Single moms take on the challenge of balancing it all

May 23, 2012

The number of single mothers in the U.S. has been steadily increasing in recent decades. According to the Census Bureau, there were 10 million single American moms with kids under the age of 18 in 2011. That's up considerably from 3.4 million in 1970.

SingleParentCenter.net reports that about 80 percent of single mothers in the U.S. are employed outside of the home, with 50 percent working full-time and 30 percent working part-time. In addition, as many as 27 percent of single mothers live in poverty with their children.

Many single mothers choose to pursue a college education to help ensure their family's financial success. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2011, individuals with a bachelor's degree made an average of $1,053 per week, compared to $768 per week for those with an associate degree, $719 per week for those with some college (but no degree) and $638 per week for those with a high school diploma.

While paying for college may seem impossible to some, single moms should know that single mother scholarships as well as various grants for parents and other financial aid can help them afford to go to school while being financially responsible for their families.

Online classes and part-time schedules often appeal to single mothers, as they allow them to better balance the demands of motherhood and school.

However, many still need help with childcare, whether it's for when they're in school or working. Some moms qualify to get financial assistance for childcare, which can help alleviate the financial burden of having to put one or more child in daycare.

Others rely on a network of friends and family members to help care for their children.

"It really takes a village to raise a child," single mother Jessica Johnson recently told the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Still, experts say it's important for single moms to take time for themselves as well, regardless of whether they rely on the help of others or are raising their little ones on their own.

"Utter exhaustion often occurs," social worker Megan Barbera told the newspaper. "If she's unable to take good care of herself, we see frequent illnesses and high stress, not being able to secure work, or not being able to get to work on time."
 

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