Blog Masonry - Single Mom Defined

February 4, 2026

Starting the Year with Calm: A Mental Health Resource Guide for Single Moms

Personal Essays

January 30, 2026

Becoming a Single Mom at 20

by Joanna Lewis

January 27, 2026

Time Management Hacks for Working Single Moms: How to Do It All (Without Burning Out)

by Kim Barfield

MomsWork & Money

January 20, 2026

The Ultimate Financial Assistance Guide for Single Moms

Personal Essays

January 9, 2026

I Found Peace in Letting Go

by Simone Godson

January 6, 2026

How Single Moms Can Reset Their Finances After the Holidays

January 5, 2026

How Single Moms Can Keep Going When Doors Keep Closing

MomsWork & Money

October 24, 2025

What to do in Allegheny County if your SNAP Benefits Don’t Renew

Personal Essays

May 1, 2025

Rebuilding the Bond With Your Baby After Serious Illness

Personal Essays

This single mom personal essay series entry features Arianna Rosemond and her family as a single co-parenting mom.

April 27, 2025

When the Relationship Ends but Co-Parenting Continues

by Arianna Rosemond

MomsWork & Money

April 22, 2025

Early Childhood Education: A Career Path For Single Moms

March 10, 2025

The State of Human Services in Allegheny County: Why Single Mothers Must Engage

March 7, 2025

Help Improve Infant and Maternal Health in Allegheny County

February 19, 2025

Building Strong Support Systems for Solo Moms

Self-CareLifestyle

January 24, 2025

Celebrate Sisterhood and Self-Love at the Ultimate Galentine’s Day Party

Self-CareLifestyle

December 13, 2024

Step into the New Year with Intention and Purpose

by Kim Barfield

Self-CareLifestyle

Woman Balancing

December 4, 2024

Finding Balance: How Moms Can Reclaim Peace in Everyday Life

by Kim Barfield

November 21, 2024

Save Our Services: Single Moms Advocate for Allegheny County Council to Invest in Families

Children & Teens

Hello Baby Pittsburgh, a program for new moms and their families.

October 30, 2024

Navigating Parenthood with Hello Baby: A Lifeline for Pittsburgh Families

by Kim Barfield

Your voice is needed on the opioid crisis in Allegheny County.

October 2, 2024

Addressing The Opioid Epidemic in Black Communities In Allegheny County

Children & Teens

Pittsburgh Holiday Toy Giveaways 2023

December 5, 2023

Pittsburgh Holiday Toy Giveaways 2024

Personal Essays

Through The Years, Tuwanna Samuel's personal essay on single motherhood, finding confidence and more.

November 22, 2023

The Journey of Healing: How A Single Mom Bounced Back

by Tuwanna Samuel

November 20, 2023

Single Black Moms Are… Positive Quotes About Single Black Moms

by Kim Barfield

YWCA supports single moms in finding safe homes and child care.

November 17, 2023

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Supports Single Moms

Personal Essays

Single Mom Goes From Homelessness to Motherhood

November 15, 2023

God Made Her Just For Me: From Homelessness to Motherhood

by Kieashia Edwell

Children & Teens

How to enjoy the holiday season as a solo mom. A guide to getting prepared and bringing joy to yourself and your children.

November 13, 2023

Enjoy The Holidays As A Solo Mom

by Ranaa Billingsley

Personal Essays

'When God Started Talking To Me,' Monique Durham's personal essay about single motherhood.

November 8, 2023

Becoming a Single Mom and Finding God After Divorce

by Monique Durham

Mamas, here's a list of empowering quotes for single moms to keep with you as you go through your motherhood and life journey.

November 6, 2023

12 Empowering Quotes For Single Moms

by Kim Barfield

Single Mom Defined wellness retreat.

October 30, 2023

Single Mom Defined Self-Care Challenge

Dating & Relationships

A list of dating tip for single moms.

October 27, 2023

Dating Tips For Single Moms

Personal Essays

To Forgive, Kelli Shakur's personal essay on singlemotherhood.

October 25, 2023

Finding Freedom in Forgiveness: A Single Mom Co-Parents With Child’s Imprisoned Father

by Kelli Shakur

Children & Teens

A guide for how to support children when their father abandons them.

October 23, 2023

How To Support Children When Their Father Abandons Them

by Ranaa Billingsley

Personal Essays

After divorce, Lindsay Howards personal essay.

October 18, 2023

Navigating Single Motherhood: Paving the Path After Divorce

by Lindsay Howard

Children & Teens

How to help your child get organized. A guide for families.

October 16, 2023

How To Help Your Child Get Organized

by Guest Blogger

Single Dad Jason Jones shares his fatherhood journey for the Single Dad Defined project.

October 13, 2023

Single Dad Jason Jones

Personal Essays

Joy Henderson single mom personal essay

October 11, 2023

Pregnant and Alone: A Single Mom’s Journey to Self-Love and Strength

by Joy Henderson

Dating & Relationships

Single mom dating chronicles, it's time for cuffing season tryouts.

October 6, 2023

Cuffing Season Tryouts

Personal Essays

From heartbreak to forgiveness. A personal essay by Marsha Frazier.

October 4, 2023

How A Single Mom Healed Her Heart Through Forgiveness

by Marsha Frazier

Smart money moves for single moms that will help them reach their financial goals.

October 2, 2023

Smart Money Moves For Single Moms

by Kim Barfield

Dating & Relationships

Ready to date? This single mom guide to cuffing season gives you tips and tricks for getting out there and enjoying the dating scene for you!

September 1, 2023

The Single Mom’s Guide To Cuffing Season

11 tips for becoming an organized mom that will help you and your family thrive.

August 30, 2023

11 Tips For Becoming An Organized Mom

Single Mom Defined presents the Single Mom Wellness Retreat in partnership with First Steps and Beyond.

August 30, 2023

Single Mom Wellness Retreat

Add this 15 song single mom playlist to your rotation to keep you going.

August 25, 2023

15 Inspiring Songs to Add to Your Single Mom Playlist

A guide for single moms on how to survive without child support.

August 24, 2023

How To Survive Without Child Support

August 21, 2023

Back To School Self Care Tips For Moms

Tips for how co=parents can create two loving homes for their children.

August 20, 2023

How Co-Parents Can Create Two Loving Homes For Their Children

by Jason Flowers

Children & Teens

Use this back to school guide for single moms to start the school year off right.

August 16, 2023

Back To School Guide For Single Moms

by Kim Barfield

Dating & Relationships

What I Learned About Dating After Divorce

August 11, 2023

What I Learned About Dating After Divorce

by Rebekka Hughes

Enjoy this Rest meditation with Lovie Jones.

August 8, 2023

Rest -A Body Scan Meditation

by Guest Blogger

Best advice for new single moms from moms that have been there.

August 4, 2023

Best Advice For New Single Moms

by Kim Barfield

Single Dad John Wilson on fatherhood and having adult children.

July 30, 2023

Single Dad Defined John Wilson

by Guest Blogger

Personal Essays

Because We Love Our Son, Lingaire Nje personal essay about co=parenting.

July 29, 2023

Co-Parenting After Breaking Up: How Single Parents Love for Their Son Helped Them Push Past Resentment

by Lingaire Njie

What TV mom are you? Read the description of some of America's favorite tv moms then pick the one that you think is you.

July 28, 2023

What TV Mom Are You?

by Kim Barfield

Dating & Relationships

Single moms avoid these mistakes once you're ready to start dating again.

July 26, 2023

Dating Mistakes To Avoid As A Single Mother

by Arnitris Strong

Personal Essays

July 22, 2023

Finding Strength Through Struggle: How a Lifetime of Lessons Wrote One Single Mom’s Story

by Nadiyah Al-Amin

3 wats single moms can avoid burnout and thrive.

July 21, 2023

3 Ways Single Moms Can Avoid Burnout And Thrive

by Victoria Snyder

15 Top single mom blogs and vlogs for single moms.

July 17, 2023

15 Top Single Mom Blogs & Vlogs

Personal Essays

My Son Was Meant To Be, Rashawnda Plummers personal essay

July 15, 2023

Unexpected Pregnancy, Unwavering Love: How I Came to Believe My Son Was Meant to Be

by Rashawnda Plummer

Best co-parenting apps

July 14, 2023

Best Co-Parenting Apps to Manage Custody & Communication

by Kim Barfield

Children & Teens

How to survive sending your child off to college. A guide for parents of college bound kids.

July 13, 2023

How To Survive Sending Your Child Off To College

by Kim Barfield

Children & Teens

Use these tips for how to help your teen build self-esteem.

July 10, 2023

How To Help Your Teen Build Self-Esteem

by Farah Middleton

Single Dad Ed Underwood shares his fatherhood story for Single Dad Defined.

July 9, 2023

Single Dad Ed Underwood on Fatherhood

by Guest Blogger

Personal Essays

Tamera Stafford Personal Essay

July 8, 2023

How God Gives Single Moms the Courage to Start Over

by Tamera Stafford

17 Fun Summer Activities For Moms In Pittsburgh On A Budget

July 7, 2023

20 Fun Summer Activities In Pittsburgh For Moms On A Budget

by Brooke Barry

How To Reduce Separation Anxiety During Co-Parent Visitation

July 5, 2023

How To Reduce Separation Anxiety During Co-Parent Visitation

Dating & Relationships

Tasia shares her story on how to let her husband lead since getting married.

July 3, 2023

Learning How To Let My Husband Lead

by Tasia Armstead

Single Dad Pareese Smith on positivity and being humble as a single black dad.

July 3, 2023

Single Dad Pareese Smith On Positive Stories and Being Humble When Coparenting

by Guest Blogger

Personal Essays

Life Happens a personal essay by Single Mom Merecedes Howze Williams

July 1, 2023

Teen Mom Overcomes Obstacles by Following Heart and God

by Merecedes Williams

Dating & Relationships

A story with tips for how to get over your ex in 3 easy steps.

June 30, 2023

How to Get Over Your Ex In 3 Easy Steps

by Arnitris Strong

7 Podcast for single moms to listen to today.

June 26, 2023

7 Podcasts For Single Moms To Listen To Today

by Guest Blogger

Single Dad Terry Jones on fatherhood and positivity for SIngle Dad Defined.

June 25, 2023

Single Dad Terry Jones On Positivity As A Single Father

by Guest Blogger

Personal Essays

Love Lives On. Jill Tillman's story on finding, love, loss and motherhood after.

June 24, 2023

Love Lives On: The Journey as a Widow and Single Mom

25 self-love affirmations and how to take action on self-love.

June 23, 2023

25 Self-Love Affirmations and How To Take Action

by Arnitris Strong

Children & Teens

First Steps & Beyond Community Advisory Board seeks members for a paid position.

June 22, 2023

First Steps & Beyond Community Advisory Board Members Needed

How 1000 turned into the down payment for our new home

June 21, 2023

How 1000 Turned Into The Down Payment For Our Home

by Guest Blogger

Single Dad Jason Flowers shares his single father story for Single Dad Defined.

June 18, 2023

Single Dad Jason Flowers On Sharing Responsibility

by Jason Flowers

Personal Essays

Single mom Ebony Pugh shares her story on forgiving herself and embracing single motherhood.

June 17, 2023

Forgiving Myself as a Single Mom: How Letting Go of Guilt Helped Me Move Forward

5 fun Juneteenth Celebrations For Families

June 16, 2023

5 Fun Juneteenth Celebrations For Families

by Guest Blogger

Children & Teens

Kim Barfield shares her traumatic experience after giving birth to her son in support of the First Steps & Beyond Community Advisory Board.

June 14, 2023

First Steps & Beyond – The Organization Changing The Way Black Babies Are Born In Pittsburgh

by Guest Blogger

Children & Teens

Coparenting Through The Summer

June 12, 2023

CoParenting Through The Summer

Single Dad Defined Launches

June 11, 2023

Single Dad Defined Launches

Personal Essays

Single mom Victoria Williams shares how letting go of expectations made her a better mom.

June 10, 2023

How to Set and Release Expectations as a Single Moms

by Victoria Williams

Children & Teens

Trauma is not a trend. How to help you children understand the difference between trauma and stress.

June 9, 2023

Trauma Is Not A Trend

by Rebekka Hughes

7 tips on How Single Moms Can Buy A Home

June 5, 2023

How Single Moms Can Buy A Home

by Guest Blogger

Enjoy this Rest meditation with Lovie Jones.

June 4, 2023

RISE A Breathing Meditation

by Guest Blogger

Personal Essays

I did not ruin my life. Brandi Lee's personal essay.

June 3, 2023

Pregnant in College: How I Overcame Judgment and Reclaimed My Life as a Single Mom

Dating & Relationships

June 2, 2023

5 Things to Consider Before Introducing Your Boyfriend to Your Children

by Rebekka Hughes

Single Mom Leah shares her post-pandemic reflections one year later.

May 31, 2023

Post-Pandemic Reflections

by Guest Blogger

5 reasons why I won't cut up my ACCESS card.

May 29, 2023

5 Reasons I Won’t Cut Up My ACCESS Card

Personal Essays

Why I canceled my wedding. A personal essay by Tasia McCargo.

May 27, 2023

I Canceled My Wedding – Tasia McCargo Personal Essay

by Tasia McCargo

Dear Single Mom is a new advice column for single moms.

May 26, 2023

Dear Single Mom Column

Vanessa shares her story about making hard decisions as her son's advocate.

May 22, 2023

Advocating For My Son At School

by Guest Blogger

5 tips for busy moms searching for a job with resources from Carnegie Library of Pittburgh

May 21, 2023

5 Tips For Busy Moms Searching For A Job

by Guest Blogger

Personal Essays

I Was Enough All Along personal essay by Natasha Tull

May 20, 2023

I Was Enough All Along – Natasha Tull Personal Essay

by Natasha Tull

5 lessons I learned when I was forty and pregnant

May 19, 2023

5 Lessons I Learned Being 40 And Pregnant

by Guest Blogger

Our next book club pick is The Other Black Girl

May 17, 2023

Book Club Pick: The Other Black Girl

by Farah Middleton

Gardening For Self Care is something everyone can do.

May 15, 2023

Gardening For Self Care

by Guest Blogger

Single Mom Success Stories Mother's Day Feature

May 14, 2023

Single Mom Success Stories

by Guest Blogger

Personal Essays

Mom of two Jennifer Wilson shares her personal essay on motherhood beyond the fairytale.

May 13, 2023

Motherhood Beyond The Fairytale – Jennifer Wilson Personal Essay

by Jennifer Wilson

May 12, 2023

Modern Day Scarlet Letter: S for Single Moms by Sarah Murphy

by Guest Blogger

Dating & Relationships

Talk About It Tuesday is a monthly conversation hosted by Farah and Sonya in the Single Mom Defined private Facebook community.

May 8, 2023

Talk About It Tuesday

by Guest Blogger

May 7, 2023

Mind Matters Meditation

by Guest Blogger

Personal Essays

Kenise Batts for Single Mom Defined.

May 6, 2023

My Journey To Motherhood – Kenise Batts Personal Essay

by Kenise Batts

Dating & Relationships

Not everyone you meet is your husband and how to uplift your spirits while you wait.

May 5, 2023

Not Everyone You Meet Is Your Husband

Search the Single Mom Defined Resource Directory for service, education and more.

May 3, 2023

Single Mom Resource Directory

by Guest Blogger

Single Mom Defined Podcast Launches. A twice monthly podcast for moms by moms.

May 1, 2023

Single Mom Defined Podcast Launches

The Share Your Story Writing Workshop helps mom work through their thoughts, put them on paper and learn how to tell compelling stories.

March 8, 2023

Share Your Story Writing Workshop

LifestyleSelf-Care

Single Mom Defined Book Club in partnership with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

January 19, 2023

Book Club: Hold You Down By Tracy Brown

by Farah Middleton

Personal Essays

Schnika Pamplin sharing her story on how everything changed once she learned her worth.

December 17, 2022

A Single Mom’s Journey to Self-Worth After Heartbreak

by Schnika Pamplin

Personal Essays

December 10, 2022

Finding My Power as a Single Mother After Abandonment

December 9, 2022

Stop Treating Your Son Like Your Husband

by Rebekka Hughes

December 7, 2022

Single Dad Sacrifices

7 reasons why you shouldn't hate your child's stepmother.

December 5, 2022

7 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Hate Your Child’s Stepmother

Personal Essays

And Still I Dance - Single Chrisala Brown

December 3, 2022

And Still I Dance – Chrisala Brown Personal Essay

by Chrisala Brown

From Childhood Home Insecurity to Home Ownership

December 2, 2022

From Childhood Home Insecurity to Home Ownership

by Guest Blogger

Top black single mom blogs to follow

November 30, 2022

Top Black Single Mom Blogs

Empty chair and sofa iin front of small table in office of therapist

November 28, 2022

When Should Moms See A Therapist?

Personal Essays

Diane Day photo essay sharing going from pain to contentment through faith

November 26, 2022

Single Mom Moves From Pain to Contentment Through Faith

November 25, 2022

4 Tips for Spiritual Growth and Self-Care

November 23, 2022

Self-Care for Moms, Even When You’re Sick

how to start a babysitting cooperative

November 21, 2022

How To Start A Babysitting Cooperative

Personal Essays

Yvette Shipman from her birth story to single motherhood.

November 19, 2022

My Birth Story in Ghana: Motherhood, Loss, and Becoming a Single Mom

by Yvette Shipman

7 mental health therapy apps

November 18, 2022

7 Mental Health Therapy Apps + Free Resources

Tips for getting better sleep.

November 16, 2022

How Single Moms Can Sleep Better

November 14, 2022

Embracing A New Norm For A New Perspective

by Guest Blogger

Why I move back home with my parents and the lessons I learned.

November 11, 2022

Why I Moved Back Home With My Parents

How to find a job while pregnant.

November 9, 2022

How To Find A Job While Pregnant

by Guest Blogger

November 7, 2022

The Non-Custodial Mother

by Guest Blogger

Personal Essays

November 5, 2022

Becoming a Young, Single Mom and Finding My Purpose

by Christin Thorpe

5 tips for becoming a successful single mom entrepreneur with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

November 4, 2022

5 Tips for Becoming A Successful Single Mom Entrepreneur

by Guest Blogger

Dating & Relationships

Thinking about saying I do? Here are 8 things you should do first.

November 2, 2022

8 Things to do Before Getting Married for Single Moms

The Single Mom Defined motivational hotline provides uplifting messages every two weeks for moms.

October 31, 2022

Single Moms Motivational Hotline

October 26, 2022

Meal Planning for Busy Single Moms

by Farah Middleton

October 24, 2022

Single Mom Digs Out of Debt & Stretches Dollars to Africa

Dating & Relationships

October 22, 2022

Don’t Date a Woman With Children If You Won’t Marry a Woman With Children

Dating & Relationships

October 22, 2022

Should Singles Give Married Friends Relationship Advice

Just the other day I happened to wake up early. That is…

October 17, 2022

Write a Letter to my Younger Self About Motherhood

MomsPersonal Essays

October 14, 2022

How I Showed Up for My Daughter (Before She Was Born!)

January 24, 2022

Recruitment Underway for MomsRising Fellowship

The Share Your Story Writing Workshop helps mom work through their thoughts, put them on paper and learn how to tell compelling stories.

January 17, 2022

Words That Heal Writing Workshops

July 1, 2020

12 Books Every Single Mom Should Read Part II

March 16, 2020

Love Yo’ Self Self-Care Challenge Underway

March 7, 2020

Coronavirus & Paid Family Leave

February 12, 2020

Comcast Celebrates Black History Month With Smithsonian Channel Documentary

Children & Teens

January 17, 2020

Ways Single Moms Can Engage in School Systems

January 14, 2020

12 Books Every Single Mom Should Read +Book Club Launch

Children & Teens

January 14, 2020

Library Supports Single Moms Raising Teens

by Farah Middleton

Children & Teens

October 1, 2019

Free Family Fun

by Merecedes Williams

September 26, 2019

Black Girls & Women Are Ready for Anything #InternetEssentials

MomsChildren & Teens

September 19, 2019

Why Black Children Should Pick Up a Violin

MomsChildren & Teens

September 6, 2019

Weekly Roundup: Free Family Fun in Pittsburgh

September 3, 2019

What’s Your Fave Parenting Tip?

Children & Teens

August 23, 2019

How to Celebrate Summer in Nature

MomsChildren & Teens

August 22, 2019

Best Place for Back-to-School Advice? Kidsburgh!

August 9, 2019

Six Simple Self-Care Strategies for Single Moms

MomsChildren & Teens

August 7, 2019

The Ultimate List of Summer Family Fun

MomsChildren & Teens

July 8, 2019

Free Pop-Up Photo Shoot This Saturday

Children & Teens

June 26, 2019

Pittsburgh Kids Summer Bucket List

Children & Teens

June 6, 2019

Summer Camp Giveaway

May 17, 2019

Single Moms & Postpartum Depression

January 4, 2019

Five Ways to Make More Money in the New Year

by Guest Blogger

Dating & Relationships

January 2, 2019

Single Mom Dating Experiences to Avoid

January 1, 2019

Single Moms New Year’s Plan

June 22, 2018

What Do I Tell My Child About Antwon Rose?

Personal Essays

June 22, 2018

Black Lives Matter to This White Mom

Personal Essays

June 5, 2018

Single Mom Defined Launches

MomsChildren & Teens

June 4, 2018

Single Mom Defined: Kids Interview Artists

May 31, 2018

Single Mom Defined Featured in NEXTpittsburgh

May 29, 2018

I’m a Single Mom—But I’ve Never Raised My Child Alone

Many years ago, I worked for my parents who own a video…

May 28, 2018

Mommy n Me Tees Offers Single Mom Defined Discount Code

May 27, 2018

Single Mom Defined Facebook Group

Many years ago, I worked for my parents who own a video…

May 26, 2018

Three Rivers Arts Festival Will Emphasize Inclusivity & Feature Single Moms

Last year I wrote about why booking too far in advance can…