Keke Palmer has the first few days of motherhood behind her, welcoming her son in the last week of February, and she’s already learned a lot in that short time. New mom to a little boy named Leodis Andrelton Jackson, Keke shared a candid message with her Instagram followers highlighting the challenges of motherhood she’s already learned in a week’s time.
In her selfie-style video, Keke addressed single moms specifically.
Wearing square-framed glasses and a gray top with white stripes, the new mama spoke directly to fellow parents, giving praise to single moms.
"I just came on here to say, if you are a single parent, pull out your cape,” the 29-year-old mama said.
'Matter of fact, clip your angel wings.'
In the minute-long clip, Keke admits that she doesn’t know how single moms are able to do what they do after she’s come to understand more about parenthood.
Being mindful of not coming across a insensitive, Keke acknowledges that the journey to becoming a single parent can be complicated.
There’s no one-reason-fits-all for single parenthood.
“I really don't want this to sound pander-y or something like this,” Keke admitted.
“I know there are a million and one reasons why somebody wants to be a single parent or becomes a single parent. Maybe they lost somebody. Maybe they don't want to deal with somebody. Maybe it's a choice."
But no matter the reason, Keke has learned how challenging doing this alone can be.
"But when it comes to raising a kid, I've already learned in these short few days that it takes a village,” Keke shared. “And sometimes that's a privilege.”
"And I just want anybody out there that's a single parent that's been doing this,” she continued. “Friends of mine, people that I don't know, family members of mine — [know that] I really am, in my heart — it brings tears to my eyes. I am just truly, profoundly impressed."
She captioned the video, 'I ain’t gon' lie, I’m gettin' COOKED!'
The video went viral quickly on Instagram with more than 7 million views, and it sparked an important conversation about how support for a mom can make a world of difference.
“Single parenting ain’t NOOOO JOKE!” someone wrote. “Mine is a senior next year and I’ll never do it again. Rewarding, but very difficult.”
“Whew i have a village and I’m so thankful for them and don’t know what or where i would be without them,” someone else shared. “Cuz the days i do, do it alone I’m exhausted.”
“TRUTH!!! It’s one of the first things you realize as a new mom!!!” another comment read.
Supporting new parents can sometimes just look like being honest and candid about how hard parenting can be. It's clear Keke's video really resonated with so many.
