Parenting is a challenge, to put it lightly, and for people who are doing it alone, the path can be particularly demanding.
While single parents often display remarkable strength and resilience, it’s also important to recognise when they might need extra support. If you notice any of these signs, that single mum or dad you know could probably use a bit of help and some added emotional support, to boot.
1. Their personal grooming takes a noticeable dip.
When a single parent starts neglecting their appearance, it could be a red flag. This might present as unwashed hair, wrinkled clothes, or a general unkempt look. While parenting often requires prioritising the children’s needs, a major decline in self-care might indicate they’re overwhelmed and struggling to manage their own basic needs.
2. They constantly reschedule or cancel plans.
If a usually reliable single parent frequently cancels plans or struggles to commit to social engagements, it might signal they’re having difficulty balancing their responsibilities. This behaviour could stem from exhaustion, financial constraints, or feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of organising childcare.
3. Their home environment seems chaotic.
A typically tidy home becoming consistently messy or disorganised can be a sign of struggle. While some clutter is normal in any household with children, a drastic change in the home’s state might indicate the parent is having trouble keeping up with household management alongside other responsibilities.
4. They’re always running on empty.
Source: Pexels Chronic exhaustion that goes beyond normal parental fatigue is a serious concern. If a single parent constantly appears drained, struggles to stay awake during the day, or mentions feeling perpetually tired, it could mean they’re not getting adequate rest or are dealing with overwhelming stress.
5. Their children’s needs seem overlooked.
When a usually attentive parent starts missing school events, forgetting important dates, or neglecting their children’s basic needs, it’s a significant red flag. This could indicate they’re struggling to cope with the multitude of responsibilities on their plate.
6. They become socially isolated.
If a single parent gradually withdraws from social interactions, rarely reaching out to friends or family, it might suggest they’re feeling overwhelmed or depressed. Social isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and make it harder for them to ask for help when they need it.
7. Their mood swings become more frequent.
Parenting can be an emotional rollercoaster, but if a single parent displays increasingly erratic mood swings or seems to have difficulty regulating their emotions, it could be a sign of mounting stress or potential mental health issues that need addressing.
8. They struggle to maintain boundaries.
Source: Unsplash When a typically structured parent starts having trouble setting and maintaining boundaries with their children, ex-partner, or work, it might indicate they’re feeling overwhelmed. This could manifest as inconsistent discipline, difficulty saying no, or allowing work to encroach on family time.
9. Their financial situation becomes precarious.
If a single parent who usually manages their finances well suddenly starts struggling to make ends meet, it could be a sign of deeper issues. This might manifest as frequently borrowing money, being unable to pay bills on time, or suddenly cutting back on essentials.
10. They neglect their own health.
When a single parent starts skipping medical appointments, ignoring health issues, or neglecting prescribed medications, it’s a cause for concern. This behaviour might indicate they’re prioritising their children’s needs to the extreme detriment of their own wellbeing.
11. Their work performance goes downhill.
A noticeable drop in work performance, such as missing deadlines, making uncharacteristic mistakes, or struggling to focus, could suggest the parent is having difficulty balancing their professional and personal responsibilities.
12. They exhibit signs of substance misuse.
Source: Unsplash If a single parent starts relying heavily on alcohol or other substances to cope with stress, it’s a serious red flag. This might manifest as drinking more frequently, using substances to relax, or showing signs of dependency.
13. Their sleep patterns become erratic.
Significant changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia, oversleeping, or irregular sleep schedules, can indicate a single parent is struggling to manage stress or potentially dealing with depression or anxiety.
14. They display increased irritability or anger.
If a usually patient parent becomes quick to anger or seems constantly irritable, it might suggest they’re under significant stress. This behaviour could be a result of feeling overwhelmed, sleep-deprived, or emotionally drained.
15. Their ability to focus diminishes.
When a single parent who’s typically organised starts forgetting important details, loses track of conversations, or seems constantly distracted, it could mean that they’re cognitively overwhelmed by their responsibilities.
16. They express feelings of hopelessness.
If a single parent starts voicing feelings of hopelessness, expressing that things will never get better, or showing signs of giving up, don’t take it lightly. These sentiments could indicate depression or burnout and should be addressed immediately with the help of a professional.
