Ava Johnson gets candid about the experience of being raised by a single mother. In her recent heartfelt blog post, she sends a powerful message to all single moms: you are more than enough. Ava, known for her role in “Life Unscripted,” opens up about the challenges she faced growing up in a world where two-parent households were the norm.
“I had a single mom. I still have a single mom. It’s not a secret,” she shares. “Navigating life in a school filled with mostly two-parent families was tough. Father’s Day? That’s a whole different ballgame! The anticipation hits me like a tidal wave every year. I try to ignore it, but those ads for ‘Father’s Day BBQ Specials’ and ‘Dine with Dad’ events make it impossible.”
Families come in all shapes and sizes—some have two moms, others have two dads, and some are led by a single parent due to various circumstances. In fact, one in four kids in the U.S. is raised by a single parent. Yet, society still seems to fixate on celebrations that can leave out those without a traditional family structure. Events like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and father-daughter dances can be painful reminders for those who don’t fit the mold.
Ava poignantly points out, “These traditions can sting for those of us who are missing a parent. The thought of not having a father to dance with at my wedding or to walk me down the aisle is a constant reminder of what I lack. It leads to feelings of loss, jealousy towards those who have what I didn’t, and a confusing sense of inadequacy.”
There exists an unofficial support network among kids raised by single parents, and Ava emphasizes how invaluable it was to connect with others who understood her experience. “The upside to this feeling of loss is knowing you’re not alone. Back when I was a kid, it felt like I was a rarity. There were only a couple of other kids in my school who shared my situation, and most of them had lost a parent to death. Yet, this shared experience forged a bond between us that no one else could truly grasp.”
Despite the sting of exclusion from mainstream celebrations, Ava wants all single parents to know one crucial thing: you are enough. In fact, she often takes her mom out on Father’s Day to honor the dual role she played in her life. “She was both my mom and dad. I don’t want her to know that it still affects me years later—30 years later—because I don’t want her to feel like she wasn’t enough. She was always enough. She is enough. Sure, she wasn’t perfect, but to me, she was the best mom ever.”
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In summary, Ava Johnson’s reflections on growing up with a single mom highlight the strength and resilience of single parents everywhere. They remind us that love and support come in many forms, and sometimes, just one parent is all you need.