Single Mother Survival Guide

Single parenting in the time of coronavirus is no easy feat. In this week's episode, I share strategies to help get you through. Links mentioned in the episode: To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

My guest in this week's episode continues her story from last week, about her experience with domestic violence, and specifically the sexual abuse she received from her partner of over 10 years. She left him two and a half years ago when she was 8 months pregnant with her second daughter. Her daughters are now two and four. This week she shares how her relationship came to an end.  She also talks about: How she hung onto the relationship in the hope that he would change. The suicide threats she received during their relationship. The fear that she had of the repercussions of taking out an AVO against her partner, and constantly worrying about how he would react about things. The support that she received from her family support worker as well as from the brother (and his wife) of her (ex) partner. Dealing with her experience living in a small town, and how domestic violence was such a foreign concept for her immediate community. The worry that she had about her kids. And so much more! We also talk about the

My guest in this week's episode has been a single mum for two and a half years. She has two daughters, aged two and four. In part 1 of this two-part episode, my guest shares her experience with domestic violence, and specifically the sexual abuse she received from her partner of over 10 years. She left him when she was 8 months pregnant with her second daughter. This is her story.  She also shares how her experience led to her interest and research into psychology and neurology, the support she received from Lifeline and 1800 Respect, and how she learned about domestic violence and came to the realisation that she herself was in an abusive relationship. Part 2 will be released next week.  Links mentioned in the episode: To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

In this week's episode, my guest from last week continues to share her story. Last week we discussed the evolution of the relationship that my guest had with her (now) ex-husband, and how one day, six years into their relationship (and completely out of the blue), my guest's (then) husband told her that he wanted to take up cross-dressing, and how over time, he came out as transgender. We also discussed how she handled her husband becoming a woman, becoming a lesbian (by default), having a son (now aged five) and why they ultimately broke up. In this episode, the conversation continues. We discuss how her ex and the new partner of her ex ended things and how that resulted in a final try to make things work between my guest and her ex. The "what if it could work out after all?" question still lingered, and whilst it didn't work out in the end, it did bring a resolution to her relationship that had not existed before. We also discuss co-parenting, and how that looked when they lived together again but weren't i

My guest in this week's episode met the future father of her child when they were in college. They formed a firm friendship which, over time, developed into a relationship, and eventually marriage. They ended up being together for over ten years. One day, six years into their relationship (and completely out of the blue), my guest's (then) husband told her that he wanted to take up crossdressing. Over time, her husband came out as transgender.  Throughout this time, they had a son (who is now five).  In this episode, my guest discusses how she handled her husband becoming a woman, becoming a lesbian (by default), and why they broke up - and it’s not what you think! This is her story.  This is a Part 1 of a two-part episode. Part 2 will be released next week.  Links mentioned in the episode: To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

In this episode, we hear from Hayley who last spoke to us in January 2019. In episodes 131 (Part 1), 132 (Part 2), and 133 (Part 3) she shared her story and experience with sudden wife abandonment and the grief that she experienced for the 12 months following. Hayley thought her relationship with her husband had been a fairytale. They had been together for more than nine years. They had travelled, enjoyed hiking and doing things together in the outdoors, had just finished renovating a home and had just had a baby. Hayley was very much in love. So when her husband's demeanour changed and he then casually told her that he didn't love her anymore, her whole world stopped. But, as shocking as this story is, ultimately it’s a story of hope and one woman's strength. Hayley shared how she dealt with her grief and how she climbed out of the depths of despair.   In this episode, we catch up on what she has been doing in the 12 months since we spoke, and it is nothing short of amazing! Hayley decided that she was not g

A quick update for you!  Links mentioned in the episode: To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Welcome to the third, and final instalment of Dapnee's incredible story. In Part 1 of Dapnee's story, we talked about what was going on her 17-year-old life: she had recently graduated high school and had been accepted into a dream university, she wanted to study physics and saw a future as a research scientist, and she had moved into the dorms and started college life. She was excited to begin the next chapter, and the future looked bright.  Things then took a turn and she told us about the night she got raped at a college party, how the Police handled the situation (terribly), and what happened in the weeks following the rape. In Part 2 we learned about how she discovered she was pregnant three months after the rape, and although she was shocked and scared, it also brought hope and light into a time of her life when she was at her lowest, how she made the decision to keep the baby, being a pregnant teen, suffering from PND, life as a new single mum, and so much more.  Part 3 is the final instalment of our c

The future was looking bright for 17-year-old Dapnee. She had recently graduated high school and had been accepted into a dream university. She wanted to study physics and saw a future as a research scientist. She moved into the dorms and started college life. She was excited to begin the next chapter. In last week's episode (Part 1 of this story), Dapnee tells us the traumatic story if her rape. She paints the picture of what was going on her life at the time, about the shocking way she was treated by law enforcement, what happened at the hospital, and the weeks immediately following the assault. In this week's episode, her story continues. She tells us about: The discovery of her pregnancy (three months later) that occurred as a result of the rape, and how she ignored the signs and did not want to believe that she was pregnant. How at the same time as the shock, the pregnancy gave her hope and brought a light into her life when she was at her lowest.  How she grappled with the decision of either keeping th

The future was looking bright for 17-year-old Dapnee. She had recently graduated high school and had been accepted into a dream university. She wanted to study physics and saw a future as a research scientist. She moved into the dorms and started college life. She was excited to begin the next chapter.   It was the last week of summer school at university before the start of the fall semester, and she was excited to be invited to a party with some new friends. Dapnee is a positive person and always saw the best in everyone.   She never saw what came next coming.   In Part 1 of this three-part series, Dapnee paints the picture of what was going on her life at the time, about the rape and the shocking way she was treated by law enforcement, what happened at the hospital, and the weeks immediately following the assault.   Please note this episode and topic may act as a trigger for some people, and this episode is not suitable to listen to within earshot of children. Links mentioned in the episode:

In this episode, I talk about how to know if you're ready for a relationship as a single mum, and how to get yourself there.  Links mentioned in the episode: Purchase The Ultimate Guide On How To Get Relationship Ready For Single Mothers on this page HERE.  Listen to Episode 158, and my lastest speed dating experience HERE. Listen to Episode 156 - Speed dating; what you need to know - HERE. Listen to Episode 148 - Let's talk dating - HERE. Listen to Episode 30 - Interview with dating mindset coach, with veronica Grant - HERE. Listen to Episode 26 - Everything dating, with Karina Pamamull - HERE. Listen to Episode 18 - Relaunching your sex life as a single mother, with Jacqueline Hellyer - HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Curious about becoming a single mother by choice? In this episode of the Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast, I take you along on my journey that started last year after a series of events that could not be seen as a coincidence. It's no secret that I would love to have more children, and last year I decided to find out more about becoming a single mother by choice - i.e getting a sperm donor. I started talking about this journey in Episode 158, and this is a continuation of that journey.   I take you along as I speak to my fertility doctor - the lovely Dr Raewyn Teirney about my fertility test results, the two things that were holding me back from going ahead at the time, the sperm donor laws in NSW and what is involved, and the process and costs involved in freezing eggs. I also tell you about my appointment with the counsellor and my feelings that came up after that. And finally, I tell you about where I am at in that journey today.  I really hope that by sharing my (very personal) journey, anyone who is

Almost two years ago, my guest's then-husband casually mentioned to her that he wanted a divorce. She had been married to her husband for over ten years, and they had three children together. The kids were home, it was just like any other day. Except it wasn't. Although everything had been great in their marriage to begin with, cracks started to appear after the birth of their first child. Although my guest ignored the signs, there had been a loss in their connection. When the divorce was raised, her husband refused to go to counselling and refused to move out of the house. What happened next was a cruel, slow, drawn-out ending to what had once been a happy marriage. They lived together for six months whilst her husband had an affair right in front of her eyes. My guest did not want to believe it, had been in denial of the affair and clung on for hope, but the discovery of a package and card (and what was written inside the card) from the other woman meant she could no longer pretend it wasn't happening.  In

The first time my guest was hit by her partner, they were driving to the supermarket. She ended up with a broken nose and a black eye. They had been together for 6 months. In last week's episode, my anonymous guest told us her story. In this week's episode she shares: Recovering from domestic violence, and the beauty of life on the other side. The determination she gained to provide the best possible life for her son. Remaining single by choice. Finding herself again. Co-parenting with her abuser. And so much more! This is Part 2 of a two-part episode. Part 1 can be listened to HERE.  Links mentioned in the episode: To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

The first time my guest was hit by her partner, they were driving to the supermarket. She ended up with a broken nose and a black eye. They had been together for 6 months. Over the following years, my guest would go from being an outgoing, creative, vibrant, excitable woman to someone she didn't recognise. In this week's episode, my anonymous guest tells her story. She tells us about how every time her partner physically hurt her, the love-bombing would start again, how apologetic he would be, about the affairs that he had, and about how every time she called him out on his unacceptable behaviour, she would get physically attacked; strangled, pushed...her head cut open. And the cycle would start again.  She tells us about how ultimately, her then two-year-old son literally saved her life. She also discusses: Co-parenting with the father of her son, and how that has evolved over the years. The beautiful bond that she has with her son, and teaching him about good relationships.  And how she has been gifted an

In this episode, I answer some more questions sent in by listeners. These questions relate to: When your ex buys your 8-year-old daughter a phone without consulting you. Considering a move to Bali for support. Whether or not to ditch private health insurance.  Links mentioned in the episode: Thank you to this week's sponsor, Invisalign.  Bright Smile Dental Coogee. Pros And Cons Of Private Health Insurance. 155 - Canna Campbell and the $1000 project. Some ideas to help donate to the Australian Bushfire appeals here: NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery ADOPT A WILD KOALA WIRES Wildlife Rescue Celeste Barber's appeal Salvation Army Disaster Appeal VINNIES BUSHFIRE APPEAL BlazeAid Book in for an intensive mentoring session HERE. To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

In this solo episode, I chat about the six steps I take each year to create my best year yet. And you know what? It only gets better and better!  Take a listen and plan out your 2020.  Links mentioned in the episode: Thank you to this week's sponsor, Invisalign.  Bright Smile Dental Coogee. Listen to episode 115 - Sudden wife abandonment, with Ashlene Marshall - HERE. Listen to Episode 131 - Sudden wife abandonment, with Hayley (Part 1) - HERE. Listen to Episode 132 - Sudden wife abandonment, with Hayley (Part 2) - HERE. Listen to Episode 133 - Sudden wife abandonment, with Hayley (Part 3) - HERE. Listen to Episode 152 - Amy's single mum story, and the relationship with her husband that was a lie. Listen to Episode 153 - Amy's single mum story, and the relationship with her husband that was a lie (Part 2). To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

In this episode of the Single Mother Survival Guide Podcast, I talk about how to get through your first Christmas as a single mum and tips on how to get through the day if you don't have the kids.  Links mentioned in the episode: To contact Julia, email: julia@singlemothersurvivalguide.com. Visit us at Single Mother Survival Guide.  Or connect with Single Mother Survival Guide on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Krystal was with her partner for seven years. They were inseparable. Krystal thought they were going to get married, have lots of children, and be together forever.  When her daughter was just three months old, and her son was a toddler she discovered her partner's secret - he was living a double life. And that is when her whole world was turned upside down. This episode is a continuation from last week. In last week's episode, Krystal shared her story with us. In this week's episode, the story continues. We chat about the aftermath: How she lifted herself up again. Loving her body again. Still breastfeeding after everything she went through. Celebrating the little things. Dating and what she looks for in a new relationship. Grief and the importance of feeling the pain and not escaping from it. The importance of "me-time". Losing her faith and finding it again. How she separated herself from seeing her ex-partner as just that, and instead, seeing him as the father of her children. Confronting the other woman

Krystal met the man who would become the father of her children straight after she finished university. For seven years they were inseparable. They travelled together, they had a great relationship, they were in love. Krystal thought they were going to get married, have lots of children, and be together forever.  When Krystal was 25 she fell pregnant with her son. After he was born there was a shift in her relationship with her partner, something wasn't right. But she chose to give him the benefit of the doubt. Two years later she fell pregnant again, with her daughter.  When her daughter was just three months old, and her son was a toddler she discovered her partner's secret - he was living a double life. And that is when her whole world was turned upside down. In this episode, Krystal shares her story. She talks about how she discovered her partner's infidelity, and how afterwards he openly continued his affair whilst she sat at home breastfeeding their baby and looking after their toddler. Krystal also sha