Health and wellbeing
Being a single parent has its ups and downs. Looking after children on your own can be hard.
The things that happen in life can take their toll, like splitting up with a partner, not having much money, finding it hard to get a job that fits around your children. Single parents tell us that they often feel anxious, stressed and lonely.
You’ll find some information and tips on our site to help you cope with whatever’s going on for you and your children. Our local services offer a mix of support. We can help you keep your life on track.
My life and me
‘My life and me’, is packed with tips and advice single parents.
Visit ‘My life and me’Information
Tips to reduce anxiety
Lots of people feel anxious when they’re dealing with something stressful. There are things you can do to help ease feelings of anxiety and release stress.
Service
Bereavement
Coming to terms with life after the death of someone close to you can be incredibly difficult. There are specialist services that can offer you support.
Information
Exercise at home
Many single parents tell us it can be difficult to fit in exercise around parenting, especially if they don’t have childcare. Here are some suggestions of ways you could exercise at home, with or without your children.
Service
Bereavement at Christmas
Coming to terms with life after the death of someone close to you can be incredibly difficult. There are specialist services that can offer you support.
Information
Domestic abuse support for single parents
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. Many single parents unfortunately face domestic abuse, but there are services to support you.
Service
Support for you and your family
Our local services offer different ways of connecting with support workers and other single parents. Our groups give you the chance to meet other people who know what it’s like to be a single parent. Our one-to-one support can support you and your family with some of the practical and emotional issues that affect your […]
Information
Counselling and support
Whether you are a new single parent, or have been a single parent for a while, you may find that things are getting on top of you and that it’s hard to cope. This is natural. But if feelings of sadness, anger or stress go on for a long time, it can affect your mental […]
Wellbeing
Taking care of yourself
There are things you can do to take care of your mind, your body and your time which are easy to do, free and don’t take a lot of time.
Wellbeing
Feeling less lonely and more in touch with others
There are things you can do to feel less isolated, from working on your self-esteem to finding new ways to meet people, to taking up hobbies or volunteering.
Wellbeing
Understanding and coping with your emotions
There are ways of dealing with feelings and emotions, and of getting a bit more control over and what comes at you.
News updates for single parent
View all newsOur news updates reflect the work of One Parent Families Scotland and the issues affecting single parents today.
Single Parent FAQs: Lone parenting and work-life balance – Issue 43
01/09/2025
Single Parent FAQs: Back to School Routine – Issue 42
11/08/2025
OPFS launches Single Parents’ Manifesto for Scottish Parliament election 2026
18/07/2025
OPFS launches Single Parents' Manifesto for Scottish Parliament election 2026