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Single-Parent Families


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Single-Parent Families

Overview

The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have taught that “marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017). While this family unit is the ideal, many Church members find themselves in a variety of other circumstances, including in single-parent families. The gospel of Jesus Christ was given by God to bless all His children, without exception, regardless of the family situations in which they find themselves.

Because of a variety of circumstances, including death, divorce, and separation, many Church members find themselves in single-parent families. Regardless of their family situation, all Church members are entitled to receive all the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The structure and fellowship of the Church provide many people who are willing and ready to help parents and children and to strengthen them in the gospel.

Addressing single parents, President Hinckley said:

“This is a lonely duty. But you need not be entirely alone. There are many, ever so many in this Church who would reach out to you with sensitivity and understanding. They do not wish to intrude where they are not wanted. But their interest is genuine and sincere, and they bless their own lives as they bless your lives and those of your children. Welcome their help. They need to give it for their own sakes as well as for your sake.

“We have thousands of good bishops in this Church. We have thousands of good quorum officers. We have thousands of wonderful Relief Society women. We have home teachers and visiting teachers. They are your friends, put in place by the Lord to give of their strength to help you. And never forget that the Lord Himself is a source of strength greater than any other” (“To Single Adults,” Ensign, June 1989, 74).

Related Topics

Scriptures

Scripture Study Resources

Messages from Church Leaders

Additional Messages

Videos

“I’m a Mormon, Single Mother, and Special Needs Advocate”

Learning Resources

General Resources

“Happy Families: Parenting Single But Never Alone,” Latter-day Saints Channel

“Happy Families: When Divorce Happens,” Latter-day Saints Channel

“Pregnant & Unsure: Options for Single Expectant Parents,” Latter-day Saints Channel

Church Magazines

“Single Working Mom? There Is Hope!” Ensign, April 2010

“For the Divorced Single Parent,” Ensign, September 2006

“The Gospel and the Single Parent,” Ensign, January 2004

“When You Don’t Have Custody,” Ensign, April 2002

“Time and the Single Parent,” Ensign, July 2000

“A Comforter for My Heart,” Ensign, December 1999

“Bringing the Priesthood into My Home,” Ensign, August 1998

“A Single Parent, but Not Alone,” Ensign, March 1996

Stories

Teaching Resources

Stories and Activities for Teaching Children

“Teaching the Gospel in the Home,” Family Guidebook

Media

Audio

“Single Motherhood,” The Latter-day Saints Channel Q&A, episode 63

“Interview with Conni Chavez of Happy Families,” Latter-day Saints Channel Daily, episode 721

“Financial Steps for a Newly-Single Mom,” Latter-day Saints Channel Daily, episode 750