My partner is a dedicated surgeon, which often means he’s away from home. When he is around, he transforms into a fantastic dad and partner. Think Tickle Monster antics, engaging Lego masterpieces, and the smell of freshly baked muffins wafting through our home. However, more often than not, my three kids and I are navigating life without him.
I take immense pride in managing outings with my trio—whether it’s hauling them around town in a triple stroller (which I quickly learned was more hassle than help) or investing in scooters and balance bikes for my older two so they can zip to the nearest park while I carry the baby. When chaos erupts, I strap on the baby carrier, even though my youngest is a hefty 25 pounds, and push my big boys in the double stroller.
Sometimes, I depend on the goodwill of strangers to help me through doors, lift that cumbersome double stroller up the steps to our home, or keep an eye on my kids while I settle a restaurant bill. Mornings often begin with the loud, enthusiastic calls of my boys waking up way too early for my liking: “Mooooooommmmmm!!!! Is it morning yet?!?!” I tackle everything from fixing things around the house and inflating bike tires to parallel parking and shoveling snow. I say I’m “single-mommin’ it,” but the truth is, I’m not.
No matter how frequently I’m left to care for my children alone or how overwhelming the daily responsibilities can be, I will never truly grasp what it means to be a single mother. Those incredible women face the world entirely on their own.
We gather at playgrounds whenever the weather allows—not just to release our little bundles of energy, but also to connect with other moms in the neighborhood. We join parenting classes, breastfeeding support groups, and arrange playdates, all in the pursuit of community because we’ve come to realize that parenting is a journey best shared.
When I’m pushing that massive stroller or loading three little ones into our minivan, or when I’m juggling dinner preparations while trying to meet their needs, it can all feel incredibly daunting. I often feel confined at home because there’s always someone napping, never all at once. Just when I’m about to feel sorry for myself, I pause. I remember that eventually, my wonderful husband will return and remind me of all I do. He praises me for “doing it all,” providing the emotional support I need, even when he can’t physically assist.
It must be profoundly isolating for those who know their partner may not come home at all. The reality of being “on your own” isn’t a temporary phase; it’s a permanent state, especially when you’re the sole support for your family.
So, no—I’m not single-mommin’ it. Not even close. But to those who are doing this alone, I see you. You might be younger or older. Your children may remind you of someone you loved deeply who is no longer with you, or perhaps of someone you never had the chance to meet. You carry the weight of being the go-to person for every question, not just from your kids but from well-meaning yet nosy strangers. You can’t pass off tasks by saying, “That’s Daddy’s job.”
You change every diaper and soothe every nightmare. You don’t get to take a sick day. Who offers you relief? Who do you vent to? When things go awry, like the time I accidentally bumped into another car while parking (just this morning!), who do you call? How do you find the energy to meet all your kids’ needs? Who loves your children as fiercely as you do? Who tells you that you’re beautiful, even when you’re in your sweatpants?
This is my heartfelt tribute to you, single moms. If you’re managing to smile, if you’ve washed your hair, if you’ve made it through another day—if your kids are even dressed—you deserve a medal.
And hey, I’ll meet you at the playground anytime!
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Summary:
This article is a heartfelt tribute to single mothers, acknowledging their immense strength and the challenges they face in parenting alone. It contrasts the author’s experience with that of single parents, celebrating their resilience and the unique struggles they navigate daily.
Keyphrase: single mothers challenges
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