Young single parents
Date last updated: 20 October 2017
Advice for young single parents
Becoming a parent is exciting at any age. You will have lots of things to consider, including your finances.
We’ve set out some useful advice and information for young parents who are not living with their child’s other parent.
Information for young single parents
Finances
First of all, let’s look at your finances. If you’re under 18, we have an easy-to-use tool that helps you find out what support you may be entitled to. Young parents over 18 can use this benefits checker.
If you’re still expecting your baby, we have advice for single parents to be.
It’s also important that you look into setting up a child maintenance arrangement with your child’s other parent.
Education
Studying as a single parent is no mean feat, but many single mums and dads take on the challenge successfully. Visit our advice on returning to education.
Work
There is lots of useful information to help you have a happy and healthy pregnancy in the workplace, and you can find out about your rights at work during and after pregnancy. Find out more here.
Your future
Making decisions about your future isn’t always straightforward. At Gingerbread, we run training and support courses that give you one-to-one support for employment training and life skills, as well as the chance to meet other young parents in your local area. See our latest courses for young single parents.
Becoming a parent at a young age can be challenging, particularly if you're doing it alone. Naomi from Teen Mom UK discusses her experiences.
Hear from other young single parents
On the Gingerbread website, we receive stories from single mums and dads of all ages. Read through a collection of stories on lots of different topics to give you an insight into what life as a single parent is like.
You might also want support from a community. Little Lullaby is a charity and online support network for and by young parents. They have a community forum, as well as support and advice for young mums and dads, either already with children or those who are expecting.
Get support
Read stories
Find out what other single parents have to say about their experiences.
Little Lullaby
Join a community of young single mums and dads.
Related information
Become a Gingerbread member
Join our community of thousands of single parents to chat on our forum, explore local groups, and make your voice heard.
Find out more