In 2020, I navigated the challenges of being a single parent to my eight-year-old son while balancing a master’s degree and part-time work. Our home, a quaint Queenslander, lacked outdoor space and basic comforts like air-conditioning, forcing us to adapt to our limited environment. The lockdowns turned our kitchen into a multifunctional space for work, schooling, and socialising, pushing me to dream of a larger home despite financial constraints.
Later that year, I moved in with my long-time friend, Jen. Our shared income enabled us to rent a spacious three-bedroom house equipped with air-conditioning and a large backyard—an incredible upgrade that provided my son with ample space for play and celebrations. While it brought financial relief, the arrangement also fostered friendship, with shared responsibilities such as bills and groceries.
My experience mirrors that of Lenine Bourke, a Brisbane renter and single parent. Bourke has experienced various forms of shared housing, highlighting its cost-saving benefits, especially as she juggles work and caring for her children, one of whom has disabilities. The rising costs of living have prompted many single parents, like myself, to seek co-living arrangements as a means to alleviate financial pressure.
Challenges abound for single parents in Australia, where housing issues are a long-standing concern that has worsened significantly. Many single-parent families struggle to secure suitable rentals, with some applying to numerous properties without success. According to the Council of Single Mothers and their Children (CSMC), single mothers experience housing insecurity at rates significantly higher than the general population. The rise of shared living arrangements offers a lifeline, with organisations like CSMC facilitating connections among parents seeking co-living opportunities.
Co-living has not only strengthened financial stability for me; it has also enriched our sense of community. We could organise holidays, share meals, and alleviate each other’s burdens—such as when Jen would care for my son when I had late work commitments. The emotional support and companionship provided a significant boost to our mental well-being, helping counter the isolation many single parents experience.
However, co-living isn’t without its challenges. Open and honest communication about boundaries and practicalities, such as chores and routines, is crucial for success. Individual preferences for privacy and parenting styles can complicate shared living, which is why established friendships and aligned lifestyles tend to yield the best results.
As I prepare for another move following my previous housing arrangement’s conclusion, the ongoing rental crisis weighs on my mind. With rising rents and limited choices, many single parents face mounting stress. Yet, the positive experiences I’ve had through co-living have reshaped my understanding of family and home. As Bourke poignantly puts it, “out of crisis often comes resilience,” suggesting that innovative living arrangements could truly redefine familial support systems in challenging times.