Here is some advice from a single mother about coping with being a single parent.

Forgive even if you will never be able to forget
Let go of any grudges you may hold against the parent who is absent from both your lives. Feeling angry will not change your situation and will consume energy that you need to put into creating a good environment for your child. If you dwell on your disappointment with or dislike of the father or mother of your child, your child will sense your feelings and suffer from your negative attitude.

Make the most of everything you have
You may not have much money but you do have your child and you have love and attention to give to him or her. Wealth and material possessions are not the most important items in your baby's life. Your love, and time together mean much more to them. Completely free and fun activities include going for a walk or a bike ride, playing at the park, colouring, painting, singing and dancing. These will be as much fun for your child as spending money at an amusement park, an arcade or a toy shop.

Be the best parent you can possibly be
Give as much as you can as a single parent without setting unrealistic goals and create a good life for your child to the best of your abilities.

Develop a network of reliable resources
Surround yourself and your child with friends you know and trust - people who care about both of you. "Aunts" and "Uncles" and "Grandparents," who are not actually blood-related can be just as close to your child as biological family members and can provide him or her with the same kind of love and support as a traditional family. They can also help you as a single parent by playing an active role in your child's life. You will be a better parent if you can rely on your "family" of close friends to support you and your child if you need to take a break.

Take responsibility for your life today
Your child is completely dependent upon you through no choice of their own. Don't let them down. They are vulnerable to the possibly less-than-ideal situation they face growing up with a single parent. They need you more than they will ever be able to tell you.

Set up daily rituals and regular routines
One way to provide the stability and security your child needs is by developing a daily routine. Little things like going to the park every Sunday afternoon, eating dinner together every night or reading a book together at bedtime, are activities that your child can look forward to and can rely on.

Be consistent and dependable
Create realistic rules and a consistent standard of discipline.Your child will then quickly learn what is acceptable behavior and what is not. They have to be able to depend on you because you are the most important person in their life. No matter how tired you are at the end of the day or how frustrated you may get, they need you to be there for them.