To those who know me, I’m not just a writer focusing on entertainment; I’m also a single mom, and I wear that title with pride. What’s the alternative, right? Wallowing in sadness or desperately pleading for a partner? No thanks! After nine years of navigating single parenthood, I’ve learned to tough it out.
However, despite the accolades I receive for managing it all alone, I truly don’t aspire to be a single mom forever. Sure, women are capable of standing on their own two feet, and we might not need a partner, but honestly? I’m ready for a relationship! Married life or at least a committed partnership sounds far more appealing than the current reality.
Watching Netflix’s latest series “The Chair,” starring the incredible Mia Thompson (pun intended), made me reflect on this desire. The show follows Dr. Ji-Yoon Kim (Mia Thompson) as she takes on the role of Chair of the English department at Pembroke University. Ji-Yoon faces the dual challenge of being the first woman in this position while also juggling her responsibilities as a single mother.
As I watched Ji-Yoon attempt to balance her work and parenting, it reminded me just how tough single motherhood can be. Finding reliable childcare is a daunting task, and when your child has a rough day at school or simply isn’t feeling well, you have to drop everything to be there for them. It’s a lot like that song by Beyoncé, you know the one—“me, myself, and I is all I got.”
And if you’re at a certain age, so are your parents, which can mean they’re not always able to help out as much as you’d like. I’ve checked my daughter’s homework countless times because my parents’ “assistance” has led to more confusion than clarity. It’s draining!
None of these challenges are life-threatening, but they can feel overwhelming. As a single mom, chaos often becomes your everyday reality, and it’s hard to envision a simpler life. The only way to ease that burden is to have consistent and reliable support.
In episode 4 of “The Chair,” Ji-Yoon gets a taste of that support when her colleague, Alex Parker, takes a day off to care for her daughter. He not only babysits for free but also tidies up the house and cooks dinner. In that moment, I was reminded of why I can’t envision a life of single motherhood for much longer.
I cherish my daughter and love being her whole world, but I long for partnership. Just once, I want to come home to a warm meal waiting for me. There were times when my daughter was younger that I’d end up falling asleep while putting her to bed, only to wake up frustrated that I hadn’t tackled the dishes.
Not having to worry about your child’s well-being because you know they’re in good hands instead of with a hastily hired babysitter would be such a relief.
So yes, I don’t want to live the single mom life indefinitely. With many women embracing singlehood, I feel the need to voice that I’m not one of them. I want a life where the weight isn’t solely on my shoulders—a life where I can take a break and not stress over chores. A life where I can rest knowing that if I’m unwell, someone else will step in.
While “The Chair” may not be the most thrilling drama out there, it presents a relatable perspective for single mothers. As the season wraps up, there’s a flicker of hope that things can improve—something we all could use in today’s world.
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Summary:
In summary, while I navigate the challenges of single motherhood with resilience, shows like Netflix’s “The Chair” highlight my longing for partnership and shared responsibilities. While I love being a mother, I also yearn for support, stability, and the comfort of knowing I’m not alone in this journey.