When I moved from Mississauga to Brockville in February 2024, I didn’t have a long-term blueprint — I had a toddler, a car, and the hope that this move would give us both a fresh start. It’s now July 2025, and while so much has shifted in that time, one thing remains true: this change, born from a separation and rooted in necessity, has quietly reshaped our lives.

The decision to move in with my mum wasn’t taken lightly, but it offered stability when we needed it most. Over time, our new setup began to feel less like a temporary fix and more like a real home — especially the day my daughter casually referred to it as “home” for the first time. She’s three. That word meant everything.

Here’s what the last year and a half has taught me about moving as a single mum — from finding childcare to contemplating schools, managing costs, and redefining what “community” looks like.

1. Childcare First, School Next

When we first landed in Brockville, the immediate priority was daycare. I work full-time, and I knew I needed reliable childcare that felt safe, supportive, and engaging. I braced myself for a waiting game — but to my surprise, Brockville had a solid range of options. I found a daycare spot far more quickly than expected, and it’s been a lifeline in more ways than one.

Looking ahead, school is the next big step. My daughter turns four next year, and we’ll begin that next phase — the one that comes with tiny backpacks and the bittersweet first-day photos. There’s a school just down the road, which we’ll likely consider. Logistically, it makes sense. Emotionally? Still processing.

📝 Tips for Parents Navigating Daycare & School:

  • Call around early. Daycares and schools often have fluctuating spots — the sooner you reach out, the better.

  • Consider your work schedule. Look for places that offer before- or after-care if you need it.

  • Don’t underestimate small schools. Sometimes a nearby school with smaller class sizes can offer more individualized attention.

2. Costs & Affordability: Beyond Rent and Mortgages

Housing costs weren’t part of the equation for me — moving in with my mum meant we had the breathing room we needed financially. But childcare? That was where I felt the weight.

Compared to Mississauga, Brockville has proven more manageable when it comes to things like daycare fees and everyday expenses. The slower pace also eases the pressure to constantly spend — a welcome change for any solo parent.

💡 A Few Cost-Saving Habits That Helped:

  • Meal planning and prepping. It’s not glamorous, but it’s a game-changer.

  • Second-hand treasures. Local buy/sell groups are great for toys, clothing, and even furniture.

  • One car is enough. I’m grateful transportation didn’t need to change. A reliable vehicle goes a long way in rural areas.

3. Rural Life vs. City Life: Trade-Offs & Truths

Mississauga and Brockville offer different versions of accessibility. In Brockville, everything we need — groceries, appointments, daycare — is close enough by car. Public transit doesn’t reach surrounding towns as easily, but since I already own a car, that hasn’t posed a challenge.

What has been surprising is the tight-knit feel of the community. People take a moment to talk. They notice if you’re new. While I didn’t move here in search of community, it found us anyway — in the small gestures, the familiar faces, and the sense that you’re not just passing through.

4. Living with Family: New Dynamics, Shared Space

One of my biggest concerns wasn’t the town or the costs — it was the household dynamic. Moving in with my mum came with a lot of gratitude… and a little uncertainty. Would our rhythms clash? Would my daughter adjust?

Thankfully, we’ve all found our flow. We’re a quiet bunch who enjoy our own company, and our home has become a shared space of calm, comfort, and routine — just what we needed after so much change.

5. Moving with Kids: Emotional Transitions Take Time

Toddlers feel more than they say. When we first arrived, my daughter held tightly to her routines and favourite objects. There were moments when I wondered if she’d ever feel settled. And then, one afternoon, she called it “home.” Just like that.

That small moment held so much meaning. It reminded me that while change is hard, children adapt. They ground themselves in love, familiarity, and presence — and that’s something we can give, even when everything else is shifting.

🧸 A Few Things That Helped Us Adjust:

  • Keeping routines intact. Bedtime, mealtime, playtime — consistency is comforting.

  • Giving her space to explore the new place. Letting her “own” her room and belongings helped it feel like hers.

  • Naming the change, gently. “We live here now, and it’s okay to miss the old place too.”

Final Thoughts: A Move Isn’t Always a Restart — Sometimes It’s a Reset

Relocating as a single parent is never just about packing boxes. It’s about building safety, creating rhythm, and finding ways to stay grounded when everything around you feels uncertain.

Moving to Brockville didn’t solve everything. But it gave us space to breathe. It gave me the support of family, the security of reliable childcare, and the surprising ease of a smaller town that still offers what we need.

If you’re considering a move — for a fresh start, a better fit, or something in between — I hope this helps you feel a little less alone in the process.

Your Turn — Have You Made a Move with Kids?

I’d love to hear your story. Have you relocated recently? What made it work (or not work)? What helped your child adjust? Share your experience in the comments. Let’s keep this space real, relatable, and supportive — because we’re figuring it out, one move at a time.