Dear Single Mom,
This week, you’ve been on my mind more than usual. As Mother’s Day approached, I couldn’t help but reflect on your journey. I understand that this day can feel complex for you. I was a single mom for nearly five years, and I’ve seen my sister navigate it for seven. My mother has spent most of her life as a single mom to four kids.
Mother’s Day can be a tricky holiday for you. Without a partner or the father of your children to shower you with love, pamper you, or encourage your little ones to treat you to breakfast in bed, it often feels unfair. You absolutely deserve those moments as much as any other mom.
You might also carry a weight of concern about your child on this day, wishing they had someone to help them craft that perfect gift. There’s the worry that your sons may not learn how to care for their future partners, or that your daughters might struggle to accept kindness from their spouses. It’s painful to grapple with feelings of sadness and guilt when the focus should be on celebrating you.
Perhaps you’re feeling angry, hurt, or even isolated. Even if you have a supportive network, when the day’s festivities wind down, it often ends with just you managing everything once more. After all, like my mother, you may have spent many Mother’s Days when your kids were too young to fully appreciate the day.
To All the Single Moms
To all the single moms out there, here’s what I want you to know about this special day. The hardest part of being a single mom for me was the overwhelming sense of responsibility. It felt like everything rested on my shoulders — providing, nurturing, teaching, and disciplining — without a moment to breathe.
So, on this Mother’s Day, I want to gently remind you: you are not alone. Even if you feel completely unsupported. Even if you’ve been a widow since your child was born. Even if their father chose to step away entirely. You are not alone.
This year, I hope you find some moments of peace. I wish for you to receive a sweet, handcrafted card from your child, or perhaps a small gesture of love. May those who care about you shower you with attention and appreciation. I hope your children give you extra hugs, delightful cuddles, and plenty of smiles. Treat yourself to a little indulgence, whether it’s catching a movie or enjoying a manicure. Bring the kids along; the salon staff will understand, and if they don’t, well, it’s Mother’s Day after all! If nothing else, treat yourself to the meals you love (skip the chicken nuggets) and bake your own cake — just keep an eye on those sprinkles!
And even if none of these things happen, I want you to hear me loud and clear: You are a mom. You are unique, vital, and incredibly strong. This weekend, I’m celebrating you. There is no one else like you in your child’s life. You can do this. You will do this.
Happy Mother’s Day!