We're parenting experts and here are 9 tips to help you survive Father's Day as a single mother

Three experts share advice for mothers navigating Father's Day aloneREAD MORE: When is Father's Day? From gift ideas to the date's history 

Father's Day is just around the corner, and with it, the memories created by children as they proudly celebrate their dads.

But for some families, the absence of a father can make the day difficult, as others around them celebrate.

And while solo parenting is challenging all year round, some mothers may find themselves increasingly overwhelmed as they are forced to celebrate the occasion without a father's presence.

Three British parenting experts have shared advice for single mothers, offering tips on how to navigate Father's Day with a positive mindset.

One expert suggested focusing on 'fun not feels', while another warned mothers to stay off social media so they can avoid negative influences.

Father's Day is a special occasion, one filled with pride as children celebrate their beloved fathers. But for some single mothers, it can be a difficult time (stock image)

Jo Studholme, a single mother of three children and the editor of parentingexpert.co.uk, says Father's Day should be a 'positive experience' for both you and your child.

She explained: 'Father's Day can be a rollercoaster for single mums. Sometimes there is a father who your children will want to celebrate, but of course, not all children have a father who is active and present in their lives for a whole host of reasons.

'You might see social media filled with heartwarming affirmations, and it's natural to feel a mix of emotions. But fret not Supermums! There are ways to get through this day and create a positive experience for you and your little ones.'

For mothers that co-parent with their children's father, Surrey-based parenting specialist Kirsty Ketley advises letting your child spend the day with their dad.

'A lot will depend on the individual situation, but where possible, children, as long as they want to, should spend Father’s Day with their dad' she said.

'So even if it’s mum's weekend to have the child, an agreement should be made and mums should ensure that their child has, at the very least, a card for their dad.

'This may be an agreement with the child’s paternal grandparents or another family member that they will sort, or mum taking responsibility, but as always, the needs of the child must be paramount and taken into consideration'.

Here, FEMAIL reveals the experts' tips on how to survive Father's Day as a single mother.

Three British parenting experts have shared advice for single mums on Father's Day and have offered tips on how to navigate the day with a positive mindset (stock image)

Stay off social media

Kate Nestor, a divorce and separation coach at Stowe Family Law in Harrogate, says keeping off social media apps for the entire day is crucial. She offered the same advice to older children who may be extra aware of their father's absence.

She said: 'Scrolling through other people’s posed happy family photos and posts will not help. It means you will compare your situation to a heavily edited version of someone else’s life. Instead, focus on yourself and your family for the day.'

If you would like to join in, and share your own happy family portrait on Father's Day, try scheduling the post a day before.

Don’t talk negatively about your child’s father

For some mothers, the next tip is perhaps easier said than done, but our experts say it is essential to speak about your child's father in a positive manner.

Of course, in some instances, the saying 'if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all' may apply, in which case, you are advised to keep schtum.

Kate said: 'However tempting, your children are part of you and their dad. If you talk negatively about him, they will feel you are being negative about them.

'That being said, you don’t need to justify, explain or defend his behaviour. Simply acknowledge how they feel, tell them you understand how difficult it is, and let them talk without offering an opinion.'

It is expected that the occasion will rouse some negative feelings, to help counter this, Kate suggests ranting to a trusted friend or family member in private.

Create new traditions 

Jo champions the idea of 'focusing on fun, not feels', so making fun the centre point of the day, as opposed to sad thoughts.

She explained: 'Instead of dwelling on the absence of a father, start a new tradition!

'Plan a fun activity you and your kids love, like a picnic in the park, a movie marathon, or even a DIY craft session. The key is to create happy memories together, making this day special for your unique family unit.'

If you're on a budget, the activities needn't be expensive. Check the next tip for wallet-friendly ideas.

Jo Studholme, a single mother of three children and editor of parentingexpert.co.uk, says mums should focus on 'fun, not feels' and instead concentrate on doing fun activities with their child (stock image)

Make Homemade Gifts

Homemade gifts are more than a money-saving tactic, but also a way of expressing feelings and thoughts unique to only you and not thousands of others.

Jo emphasises that there's something 'truly special' about homemade presents, and what's more, creating them offers the chance to bond with your children and help take their minds off things.

'Get crafty with your kids and create personalised cards, photo collages, or even hand-painted mugs' said Jo. 'The focus is on the time spent together, expressing their love in a creative way.'

Talk to your kids 

Although one goal is to keep both you and your kids occupied, it isn't advisable to avoid discussing the serious nature of Father's Day.

Jo says it's best to 'acknowledge your children's feelings' about their father's absence rather than completely detach from them.

'Let them know it's okay to miss their dad (if they do) or to feel overwhelmed by the day,' she said.

'Open communication fosters trust and allows you to navigate Father's Day together as a team. Remember mums, you are strong, capable, and enough.

'By focusing on creating positive experiences, you can make Father's Day into a day of celebration for your unique family.'

Let children spend the day with their father (if they are in their lives) 

For mothers who co-parent with a present father, parenting expert Kirsty Ketley strongly advises letting children spend the day with their dad.

Kate Nestor, a divorce and separation coach at Stowe Family Law in Harrogate, says single mothers should seek support in the form of family, friends and mum groups (stock image)

The key is to strengthen the bond between a child and their father, and to keep their relationship as healthy as possible.

However, the expert acknowledged how emotionally difficult this may be. She said: 'It will be hard not having your child with you, particularly if your siblings have their children there.'

To combat these feelings, she advised spending Father's Day with your own dad, or if he has passed away, celebrating the memories you once shared.

'Concentrate on your own father and trust that your child is having a good time with theirs,' she concluded.

Invite positive male role models around for lunch 

Instead of focusing on what your child doesn't have, why not focus on the glass being half full and enjoy what they do have?

Look around for father-type figures such as a partner, relative, co-worker or friend that would be happy to spend time with you and your children on Father's Day.

Kirsty added: 'If there are other positive male role models in your child’s life who they are close with - grandfathers, uncles for instance - celebrate them. Invite them round for lunch.

'Make an appreciation card, head out somewhere nice together. They will never be able to replace their father, but it’s good for your child to see the positives of having these people in their life and to show their appreciation.'

Take time out for you

Some single mothers may find themselves feeling guilt-tripped into making the day solely about their children. But if the father isn't around, why not take a load off and enjoy yourself?

Jo says single motherhood is no easy feat and Father's Day should be taken as an opportunity for some well-deserved self- care.

And if you your children are with their father, or another caregiver, opt to take a relaxing bath, read a book, or indulge in a hobby you enjoy.

'Recharging your own batteries is essential for being the best parent you can be,' she added.

Seek support

Single parenthood is tough all year round, however, your circumstance could be manageable with professional support.

Kate explained: 'Solo parenting can seem like the loneliest place in the world sometimes, but you are not alone. There are many other mums in your situation.

'Online communities such as Frolo can help, or look into more local mums groups. And pick up the phone to family and friends. They’ll want to support you.'

Kirsty offered a final world for single mothers navigating their emotions on Father's Day.

'Some mums may feel sad and angry on Father’s Day because it’s a reminder of what their child hasn't got, but it’s good to try and change your mindset and see the day as one to be proud of for all that you do and all that you juggle on your own.'