to get through the day if you don't have the kids.  Links mentioned in the episode: To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. For information about the single parent mentoring programs available with Julia, visit Single Mother Survival Guide Mentoring and E-Courses. Book in for your complimentary 30 minute Clarity Call with Julia here.  Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

What happens if you're not sure that you want to be the primary parent anymore?  If you’re a regular listener you’ll know that I often do “Ask Julia” style episodes, where I try to offer some advice on a particular single mum issue. Recently I got asked this really interesting question... She wrote... Hi Julia!  I just wanted to say that I absolutely love your podcast and listening each week. I was wondering if you could do a podcast on single mothers who give up primary custody of their children and the reasons as to why they do it?  I know your podcast is all about empowering single mums to thrive and not just survive but lately, I've been massively struggling with my daughter and have often thought about giving up primary custody for many reasons. I haven't found a lot of support in this area or people I can talk to about being able to change my perspective. I'd love to hear your thoughts or expert advice on single mums who have given up primary custody and how they cope now as the secondary parent or mums

Amy Molloy sure knows a thing or two about overcoming adversity and getting through challenging times. As a teenager Amy suffered from anorexia, she became a 23-year-old widow, her second marriage ended in divorce, there is a family history of depression, and her father was paralysed with cancer… Now, Amy is married to her third husband and she has two beautiful children. In her latest book, The World Is A Nice Place, Amy writes about how to overcome adversity, joyfully. In this episode, Amy shares: How she dealt with the death of her husband, grief and moving on after the death of a loved one. How she got past the guilt of moving on and into her next relationship and not letting the relationship with her late husband be brought into the next relationship. The importance of self-compassion. The labels we put on ourselves from our past and whether they are our own opinions of ourselves or the (possibly past) opinions of others, and how they can limit us and impact us in the present and moving into the future.

In this solo episode, I answer some more questions sent in by listeners. These questions relate to: Whether to include the other parent in your child's birthday party. How to respond to a child when they mention that they want to live with both their mum and dad again together in the same house. How soon is too soon when it comes to dating and dealing with insecurity as a single mother. Links mentioned in the episode: Read the blog post - THE BEST 5 BOOKS FOR CHILDREN OF SINGLE PARENTS. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. For information about the single parent mentoring programs available with Julia, visit Single Mother Survival Guide Mentoring and E-Courses. Book in for your complimentary 30 minute Clarity Call with Julia here.  Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Has someone ever said anything to you that you haven't been able to drop easily or forget? Something that really hurt your feelings? Perhaps an ex-telling you something that really stings? Or perhaps you remember very clearly a small negative childhood memory which overpowers lots of positive ones?  In this solo episode, Julia talks about negative versus positive comments, feedback, memories, and experiences and why generally, according to research, the negative ones have a much bigger impact on us.   Links mentioned in the episode: Read the Why Forgiveness is Crucial for Single Parents blog post HERE.  To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. For information about the single parent mentoring programs available with Julia, visit Single Mother Survival Guide Mentoring and E-Courses. Book in for your complimentary 30 minute Clarity Call with Julia here.  Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Tanya Savva is a remarkable woman. She lives a life that is harder than a lot of single mothers, but it is also a very happy and rewarding life. She has sacrificed a lot but something that I felt after speaking with Tanya is the confidence and self-awareness that she exudes. Tanya knows her purpose. And there is something incredibly empowering about that. Tanya's nine-year-old daughter was born blind, autistic, developmentally delayed and fighting for her life. Tanya was told that she would never walk or be able to care for herself. She relies on medication in order to survive.  Tanya's relationship with her daughter's father did not survive, and just before their daughter's first birthday, it was over. Tanya found herself relocating back to Australia from New Zealand and moving back in with her parents. In this episode, Tanya tells her single mother story.  We discuss the 6-month road trip up the east coast of Australia that Tanya did alone with her daughter and how that resulted in Tanya pursuing her passio