It's A Single Mom Thing
Welcome to “It's A Single Mom Thing,” the show for single moms by single moms, hosted by Sherry Chandler.
Being a solo momma and present parent is hard work, and losing focus is easy when you forget your faith. The good news is you are not alone. You were singled out this season, and together, we can work on what’s not working for you—finding Christ in the crisis! Whether you’re tuning in early in the morning or late at night, I’m here for you, momma.
This podcast is your go-to space for navigating life as a single mom with faith, fun, and a fresh perspective. We'll cover everything from mastering a single-mom success mindset and budgeting like a boss to prioritizing self-care and raising resilient kids. We’ll share time management hacks, parenting perspectives, co-parenting challenges, and how to find joy and laugh again. Together, we’ll move from surviving to thriving in every season of single motherhood.
Be encouraged. Get inspired. You can do this, momma.
Each Monday, join me for practical advice, relatable stories, and uplifting conversations as we walk this journey from solo momma to solo momma. I promise not to take too much of your time, and I’m so grateful you’re spending it with me.
It may be a single mom thing, but it doesn’t have to be the "single thing" that stops you!
It's A Single Mom Thing
Don’t Drink the Eggnog: Surviving Holiday Drama
The holidays are here, and so is the potential for family drama, co-parenting conflicts, and way too much unsolicited advice. But before you reach for that spiked eggnog, tune in to this witty and heartfelt episode where Sherry shares her top tips for surviving holiday chaos with grace, humor, and faith.
From setting boundaries and managing tricky family dynamics to staying grounded when you’re doing it all solo, this episode is packed with practical strategies and spiritual encouragement to help you thrive this season.
🎄 Highlights include:
- Managing family drama without losing your cool
- Navigating co-parenting challenges with love and patience
- Handling holiday advice-givers like a pro
- Loving yourself well while holding it all together
✨ Plus: A powerful closing prayer, a reflective verse, and details about how to connect with our 24-hour prayer line for support this holiday season.
🎧 Listen now and reclaim your holiday joy—no eggnog required!
It's a Single Mom Thing, Not the Single Thing That Stops You!
Welcome to it's a Single Mom Thing, the show for single moms by single moms. This is Sherri, your host, and I am happy you are here today. Remember it's a single mom thing and not the single thing that stops you. Well, hello there, my beautiful warriors, and welcome back to another episode of it's a Single Mom Thing, where I keep it raw and real and refreshingly honest, especially during the holidays. Today, I'm serving up a little seasonal survival guide called Don't Drink the Eggnog Surviving the Holiday Drama. Now, I'm not talking about the literal eggnog, although we will get to that. I'm talking about the drama-filled cocktail that comes with family gatherings, co-parenting conflicts and, yeah, those unsolicited life tips from people who think they know your best. So, before you reach for that spiked nog or get tempted to stir the pot yourself, let's talk about how to keep your peace, protect your heart and maybe even enjoy this holiday season drama and trauma free. So grab your cocoa girl and let's do this. How to keep your cool through the cold family holiday drama. All right, let's kick this off by acknowledging something we all know Family gatherings can be a lot. If you joined me back in November for our Thanksgiving episode called it's All Relative when it comes to the relatives. You already know the deal and the deal breakers. Consider this your holiday refresher on surviving those complicated family dynamics 2.0.
Speaker 1:The holidays have a funny way of bringing people together and not always peace on earth. Goodwill to all kind of way. Sometimes it's more like pass the rolls and potatoes, please, before this conversation gets too real. So here are some of my pro tips to help you stay chill. Number one adjust your expectations. Not every holiday will look like a hallmark movie, and that's okay, except for the fact that family dynamics well like your plate, they can often be messy. Go in expecting love, not perfection. Give the gift of love even if you don't get it in return. Number two pick your battles. When Uncle Joe starts sharing his very strong opinions about your life choices, take a deep breath, maybe a few more. Then ask yourself is this worth my energy? For real, remember, your response is your responsibility. If not, smile politely, nod and wave and excuse yourself to check out the Christmas crack that Grandma Kate just put on the dessert table. Number three create a drama-free end zone. Set a boundary for yourself. If the conversation turns toxic, redirect or remove yourself. Something like I'm going to go refill my cocoa works Every time, putting that conversation in the end zone. And number four script your responses. Have a few go-to lines ready, like thanks for your concern. But you know what I'm happy with how things are Keeping it short and sweet. Also, learn how to keep it light like the Christmas trees. I appreciate the advice. We've got a system that works great for us and our family. But I'll keep that in mind, always have that one line already, so when they try to cross it, you always have something courteous yet clever to say.
Speaker 1:Co-parenting conflicts keeping the kids first. Now let's talk about the co-parenting juggling act. That hits extra hard during the holidays. You know split schedules, unmet expectations and last minute changes. Well, they can make the season feel more stressful than joyful. Almost makes you want to deck the halls with some duct tape. So how are you going to thrive when things take a sudden deep dive? Well, girl, you're going to go to your co-parenting survival tips. And here you go. We got your bags packed Ready.
Speaker 1:Number one you're going to put the kids first. Remember, the holiday isn't about your ex, it's about the extra attention your kids need, keeping their joy at the center of every decision, even when it's tougher than tinsel to get off your Christmas tree. Number two be flexible within reason. Life happens. If there's room for flexibility, try to accommodate. Do a little backbending if you will. If not, stick to the agreed plan and communicate clearly, keeping it kind. Number three no trash talk, no matter what. Avoid speaking negatively about the other co-parent in front of the kids. If things get heated like a fireplace, vent to a trusted friend after the holiday or holiday gathering, not during it. Number four stay in control. You can't control the other co-parents actions, only your responses to them. So handle your business girl with grace, and then erase and replace what he just said, letting the rest go.
Speaker 1:Handling unsolicited advice like a boss. Let's talk about everyone's favorite holiday tradition unsolicited advice. Something about Christmas dinner, I don't know. It turns people into certified life coaches, even when their own is one flush away from going down the toilet bowl. So how to handle unsolicited holiday advice? Gift givers, you know the gift you don't want to receive of day advice. Gift givers, you know the gift you don't want to receive.
Speaker 1:Number one smile and deflect when someone chimes in with you with a you should really, you should really mom. Then just smile and say well, thanks for the suggestion, but we've got it under control. Then change the subject. You see, this is another time that I like to say to have those one-liners ready so that you can draw a line around your own two feet. Number two redirect the conversation. Ask them I don't know about their life. You know people love talking about themselves. It's a quick way to shift the spotlight off of you or even put the spotlight, maybe, on your kiddos. Have handy the many high fives they got this year and spotlight even some of their school success. Maybe even have some of their highlighted moments on your phone ready to share. Number three set a firm but kind boundary If it gets too much. Be direct and say something like I appreciate your concern, but you know I'm happy with how I'm handling things. Then exit stage left when it's just you holding it all together.
Speaker 1:All right, this section is to my full-time single moms who, well, it's just you and you. You're not handing off the kids for a holiday break. It's all you all season long Now. I know it can feel overwhelming when the holiday magic and miracles seem like it's all on your shoulders. But hear me on this You're doing more than enough. Every moment of love, laughter and togetherness you create is a gift far more valuable than anything that could be wrapped up with a bow. You might not have someone to share the load, but you do have strength beyond your measure. You're making memories, building traditions and showing your kids what resilience, joy and unconditional love looks like, even when you're running on fumes. So when the holiday hustle feels relentless, remember this. Holiday hustle feels relentless. Remember this. You are seen, you are valued and you are loved. You're writing a legacy of love, one imperfectly perfect holiday moment at a time.
Speaker 1:So before you even think about adding one more thing to your holiday to-do list, girl, you need to take a breath. You've already given your kids the best gift possible, and you know what that is. That's your love, your time and simply your presence. But even superheroes need a plan right. So let's talk about some survival tips to help you, my sweet friend, navigate the season with less stress and more joy. Solo mom. Survival tip number one simplify the season. Pick a few of your special traditions that matter and focus on the meaningful over the Pinterest. Perfect Two create a new tradition for you.
Speaker 1:After the kids are in bed, pour cocoa or something stronger, just not with alcohol. Preferably. Watch a holiday movie, write in a journal or I don't know, focus on the fun that you're looking forward to having in the new year and then just simply breathe. Three ask for help and accept it. Lean on friends, family or church for babysitting, shopping help or just someone to talk to. Number four make time for rest. Schedule a stay-home day, have a PJ day, bake cookies and relax.
Speaker 1:And number five, and this is the most important in my book love yourself well. Remember you can't pour from an empty cup, so you need to prioritize yourself, even if it's just 10 minutes of quiet with your favorite holiday candle or walk around the block Loving your kids well. Well, it starts with you loving you well. So, as I close, remember this you don't have to drink the eggnog or the drama that comes with the holidays. You can choose peace, joy and grace, even when things get a little messy. So get ready and get set to set your boundaries, hold your head high and remember that you are the queen of your story, not anyone else.
Speaker 1:When it gets tough, sip your cocoa, say a prayer, invite Jesus into the moment and keep on shining, girl. You see, you know he is the reason for the season and he already gave you the greatest gift of all his peace. Mama. Even when it feels like everything is on your shoulders, remember you are never truly alone. Matthew 28, 20 reminds us. I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Jesus is with you in the busy, the quiet and every moment in between. You're doing enough, you are enough and your love is the greatest gift your kids could ever receive. So, before we go, I would like to close us in prayer. Lord, thank you for being our peace in every season. Bless these strong, beautiful moms as they navigate the holidays, surround them with your love, strengthen them in their weariness and fill their homes with joy, laughter and hope. May they feel your presence in every moment In Jesus' name. Amen. Until next time and next year, when I return on January 6th, stay strong, stay grounded and keep that crown oh yes steady, even if it's tilted from dodging some holiday nonsense.
Speaker 1:Need prayer and care this holiday season. My faith-filled friends are here for you. If you need some prayer or just someone to talk to, call our 24-hour prayer line at 855-822-PRAY. We are here for you, day or night. Have a wonderful week and remember it's a single mom thing and not the single thing that stops you. Thanks for listening to. It's a single mom thing. I hope you enjoyed our time together. If you have more questions on how to have a relationship with jesus or need prayer, visit us at wwwshepherdsvillagecom. Backslash prayer. For more information and resources, check out our show notes.
