My partner is a medical professional, which often leaves me navigating parenting solo. When he is home, he excels as a supportive partner and father, engaging in playful activities like building Lego structures and whipping up baked goods. However, there are many times when my children and I are on our own.
I take great pride in managing my three kids as we venture around town together. Initially, I invested in a cumbersome triple stroller, only to quickly dispose of it. Instead, I have opted for scooters, balance bikes, and two-wheelers, allowing my older children to get to the nearest park while I manage the baby. In moments of crisis, I rely on the baby carrier, even though my youngest weighs close to 25 pounds, as I push the two older ones in the double stroller.
I often call upon the goodwill of others to assist me—whether it be holding a door open, lifting the heavy double stroller up steps, or watching a child while I settle a bill at a café. My mornings often begin with the loud, eager calls of my boys, waking up far earlier than I’d like. My responsibilities include fixing toys, inflating bike tires, changing batteries, parallel parking, shoveling snow, disposing of trash, cooking, and cleaning. I often label this experience as “solo parenting.” But in reality, I’m not.
Despite how frequently I find myself alone with the kids or how much of their care falls on my shoulders, I can never truly comprehend what it means to be a single mother. Those incredible women are genuinely navigating this journey alone.
We flock to parks whenever the weather permits—not just to let our little ones expend energy before naps but also to connect with other mothers in the community. We enroll in parenting classes, join breastfeeding support groups, arrange playdates, and create online forums—all in a quest for connection. We come to realize that parenting is not a journey to be taken alone.
When I’m maneuvering that double stroller or loading my kids into the minivan, or even during chaotic dinner hours when I’m juggling their needs, I sometimes feel overwhelmed. However, I remind myself that at the end of the day—perhaps not until later in the week—my partner will return to acknowledge my efforts and provide the emotional support that is invaluable, even if he can’t always lend a hand.
It must be profoundly isolating for those who know their partner won’t be coming home. For them, being “on your own” is not just a fleeting moment while waiting for a text from their spouse. They are their child’s sole source of support, and they must also bear the financial responsibilities.
So, no, I’m not truly solo parenting—not even close. But this is a tribute to those who are. Whether you’re younger or older, whether your children remind you of a loved one or of someone you never had, you carry the weight of being the sole provider for your family. You have to possess all the answers—not just for your children but also for inquisitive strangers. You don’t get to say, “That’s Dad’s job” for tasks you’d prefer to avoid. You change every diaper, soothe every nightmare, and never get a sick day.
Who can you turn to for relief? Who do you confide in? Who do you instinctively contact after a minor fender bender, like I did this morning? How do you muster the energy to fulfill your children’s needs? Who loves them as much as you do? Who reminds you of your worth—especially when you’re in sweatpants?
This is my heartfelt homage to you, Single Mother. If you’re managing to smile, if you’ve washed your hair, or if you’ve simply made it through another day, you deserve recognition. And I’d be delighted to meet you at the playground anytime.
For further insights into home insemination, check out Make a Mom’s guide to the Cryobaby At-Home Insemination Kit. For those looking for additional resources, Parents.com offers an excellent overview of the IVF process. And if you’re interested in at-home insemination options, consider the BabyMaker Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo.
In summary, while my experiences as a parent can feel overwhelming at times, I recognize that I am not in the same position as those who parent alone. They deserve our admiration and support for their incredible strength and resilience.
Keyphrase: solo parenting
Tags: home insemination kit, home insemination syringe, self insemination