To Heal and Grow: Book List for Single Parents
“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.”
– James Baldwin
Our journeys are full and heavy with all sorts of trials and beauty entwined. Lots of hurt and healing. Joys and sadness. Losses and triumphs. And through the journey, having those we trust and love to help guide us helps the load feel a little less heavy.
But sometimes those mentors and guides and friends come in the form of paper and ink. Books help us in so many ways – guiding us with stories of triumph, advice, a good laugh. A place to run to. A mentor to lean on.
Being a single parent is tough – so we created a list of books for you to help guide you through this incredible journey of triumph and resilience. You are not alone.
Here are our recommendations:
When author Emma Johnson’s marriage ended, she was pregnant and alone with a toddler. And had no financial assistance. She was lost and was fumbling to find guidance, resources, tips – anything to navigate this new chapter of her life as a single working mother. But she soon discovered, there was not much out there. Rather than keeping her findings to herself in her journey, she started a popular blog Wealthysinglemommy.com to connect to other women who wanted this new chapter of single motherhood to be not only about survival but about living happily. And living well. In this book, Johnson advises women how to build a career, achieve financial independence, and be willing and ready to look for another partner in life – all while being an amazing caregiver to their kids. Learn how to build your self-esteem, ignore the haters, and be the best version of yourself. This book is a must-read for all single mothers who want to not only survive but thrive.
Single parents often worry about how to raise resilient, confident, happy children. But know that you are enough. Your love, your devotion to your children and your mentorship is all they need to thrive. That being said, having a helping hand assist you in this journey through sage advice and wisdom is helpful. This book is a great way to introduce mindful parenting – how to raise kind children without the authoritative, rules and consequence -driven model that children are so used to that only encourages fear and anxiety.
This book encourages how to use mindful parenting so children understand why they make the choices they do, rather than because mom said so, otherwise I’ll be in trouble. Because the former is long-term parenting, while the second option is fear-based – which only works short-term. Dive into this book and begin your journey to mindful parenting today, to raise kind and confident kids. Even as a single parent.
On the road to being a single parent, there are many ups and downs. Sometimes all we need is a little pick-me-up, a few sentences of sage advice to give us hope in this journey.
Look no further – this book will give you just the little pieces of advice and wisdom you need to thrive in this new role of being a single mother.
This book is a delight in the sense that it empowers single parents by helping them realize that by taking care of themselves first, they are taking care of their children in the process too. This book gives tips on proper selfcare, and to not feel guilty by doing so. You and your children will both thank you for living well and living happily.
Emotional recovery takes time. The healing process is a journey, and it helps to hear stories of recovery from others. Those who fell and rose. Those who fell and got back up again. Those who fell and found a new light.
In this book, each patient goes through their own traumas as they go through a period of self-reflection, perseverance, and forgiveness. Each story is moving, deep, and comical – a realistic portrays of a look into the therapist’s office and how the process can heal all sorts of wounds.
This book is great for those who are still struggling to find themselves after the loss of a partner- whether that loss was through death, or through divorce, it is painful nonetheless and each journey has its own recovery process.
Single dads are often unrepresented when it comes to single parenthood – and though they are not as common as single moms, their struggle is real. Being a dad is challenging enough when you have a partner, but when you’re both caretaker and caregiver, it is a lot to handle. This book will help all the single dads out there how to provide emotional and physical support to your kids. You’ll find useful tips on tending to your daughter’s unique needs, your sons struggles, and even how to ask your trusted friends to help with the load. This book will give you practical advice, make you laugh, and make you realize the awesome dad you are is more than enough for your kids.
So go ahead – curl up and grab that book and let the words of wisdom help you in this journey of single parenthood. You are more than enough for your kids. Let these books be a part of the village you and your family need to get through all the ups and downs. Enjoy!