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This episode explores the hidden loneliness of single parenting. Sarah and Andrew share their honest experiences of raising children on their own — the isolation, the pressure of making every decision alone, and the longing for connection.
They reflect on the stigma single parents often face and how faith, community, and compassion helped them find strength and hope when life felt overwhelming. If you’ve ever felt unseen or worn down by responsibility, this conversation is a gentle reminder that you’re not alone.
Key takeaways from this episode
The stigma of being a single parent can lead to deep loneliness and a sense of being closed off from the rest of the world
Raising children alone often means carrying the full weight of decision-making without another adult to consult or share the load
Social isolation can quietly grow as single parents prioritise their children’s needs over their own desire for connection
Loneliness can blur the boundaries between parent and child, making it harder to maintain perspective, authority, and grace
Single parents may feel excluded or treated differently in everyday social and community settings, reinforcing feelings of isolation
Finding connection often requires intentional effort, even when guilt, exhaustion, or fear of judgement make it difficult
Small acts of self-care — quiet time, friendship, or meaningful hobbies — can play a vital role in sustaining emotional wellbeing
Faith and supportive communities can restore perspective, challenge feelings of worthlessness, and remind people they are not abandoned or ‘written off’
Episode transcript
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Related booklet
We live in a world with more than eight billion people! With so many people, it’s amazing that anyone would ever feel alone. But even though we are surrounded by all these people, many times our suffering and pain go unnoticed. We often feel isolated, cut off from the concerns and compassions we so desperately need.
Why do I sometimes feel so alone, like my life doesn’t really matter to anyone else? How do I overcome my loneliness? What hope is there for times when I feel lonely? And can God help?
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