My partner, Jake, is currently juggling his education and a nighttime job, leaving him out of the house from two in the afternoon until four in the morning. He typically sleeps from around five in the morning until one in the afternoon, waking just in time to have a quick meal, freshen up, and spend a fleeting moment with our kids before heading out again. This routine happens five days a week, and I’ve been feeling the weight of it.
I am at home every day with our 1.5-year-old son and our 2.5-year-old daughter. I adore them—truly, the love I feel is immense. Yet, amidst boundary testing, potty training, and tantrums about the color of the sky, I am exhausted.
In my fatigue, I made a careless comment to Jake: I said that due to his demanding schedule, I felt like a single parent. That was an incredibly misguided thing to say. The truth is, I am not a single parent. I have a husband who is dedicatedly working and studying, which allows me to stay home with our spirited toddlers. If I were ever in a bind and needed Jake to come home, he would be in his car before I could hang up the phone.
I don’t truly understand the challenges of being a single parent. I haven’t experienced the exhaustion of working all day while also fulfilling both parental roles. I can’t grasp the tough decisions single parents face or the constant fears that weigh on their hearts.
So, to all the single parents out there, I sincerely apologize. I regret taking my situation for granted, and I’m sorry for being flippant and complaining about my circumstances. I acknowledge that my experience pales in comparison to yours, and really, I apologize for even needing to express this. You are managing remarkably well on your own.
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In summary, I recognize my privilege and the challenges faced by single parents. I am grateful for the support I have and the opportunity to be home with my children, and I want to honor the hard work of those who are navigating parenthood alone.