Five Challenges Of A Single Mum. Hello everyone, I hope you are all well. In today’s post, I will be sharing the five challenges of a single mum. As a single mum, I have overcome many challenges and still have forever to go. I noticed that most people are unaware of the challenges a single mum or dad goes through. So, with that in mind, I will like to share some of the challenges I have faced myself as a single mum.
Five Challenges of A Single Mum
Isolation
Before I had my daughter, I lived independently – working very hard, having nights out, and paying my bills. However, when Sasha was born, everything ended. I lost my job, no more nights out, no more friends, etc. I just stayed at home (at least for the first 2-3 years).
The first few years were stressful because I was a first-time mum. I spent most days and nights crying out because I could not go anywhere without taking her with me, even if it were to go to the shops for a bottle of milk or bread. I always have to take her with me.
Sometimes you go out for a walk, but the process of getting her ready, making sure she’s warm, the crying and the looks people give you in public places, became overwhelming and made me want to stay home. Although there is a mother’s club, etc., you still wouldn’t go because there will be ‘competition’ mums who feel they have all the answers to your problems.
Decision Making
This could be anything like, which extra activities should she get involved in? Which school was right for her? Or what product should you be using on your child? I have spent so much money and time trying to find my daughter’s best choice. She’s mine, and her happiness depends on me.
When she was ill, I remember coughing up all night, and I tried everything I could to help her, and nothing seemed to be working. I just decided to call the ambulance, and she was refined when they came. You should have seen the looks on their faces.
Lacking Self-Care
Most single mums do not shower three days a week or have a nice home-cooked meal for a whole week. It’s that hard. You wouldn’t have the time to think about yourself. Everything you do from the moment you wake up is attending to your baby. Even when the baby is sleeping, you wouldn’t be able to shower because you are either napping or just thinking about what to do next, what’s for dinner, quietly tidying up the house etc. You just completely forget about yourself or take a shower.
Discipline
Sasha was a good baby. However, when she was about 2 – 3 years old, I saw a new side of her development (Terrible Twos). She started crying a lot, making a mess everywhere. I turn around for 5 secs, and she’s up to something. Can someone please explain how kids can think and act that fast? Talking about it now makes me smile and laugh. How upset I used to get? I used to think I was doing something wrong because she’s well-behaved but not at home when she goes to grandma’s house. Maybe I was not giving her enough love. I asked for advice from doctors, and mums’ chat groups etc. I thought it was my fault this was happening. Everywhere I turned, people said it was normal.
Limitation
Yes, parenting is THE only most rewarding and challenging job anyone could do. It is also a terrifying thing that scares everyone. However, you must remember that being a parent is a part of your life. It’s not all of it. You can still achieve your dreams etc. Having a child pretty much means you have to work around her. Your child comes first and above anything else. There is just little you can do, but one thing I have learnt is that you can not make everyone happy.
Parenting is hard, but we are all doing it.
You have to take it one day at a time.
I hope you enjoyed that.
Talk Soon
23 Comments
Sara Green
I don’t know what it feels like to be a single mom, but with a husband that works over 100 hours a week, I can empathize with single moms. At the end of the day, I do have someone that I can rely on and help. I couldn’t imagine doing this alone, although as moms, when we are faced with that or any situation, we do it because we have too. Thank you for sharing.
Live Learn Better
Wow is all I can say. Even couples go through stress to raise their children talkless of just one person doing the whole thing.
wishing you all the very best and may all your efforts pay off in the long run.
Betsy Carter
I can only imagine how challenging it must be to be a single parent. She’s so blessed to have you as her Mama; it’s inspiring how you put her first, don’t forget to make time to take care of you. It’s not selfish; it’s a healthy way for you to recharge and reset so that you can continue being the best Mama to her. : )
Alexandra
My challenge is going to the doctors or another appointment that is just for one kid. I have 3 boys and when one has a class or doctor’s appointment I have lug all three. And my youngest always has a meltdown and yet I have to be there to talk to the doctor so I can’t just take him outside.
Laura
I was a single mom for a few years. It was tough but also some of the most special times I have had with my kids. I was fortunate enough to have a lot of support though. It can be so hard if yo don’t have that.
Kelly Martin
It must be so hard to be a single mum. I have so much respect for you and other single mums.
Despite Pain
It must be such a huge adjustment going from a single person, enjoying work and social life to becoming a mother. It can’t be easy for two parents working together, but as a single mother, it must be extra difficult. But, as you said, despite the difficulties, parenting must be so rewarding.
Lene Andersen
I have had friends and family members who have been and still are single mothers. Watching them battle their way through it is awe-inspiring and slightly terrifying, too. Would you be able to find a support system of other single moms? I know the problem with that is but you have to be able to leave the house, but…
Gina (Love, Auntie)
Moms are super heroes! Thanks for sharing your struggles. You seem incredibly patient and caring!
Clarice
This is the reason why I have high respect for single moms. It is not easy but their love for their child powers them to give their best. Thank you for sharing about this. Shared this to other single mom friends who are going through the same. 🙂
Clarice
This is the reason why I have high respect for single moms. It is not easy but their love for their child powers them to give their best. Thank you for sharing about this. Shared this to other single mom friends who are going through the same.
Tiffani
After watching what my mom went through as a single mom with two little girls. I have the upmost respect and admiration for her. She and the many others are simply rockstars!!
Cyndi Buchanan
My mom was a single mom. I don’t know how she did it. Now that I am a mom I’m so appreciative of the help I get from my husband.
Marysa
I was raised by my grandmother, so I can relate to all of this. She was disabled and in a very difficult financial situation, so we went through a lot of struggles.
Aditi Wardhan Singh
All these are issues with me as well, and I have a husband to lean on .I can only imagine how much harder it is for single moms.
Rachel
The isolation of being a single mom would be intense. I can’t imagine never having the ability to tag out.
Flossie McCowald
Honestly I don’t know how single parents do it – my hat is off to you and to all of them. I have a hard enough time coparenting with my husband; even with the two of us we’re stretched super-thin, and I cannot imagine if there were only one of us doing the job. Hang in there!
Carol
Being a single Mom is tough. You’re also trying to fill the role of both parents. A great support system, so you can have a few hours to yourself, can make all the difference.
Heena
It is tough job being a mom but being a single mom is way to challenging. Have faith in your self. You are strong enough to take care of your kid and yourself.
Heena
Sarah
It sounds like it’s been really hard for you as a single mom. I’m guessing the isolation made all the other aspects that much worse.
Kris
I have no idea what it feels like to be a single mom but your post made me realize how challenging it truly must be. Being a mother is hard itself, and being the only parent must really be tough. You’re doing a great job! I really admire you.
Elicit Folio
Very eye-opening article about the sacrifices moms make to ensure their babies are cared for. A woman’s job is never done, but should be celebrated more than what it is!
Natalie E
My mom was a single mom growing up and so I know the struggles, but single moms are honestly the biggest inspiration to me! <3
Natalie
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