Right now, my partner is juggling night classes and work, which means he’s out of the house from two in the afternoon until four in the morning. When he finally returns, he grabs a few hours of sleep before waking up around one in the afternoon to eat, shower, and play with our kids for a brief moment before heading out again. This routine stretches across five long days a week, leaving me feeling rather worn out.
I’m at home every day with my 18-month-old son and my 30-month-old daughter. Don’t get me wrong—I love my little ones fiercely. Sometimes, that love feels like it could break me. But with boundary testing, potty training, and meltdowns triggered by the color of the sky, I find myself utterly exhausted.
So drained, in fact, that I made a thoughtless comment to my partner: I told him that I felt like a single parent due to his current schedule. Looking back, that was a pretty foolish statement.
The truth is, I am not a single parent. I have a partner who is working diligently and studying hard, which allows me the privilege to stay home with my demanding toddlers. If I needed him to come home in a hurry, he would be on his way before we even finished our conversation. No matter how distorted my perception may be, I don’t come close to knowing what it’s like to navigate the world as a single parent.
I can’t imagine the exhaustion that comes from balancing work and parenting alone. I don’t know what it feels like to have to make all the decisions without a partner to share the load. The struggles, fears, and weight of responsibility that single parents carry each day are beyond my comprehension.
So to all the single parents out there, I want to sincerely apologize. I’m sorry for taking my situation for granted. I’m sorry for being insensitive and whiny. I’m sorry for trivializing a reality that I can’t even begin to understand.
And honestly, I’m even sorry for the need to apologize. You don’t need my pity. You are doing an incredible job all on your own.
If you’re navigating parenthood solo, remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Resources like ACOG provide valuable information on fertility and family planning that might help you. Also, if you’re considering options for home insemination, check out the Impregnator at Home Insemination Kit and the Babymaker at Home Insemination Kit for further guidance.
In summary, let’s recognize and appreciate the challenges faced by single parents, and let’s commit to supporting one another through this beautiful and difficult journey of parenthood.