The 10 Best Decisions a Single Mom Can Make: A Biblical Guide for Navigating Family Life on Your Own

by Pam Farrel, PeggySue Wells

No matter how you became a single mom, you share the same challenges and fears all single moms have. You may feel stretched to the limit. You may suspect your children need more than you're able to give. How are you going to do this on your own?

With humor, Scripture, and sage advice, Pam Farrel (child of a single mother) and PeggySue Wells (single parent of 7 children) show you how to

- be decisive
- create a nurturing home
- be proactive
- date wisely
- pray for your child
- embrace your happily-ever-after
- and more

You are capable of parenting your children with courage, confidence, and clarity. This loving, practical guide shows you how.

Genres: Parenting, Christian Non Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

Published November 17, 2020

About the author

Pam Farrel and her husband, Bill, are the authors of Men Are Like Waffles—Women Are Like Spaghetti (more than 300,000 copies sold) and Red-Hot Monogamy. In addition, Pam has written 52 Ways to Wow Your Husband and The 10 Best Decisions a Woman Can Make. They are cofounders and codirectors of Love-Wise, an organization to help people connect love and wisdom and bring practical insights to their personal relationships.

Reviews

[Rebecca Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I'm not a single mother, I found incredible wisdom, spiritual insight, light humor, and practical helps on parenting in this book by Pam Farrel (child of a single mom) and Peggy Sue Wells (single mom of seven kids). These women share transparently from their personal lives both the joy and the pain of their situations, as well as clips from other single moms. I found myself wishing I had known and used some of their positive suggestions in raising my own children.

This is only one of the numerous quotes in the book that spoke to me: "Challenges are chances to excel, press close to God, and explore what he is showing us about his consistent character." And reading their stories testified that both learned that truth well. Both authors offer biblical advice and encouraging Scriptures to help any mom move through the difficult single and parenting years, regardless of their circumstances. Their "Best Decisions" will benefit anyone.

These authors not only inspired me, but they helped me understand and empathize with single moms in a greater way.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical encouragement for single moms

I appreciated the encouragement in this book in my first year as a single mom. The chapters are short and easy to read, which is great because single moms are pressed for time. The wisdom is hard won and so valuable. Thankful for the tips I can use to streamline my time and energy.

[Becca Harbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great! I love that this is written by both a single mom and the healthy successful adult daughter of a single mom.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this scripture saturated, encouraging, challenging, well laid out read. While this is geared toward single moms, most of the items are just plain practical parenting advice with ideas I'd never considered before. I listened to this on loan from the library, but I plan to buy a copy for future use and reference--particularly the appendices.

I particularly liked the section on establishing a Bible study routine at home which not only teaches kids the Bible but also how to study the Word for themselves.

Verses to pray over children: Gen 12:2-3; Deut 28: 3-6; Ps 20; Rom 15:5-6, 13; Eph 3:14-21, II Thess 2:16-17, Heb 13:20-22; Jude 1:24-25

Passages to memorize with children: Ex 20:1-17; Ps 23; Ps 100; Matt 28:1-15; Matt 6:9-13; Luke 2:1-20; John 1:1-14; John 3:16; I Cor 13; II Tim 1:7; Phil 4:8

Other ideas for Bible study help: The Bible Project, The Chosen series

Steps to Teach Bible Study & Journaling:
1. Read 1 chapter
2. Write a 1 sentence summary of the chapter
3. Look up the definition of 1 word in the chapter and copy it
4. Copy 1 favorite verse from the chapter or write a prayer.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't miss the wisdom and lessons

What a rich blessings this book is for all moms. I am not a single mom but I know many. Because of the vulnerable honesty from Peggy Sue Wells and Pam Farrel, I now am blessed in a deeper understanding of the challenges of raising children by yourself, but just as importantly, I've been encouraged by their Scriptures, their "next right thing," and the easy-to-follow decision-making steps that work for every parent. I (Chris) enjoyed how easy it was to know which author was speaking. Chapter 6, Decide to Introduce Your Child to Jesus Christ points outs that when your best falls short, Jesus never does. I highlighted multiple sections and strongly recommend this practical wisdom for parents in all stages of life. I deeply appreciate my new understanding on this topic. Peggy Sue and Pam's stories and steps to new decisions opened my eyes and heart. Beautifully written.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

No matter how you became a single mom, you share the same challenges and fears all single moms have. You may feel stretched to the limit. You may suspect your children need more than you're able to give. How are you going to do this on your own?

With humor, Scripture, and sage advice, Pam Farrel (child of a single mother) and PeggySue Wells (single parent of 7 children) show you how to

- be decisive
- create a nurturing home
- be proactive
- date wisely
- pray for your child
- embrace your happily-ever-after
- and more

You are capable of parenting your children with courage, confidence, and clarity. This loving, practical guide shows you how.

Heather's Notes
I enjoyed this book and like a lot of the advise it gave. While I felt some of it didn't really obtain to me anymore (my kids are teenagers), it did make me wish I read it when they were younger. Still it was a good book with lots of good advise for any single mom

[Heidi McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a single mom is one of the hardest and loneliest, stressed out occupations. It’s crucial for single moms to know they are not alone on this difficult journey. This book by Pam Farrel and PeggySue Wells takes the reader by the hand and instils them with hope, humour and practical steps to get through any difficult situation. But the book gives even more. It lovingly guides the reader towards what really strengthens them; God’s word, His relentless love and wonderful promises. Hands down, this is the best book I’ve ever read to help mentor and guide single moms.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL BOOK! I cried a few times reading different stories and I love how concrete this book is. Meaning, goal setting! Being a single mama is enough already but a book of guidance to plant seeds on decision making! Kudos to Pam Farrel and PeggieSue Wells.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had known about this book when I first became a single mom. I will likely buy this one to hand out. It’s very helpful in walking you through practical and biblical steps to living this new life and making wise decisions.

[Eve.makuefo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!!!

Wow this book? A MUST HAVE... The authors gave some powerful advices based on their experiences. I have been totally transformed.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good for single moms or for those who know single moms and want to understand more about our hearts and struggles.

[Melissa Corrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ended up skimming the majority of this book because it’s the main Sunday school answers of Jesus, the Bible, and salvation.

[Mark McElreath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful teaching for single moms to make intentional steps toward healing and helping their children. Also helpful for parents of all stages.