The other day, my mom visited and we got into a conversation about chores. My partner and I have been trying to get our boys to pitch in more around the house, and honestly, it feels like trying to squeeze a rhinoceros into a medicine cabinet. The struggle is real!
Mom chuckled and shared a memory from when I was nine. She declared that she was done doing laundry for us. “I was a tired single mom,” she said, “and I told you, ‘If you want clean clothes, you’ll have to wash them yourself.’ And that was that.” Oh, I remember protesting when I had to take on my own laundry duties. The same went for the dishes every night before bed (we didn’t have a dishwasher back then), making my own lunch in the mornings, and prepping for dinner in the afternoons.
But there was no room for negotiation. My mom was our only parent for much of my childhood and worked full time as a teacher. With limited hours in the day and no extra adult help, my sister and I had to step up when it came to chores.
I didn’t really grasp the immense pressure my mother faced until I became a mom myself. Even with a supportive spouse, managing everything felt overwhelming. Now that my kids are older, I still find myself racing against time.
I often wonder how my mom managed it all while providing us with endless love and support. She was a true badass. And that resilience definitely rubbed off on me.
Reflecting on leaving home for college, I realized I had a unique advantage. Unlike many of my peers, I had no issue adapting to adult life. While some friends had never even done their own laundry, I was already a pro. I could cook, clean, and manage my responsibilities without needing nudges from my parents.
From the start, I was fiercely independent—landing my first job at 18, managing my finances, and tackling college applications and student loans all by myself. I stumbled along the way, but I never hesitated to take charge of my life. That spirit was ingrained in me, thanks to my strong, resilient single mom.
Single mothers don’t just push through because they have to; they do it out of love for their children. They’ve faced hardships but emerge fierce and unyielding. I know my mom often worried about the life she gave us—wishing for more time, more money, and more support. I see the same concerns echoed among my friends who are single moms.
Despite the challenges I faced growing up—from my parents’ divorce to custody battles—being raised by my single mom was not the issue. In fact, her steadfastness and love were the most stable parts of my life. Yes, it was chaotic, and I certainly grumbled about chores, but my mom was my anchor and role model.
Single moms are true superheroes. The circumstances they find themselves in aren’t always what they wanted, but that doesn’t stop them from being amazing parents. They wake up each day, pushing through exhaustion and self-doubt, simply because they love their kids fiercely.
I channel my mom’s tenacity, especially during tough times. I think of her when my family faced challenges after the recession, relying on unemployment and food stamps. I reflect on her strength as I juggle work, parenting, and keeping the house in order. And somehow, I manage to get it done every day because that’s how my mama raised me.
If you’re interested in more stories or insights, check out this blog post that delves deeper. And for advice on comfortable footwear during those busy parenting days, visit this resource. Also, for anyone exploring pregnancy options, this link provides excellent information.
In summary, growing up with a single mom taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of love. Her strength shaped who I am today.