Solo parenting can be a lonely job but there are ways through

Dawn Kay brings biblical wisdom and pastoral sensitivity to the issues around parenting on your own

If you’ve ever felt that ache of being unseen, even in a crowded room, you know how loneliness can sneak in when you least expect it. Maybe it’s walking a quiet path with nothing but the horizon ahead. Maybe it’s scrolling through social media, where “Insta life” whispers that everyone else is happier. Or maybe it’s standing in the middle of your own living room, surrounded by people, and feeling invisible - the silent struggle of modern loneliness.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 139:18, “When I awake, I am still with You.” Even when loneliness creeps in, God is already there.

You may have heard about the loneliness epidemic. It is the widespread rising levels of chronic loneliness and social isolation across many parts of society. It is now seen as a health issue rather than a social one. It saw a rise during covid due to the restrictive measures of contact that were put in place. But it has also worsened due to the impact of technology on our everyday life. The increased presence of social media and smart phones means that we have never been more digitally connected and more relationally apart at any point in time. One recent report showed that 72% of young adults experienced loneliness.

No one warns you that when your marriage ends, it’s not just your partner you lose, it’s the people

When I was a solo parent, I experienced times of extreme loneliness. No one warns you that ……