How do you afford everything as a single parent?

It's good to hear that others are dealing with this stuff too.  I'm actually living with m y parents right now just so I can save some money.  I'm getting $200/month in child support for 2 kids & it hasn't started coming yet.  Just know that some way some how you'll make it & your kids won't suffer as long as you're there to love them.

Thanks.  Great comments and ideas.  Really appreciate it.

You can also look at how many activities your kids are doing. It wouldn't hurt to cut back on some of their extra activities. Depending on age and how many children you have that could help a lot. It doesn't hurt to say we can't afford all this. Have them pick one thing each child really wants to do.
I think they need to learn that gas is expensive and groceries have gone up. When that happens the budget needs to be tightened. It will help prepare them to be responsible adults. If they are old enough they can look for cheaper alternatives. Take them to the grocery store and teach them to comparison shop.
I've always done that with my two daughters. They are both grown and are very responsible about money and paying their bills.

It is extremely hard being a single parent financially. I too am one now after 2 months post divorce. I have two small kids which I have about 60% of the time, 40% with their dad. I am lucky in that their father pays me child support on time and is just as involved now as he ever was. Even with the support payment though (and with myself making a decent salary) I find it different now to be a single parent and living on my own with my own expenses. I guess the hard part is trying to live as I did when I was married. Before I was pretty much able to do what I wanted and did not worry about finances. Not to say that I blew money, but if I was buying something I did not think about an extra dollar or two. Now that I am more on a paycheck to paycheck living it is something that I need to get used to. I find myself searching around before I just buy something and I dont always buy exactly what I want if it will save me money. I have tried to cut corners and save a few dollars here and there....like not buying drinks at lunch (taking the free ones provided by my work)...just one example that over a month saves me some money. If you can find a few items like this overall you will have more money each month. It is hard to change what we are used to doing each month financially, but I have learned that I wont be living like this forever. Each year I will hopefully make more money to ease what I am feeling now. Plus I dont know the age of your kids, but mine are in daycare and as they get out of daycare in years to come that bill will come down which will be a huge help! Hang in there. Do a budget spreadsheet and see exactly where your money is going every month...then see where you can cut a few corners. I did that and it helped me see what my fixed bills were and where I could save money. Good luck! Also where is the children's mother? Is she paying for part of support for the children? You should not be doing this on your own!!!