After Scott left me, the girls and I moved to a different part of the state where I could afford a house, so I didn’t have friends around to help me through the divorce. My daughters struggled with attending new schools. Our collective neediness created an unhealthy codependence.

Recently, as I helped them pack for a week with their father and his wife, I heard myself spewing venomous comments about Scott. By the grace of God, I suddenly recognized my sarcasm and disdain for what it was: a sad reflection of my bitter heart. I had developed an unhealthy habit of confiding in, venting to, and needing my daughters in ways that were completely inappropriate for a mother to relate to her children. After my girls left that day, I sat down and repented to God for the way I had dealt with my emotions. Then I called my pastor and asked him for the phone number of a good Christian counselor.

Some single parents unintentionally make the mistake of turning to their child for emotional support, confiding in them instead of turning to other adult friends and family. We forget our children need to be children.

Mothering is hard work. Single mothers carry an even heavier load and often lack the emotional support they desperately need. If you are struggling as a mom, resist the temptation to unload on your child. Seek out a godly friend, Christian mentor, or professional counselor.