What happens if you're not sure that you want to be the primary parent anymore? 

If you’re a regular listener you’ll know that I often do “Ask Julia” style episodes, where I try to offer some advice on a particular single mum issue. Recently I got asked this really interesting question... She wrote...

Hi Julia! 

I just wanted to say that I absolutely love your podcast and listening each week. I was wondering if you could do a podcast on single mothers who give up primary custody of their children and the reasons as to why they do it? 

I know your podcast is all about empowering single mums to thrive and not just survive but lately, I've been massively struggling with my daughter and have often thought about giving up primary custody for many reasons. I haven't found a lot of support in this area or people I can talk to about being able to change my perspective. I'd love to hear your thoughts or expert advice on single mums who have given up primary custody and how they cope now as the secondary parent or mums who've thought about it but changed their minds and whether they have Mum guilt or feel they made the wrong decision? 

Thank you! 

I hope to hear back from you (:

Elisabeth Shaw, CEO of the NSW chapter of Relationships Australia is on the show with me this week to chat about this issue.

Elisabeth shares her insights on

• Reasons why people may not want to be the primary parent anymore.
• The stereotypical belief that as women we think we have to be the primary parent.
• What may be the wrong reasons for wanting this change.
• Getting support.
• Potential impacts of this change on a young child.
• So much more! 

Elisabeth is the CEO of Relationships NSW. She is a clinical and counseling psychologist with extensive experience in child protection, drug and alcohol, sexual assault, women’s health, disability, and general counseling services. She has also taught in Masters programs at ACU, UNSW and Newcastle universities in areas including clinical practice, and management and professional ethics, and she routinely presents and publishes work in these areas. 

Links mentioned in the episode:

Visit the Relationships NSW website here. 

Visit the Relationships Australia website here.

Find details on the Relationships Australia Family Relationship Centres here OR google "family relationship centres" to find alternative options.

Connect with Relationships NSW on Facebook. 

Call the Client Services Support Line on 1300 857 886.

To contact Julia, email: [email protected].

For information about the single parent mentoring programs available with Julia, visit Single Mother Survival Guide Mentoring and E-Courses.

Book in for your complimentary 30 minute Clarity Call with Julia here. 

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