Being a parent is hard enough, but when your relationship breaks down and leaves you raising and supporting your family single handed, the pressure alone can make life seem very bleak.

Chrissie Lewis didn’t let being a lone parent cloud her life - she turned being a single mum into a business and created the ultimate survival guide for newly single parents. She set up a holiday club called Single with Kids after discovering how tough life as a single parent was.

A single mum with two daughters, a full-time job and a large mortgage Chrissie says: “Life as a single parent is challenging to say the least, especially during the early days. Some people who are new to single-parent life don’t realise the support available and how fun life can be even on your own.”

So just how does she manage? Here are her top tips that will help single mums realise they are not alone and they can have a great life without a partner.

Top tips for single working mums 

1. Take care of yourself – Just because you are newly single doesn’t mean your children are your only concern, don’t be scared to ask for help when you want to take two hours out from being “mum” – treat yourself to a hot bath or take a well-deserved trip to the cinema to recharge your batteries.

2. Recognise that you can’t be both parents – Don’t be afraid to ask for help when it’s offered, take advantage of friends and relatives who are offering support – they are there for you.

3. Be honest with your children about the changes in your life – Adjusting to single parent family life is never easy, if your children are old enough to understand, try to be as open with them about the new situation as possible.  Explain to them you love them no less and try to spend regular quality time with your children, e.g. Sunday afternoons is your time to have a meal together or go to the zoo etc...

4.  Don’t take your anger out on your children – Remember it’s not your child’s fault, try to have a positive attitude in front of your children and talk to friends, relatives or even a counsellor to get your feelings off your chest.

5. Never go on holiday alone -  64% of single parents say going on holiday is “hell” and therefore find going on holiday without a partner the hardest thing about being a single parent.  Join a social and holiday club that arranges holidays and trips just for groups of single parents and their children – it’s a great way to meet new friends and even find romance with like-minded individuals! Signing up with Singlewithkids.co.uk will help combat that dreaded lonely feeling!