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Five Women Share Their Favorite Thing About Being a Single Mom
It’s important to celebrate the joys of single motherhood—and possible to do so without discounting its challenges.
As a society, we talk a lot about the difficulties of single motherhood—and we should. We should be recognizing that raising children is a full-time job and that doing it without a partner is double the work. We should be making affordable and accessible childcare a priority, especially for parents who don’t have a secondary source of support. We should be creating space for single parents to succeed in the workplace.
But single moms are not tragic figures, and painting them as such might do more harm than good. Whether someone ended up on this path by chance or by choice, it’s important to celebrate the joys of single motherhood—and possible to do so without discounting its challenges. Below, five women share what they’ve gained by raising children solo.
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Alone Time
If you’re co-parenting, the best thing about it is that when your child is with their other parent, you get true alone time—which can be extremely rare for people who have kids. When my son is with his dad, my time is completely my own. I can go on dates; I can take myself out to lunch; I can rewatch Downton Abbey in a cold dark room. Basically, I can do whatever I want. Time like that is hard to come by when you’re in a relationship.
—Kelsey Hutchins, Founder of House of Hudson Interiors
Confidence
Being a single mom has taught me to be strong and independent. I’ve learned to rely on myself and my own abilities, and it’s given me a new level of self-confidence. I know I can handle anything that comes my way.
—Sara William, Editor at BestPaintSprayerz
A Strong Bond
While I’m no longer a single mom, I was for the first five years of my daughter’s life. This gives me a unique perspective, as I can see it from both sides. I had my daughter when I was 22 and working as a receptionist at a doctor’s office. Oftentimes, being the only parent and having to do everything for your child is overwhelming. There’s no delegating tasks or asking someone else to change that poopy diaper (again). But on the upside, I loved being the sole person my daughter looked to for comfort. I provided every basic need she had, and due to this, we formed such a strong bond. I also got to experience every first and was her #1 cheerleader along the way. I look forward to raising a strong, kind, and smart young woman—and to being the person she turns to when she is in need.
—Ashley Potter, Founder of Parents Wonder
Autonomy
The best thing about being a single mum is that I can raise my son the way I want, without having to constantly negotiate with or correct the other parent’s behavior. Single parenting takes much less effort (and is more fun) if the other parent is not sabotaging my efforts.
—Agnes Szafranek, Project Manager at a Medical Research Company and Writer at Pet Care Link
A Best Friend
To me, one of the best things about being a single mom is watching my daughter grow in a healthy environment filled with love and positive support, and giving her all the guidance she needs to navigate through her present stage. I also cherish knowing that, as a single mom, I am my daughter’s best friend and confidante.
—Rinal Patel, Founder of Suburbrealtor
