How do single parents build a support system when they feel like they’re doing everything alone?

In this episode of Single Parent Success Stories, host Irina Shehovsov sits down with family therapist Angela Caldwell, founder of the Caldwell Family Institute, to explore why every parent needs a village — and how single parents can begin building one.

Angela shares her journey from aspiring filmmaker to family therapist and explains why community support, aligned family values, and intentional parenting can transform the experience of raising children. Together, they discuss the emotional challenges many single parents face, including isolation, burnout, co-parenting conflicts, and the growing impact of social media on children’s mental health.

This conversation offers practical advice for parents navigating single parenting while trying to raise resilient, emotionally healthy children in today’s world.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why every single parent needs a supportive community

• How to build a “village” when raising kids alone

• Why aligning values in co-parenting relationships matters

• How social media affects children’s mental health

• Why openness is one of the most important traits to instill in children

• Practical ways to reduce isolation and burnout as a parent

• Why self-care is essential for effective parenting

Angela also shares powerful insights on helping children stay emotionally grounded and why parents must prioritize connection, community, and intentional family values.

If you’re navigating divorce, solo parenting, or raising children without strong support, this episode will remind you that you don’t have to do everything alone.

Books mentioned:

The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt: https://amzn.to/4lnxerC

"Cherished Belonging" by Father Greg Boyle: https://amzn.to/4rZTkTu

🔗 Connect With Angela Caldwell

https://www.angelacaldwell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/_angelaccaldwell_

📖 Explore Irina’s books

https://www.irinashehovsov.com/mybooks

☕ Support the podcast

https://account.venmo.com/u/Irina-Shehovsov

About Single Parent Success Stories

Single Parent Success Stories is a podcast created to bring hope, tools, and encouragement to parents navigating life after separation, divorce, or major life transitions. Through honest conversations with experts, parents, and adult children raised in single-parent homes, host Irina Shehovsov explores resilience, healing, leadership, and what becomes possible when single parents move from survival to thriving.

#podmatch