A few months ago, a virus hit our family and took me and my two kids down. My husband, who has an immune system of steel, took care of us all as the puking started. I was so grateful to him and I couldn't help but wonder how single parents survive stomach bug season. It seemed impossible to me that we survived this sickness together, and I have so much respect for moms who are doing this on their own.
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Single moms are basically parenting rock stars in my world. Co-parenting has its challenges, of course, but having another adult in the house to share the load makes me a better mom for sure.
I talked to some single moms about what their life is like and what they wish other moms knew about the truth of being a single parent. From how close single moms are with their kids to the weird connotations people place on single mothers — the world seems to have a lot to say about women who are raising kids on their own. But the truth is, we all are just trying to do our best to raise good kids. Read on for these women's candid thoughts on the highs and lows of being a single mom — and why we should never judge them. I know I don't.
Image via iStock.com/Geber86
Extra Close
"There are FOR SURE things that are tough about being a single mom to my daughter, but I do think there is a plus side. We are really, really close. Not quite Gilmore Girls, but close!" — J.M.
Oh Please
"I'll admit it — I sometimes roll my eyes when I see my friends who have partners complaining about how hard it is when their husband goes out of town and they have to 'single parent.' No. You aren't a single parent or having my experience when it only lasts for a few days. Please stop it." — D.A.
Better Than Before
"I hate when I feel like people judge me for not being able to stay married to my kids' dad. But I think them growing up with mostly just me is going to be better than them growing up with people fighting all the time." — T.F.
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Empty Nest
"My husband died when my kids were 3 and 6. They are 17 and 20 now and the youngest is going to go to college in a year. It will be so strange having my house empty. It will be like going from 100 percent on duty all the time to nothing. And not having a spouse makes it seem even more stark." — G.R.
I'd Like Love
"I'd like to have love in my life. Or let me be real — I'd like to have some sex on a regular basis! Dating is hard to do when I have the kids all the time. I'm kind of jealous of people who can get laid whenever they want." — P.L.
Money Is Tight
"I don't think a lot of people get how hard financially it is to be a single parent. ALL of the costs of the kids are on me and I HAVE to work a lot to keep us afloat. I wish we had more of a safety net." –P.F.
No Accident
"I hate when people assume that all single moms are like totally sad about it. I'm a single mom on purpose. This pregnancy isn't on accident. Yes, I'm having another baby as a single mom and I have no regrets." — S.F.
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Best I Can
"As a single mom, I worry about my kid being judged by my status, if that makes sense. Like, if my kid is being a turd at the park, it isn't because he doesn't have a dad around. It is because he is 2 and a turd sometimes!
Also: Don't judge me when I seem frazzled and stressed. I am doing the best I can!" — A.T.
Alone Time
"Don't get me wrong, being a single mom can be hard. I do think it is harder than having a husband around. But I do think I have an advantage over other moms, which is that my kids go to their dad's house every other weekend. So I get two days of alone time, which is awesome." — H.M.
I'm Just Like You
"I think single moms and moms with partners are bascially on the same team. We all just want to do the best we can by our kids. If they are happy, I am happy." — I.S.
