My partner is a doctor, which means he’s often away. When he’s home, he’s an amazing dad and husband, bringing laughter with games of Tickle Monster and baking delicious muffins. But more often than not, my kids and I are navigating life solo.
I take pride in managing my three little ones on my own. I once purchased a triple stroller, only to quickly realize it was a cumbersome beast that I could do without. Now, I invest in scooters, balance bikes, and two-wheelers so my older boys can zip off to the nearest park while I carry the baby. When they’re having meltdowns, I strap on the baby carrier—even though my youngest is nearly 25 pounds—and push the older two in our double stroller.
At times, I lean on the goodwill of passersby to help me through doorways, lift the heavy stroller up the steps, or keep an eye on one of my children while I settle a bill at a restaurant. My mornings often start with the familiar sound of my boys waking up way too early, hollering, “Mooooooommmmmm! Is it morning yet?!?” I tackle repairs, pump air into tires, change batteries, parallel park, shovel snow, take out the trash (and splinters), prepare meals, and clean up. I sometimes joke that I’m “solo parenting.” But the truth is, I’m not.
No matter how frequently I’m the only one caring for my kids or how overwhelmed I feel on certain days, I’ll never truly know what it means to be a single mother. Those incredible women are genuinely doing it all on their own.
We gather at playgrounds whenever the weather allows—not just to let our little tornadoes burn off energy, but also to connect with other moms in the neighborhood. We join parenting classes, breastfeeding support groups, arrange playdates, organize carpools, and create chat rooms and blogs to foster connections. We all recognize that parenting is challenging, and we can’t do it alone.
When I’m pushing that stroller or juggling three kids in our minivan, trying to keep up with their demands during dinner, brainstorming activities that won’t drive me insane on Saturday mornings, or feeling trapped at home due to naps that never align, I sometimes start to feel sorry for myself. But then I remember that eventually, my beloved partner will return to remind me how wonderful I am, offering praise for “doing it all” and providing that essential emotional support, even if he can’t always lend a hand.
I can’t imagine the loneliness of knowing that your partner might come home late—or worse, not at all. The feeling that “going it alone” is a permanent state, with no anticipation of a text saying they’re on their way home. You are everything your kids have, and on top of that, you shoulder the financial responsibilities too.
So no, I’m not truly solo parenting—not even close. But I want to give a heartfelt shout-out to those who are. Whether you’re younger or older, whether your children remind you of someone you loved and lost or someone you never knew, you are the one who has to have all the answers—not just for your kids, but also for curious strangers. You don’t get to delegate tasks or take a break while someone else makes breakfast. You change every diaper, soothe every nightmare, and you don’t get sick days.
Who provides you with relief? Who do you vent to? Who do you call when you accidentally bump another car while parking (like I did this morning)? How do you summon the energy to meet your kids’ every need? Who loves them as fiercely as you do? Who tells you that you look beautiful, even in your sweatpants?
This is my tribute to you, Single Mom. If you’re smiling, if your hair is washed, if you made it through another day—heck, if your kids are dressed—you deserve a medal.
And I’ll gladly meet you at the playground any time. For more information on navigating parenthood, check out this insightful post about home insemination or explore this comprehensive guide on artificial insemination. You can also find valuable resources about fertility at Science Daily.
Summary
This article reflects on the challenges and joys of parenting alone while acknowledging the unique struggles faced by single mothers. It highlights the importance of community and support, celebrating the resilience of those who navigate parenthood without a partner.