Summary
Single parenting is more than a logistical challenge, it’s an emotional marathon. In this episode of The Moving On Method®, Michelle Dempsey-Multack explores the quiet but corrosive force of resentment, offering a candid look at why it surfaces and how to move beyond it. Drawing from her own journey of raising a young child alone, Michelle identifies the invisible mental load single parents carry and delivers practical strategies for transforming resentment into self-compassion and resilience.
Resentment, Michelle explains, is not a moral failing but a human response to imbalance. It’s the body’s signal that something, usually rest, support, or nourishment, is missing. By naming this feeling and addressing the physical and mental toll of single parenting, she reframes resentment as a call to action rather than a permanent state.
This conversation is both a validation and a guide. It acknowledges the exhaustion and emotional strain of doing everything alone, while offering clear pathways for release: mindful movement, nutrition, community support, and the courage to ask for help. Michelle’s insights are not just for single parents; they resonate with anyone facing overwhelming responsibility.
Ultimately, Michelle reminds us that the strength forged in single parenthood is not about perfection. It’s about showing up, caring for yourself, and teaching your children resilience through your example.
Meet the Expert
Michelle Dempsey-Multack is a certified divorce coach, author, and parenting expert whose work focuses on helping parents rebuild after separation. As a single mother herself, Michelle brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the emotional and logistical realities of solo parenting. Her guidance blends empathy with actionable strategies, making her a trusted voice for parents navigating divorce and co-parenting.
The Big Idea
Resentment is a symptom, not a flaw. It emerges when the demands of single parenting exceed the body’s capacity to cope. Instead of suppressing the feeling or labeling it as weakness, Michelle encourages parents to “name the feeling to release it.” Recognizing resentment as a signal for self-care opens the door to healthier routines, stronger boundaries, and deeper connections with children and support networks.
Key Takeaways
- Naming the Emotion: Saying “I feel resentful” aloud or writing it down interrupts the shame cycle and creates space for healing.
- Care Over Comparison: Social media snapshots rarely reflect reality; stop measuring your journey against curated images.
- Gentle Movement Matters: Walking, stretching, or yoga lowers cortisol and clears emotional residue without the stress of high-intensity workouts.
- Nutrition and Rest Are Non-Negotiable: Simple, protein-rich meals and consistent sleep routines reduce mental overload and physical depletion.
- Community is Strength: Accepting help from friends, neighbors, or support groups is a sign of resilience, not weakness.
Tools, Strategies, or Frameworks Mentioned
- Sleep Hygiene: Creating calming nighttime routines, dimming lights, turning off screens, and using sensory cues like lavender spray.
- Mindful Eating: Preparing simple, nourishing meals or smoothies to stabilize energy and mood.
- Gentle Exercise: Short walks, stretching, and yoga to reset the nervous system.
- Breathing Practices: Intentional deep breathing to regulate stress and maintain emotional equilibrium.
- Support Mapping: Identifying trusted individuals who have offered help and taking them up on it.
Final Thoughts
“Resentment is like swallowing poison and hoping it affects someone else. It never does, it only hurts you.”
Michelle’s message is clear: resentment is not a verdict, it’s a signal. By caring for yourself with the same devotion you give your children, you break the cycle of exhaustion and teach them the power of self-respect. Single doesn’t mean alone; it means strong, resourceful, and capable of creating a loving environment that thrives on authenticity rather than perfection.
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