Being a single mother is not easy, but it is also rewarding. Single mothers are women who have a child or children but do not have a spouse or live-in partner to assist in the upbringing or support of the child. There are many reasons why women become single mothers, such as divorce, break-up, abandonment, becoming widowed, domestic violence, rape, childbirth by a single person or single-person adoption.
Single mothers face many challenges, such as financial hardship, social stigma, lack of support, isolation, stress and health problems. They also have to balance their work and family responsibilities, often without much flexibility or help. They may struggle to find affordable and quality childcare, health care, education and housing for themselves and their children.
However, being a single mother also has many joys and benefits. Single mothers are strong, resilient and independent women who can make their own decisions and raise their children according to their values and beliefs. They can also form close and loving bonds with their children and provide them with positive role models. Single mothers can also find support and friendship from other single mothers who share similar experiences and challenges.
Single motherhood is not a one-size-fits-all experience. It varies depending on the circumstances, personalities and preferences of each woman and her children. Some single mothers may choose to be single by choice, while others may have no other option. Some single mothers may co-parent with their ex-partners or receive child support from them, while others may have no contact or assistance from them. Some single mothers may date or remarry, while others may prefer to stay single. Some single mothers may have one child, while others may have several.
Whatever the case may be, single motherhood is a valid and valuable way of living and parenting. Single mothers deserve respect, recognition and support from society and their communities. They also deserve to celebrate their achievements and enjoy their lives as women and mothers.
Some of the benefits of being a single mother include:
- Getting closer to your kids: Spending quality one-on-one time with your kids allows you to develop a unique bond that may actually be stronger than it would have been if you were not a single parent². You also get to know your kids better and understand their needs, interests and personalities.
- Experiencing authentic community: Kids raised in single parent families are often surrounded by a village of supporters, literally. In many cases, members of the extended family will step up and play a significant role in the children’s lives. And single parents who don’t live near family may choose to participate in community groups—including single parent support groups, churches, and synagogues—which champion the entire family.
- Sharing responsibilities: Children raised in single parent families don’t just have \”token\” chores to do in order to earn an allowance. Instead, their contribution to the entire family system is necessary. A genuine need for their assistance helps your kids recognize the value of their contribution and take pride in their own work.
- Learning how to handle adversity: Children in single parent families witness conflict mediation skills in action. They get to see their parents working hard—despite their differences—to collaborate and work together effectively. In addition, the kids are forced to deal with their own disappointments early in life. They learn how to cope with stress, overcome challenges and bounce back from failures.
- Accessing welfare benefits: Single mothers may be eligible for various government-funded programs that can help them meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life. Some of these benefits include Medicaid, School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program, Weatherization Assistance Program, Paid Family Leave, Local Food Banks, Unemployment Insurance and Women, Infants, and Children Program.
