I became a mother to my first child at the age of 18, two weeks after graduating high
school.
Three years later in 2010, I welcomed my daughter again as single parent.
Today, my son is 17 years old and a high school senior and my daughter is 13 and an 8th
grader.
I am the sole provider and I receive no child support or financial assistance.
Being a parent is a full-time job in itself, but having to do everything alone makes it
harder.
I have a wonderful family who are very hands-on and will assist me with my children
while I work if needed.
So many mothers do not have a support system or foundation, and moms do need
breaks for our mental health.
I know there are single men raising children by themselves, so I certainly give them
props as well.
Today’s world is growing increasingly scarier and violent and raising teenagers or
children in general is definitely a task in itself.
Working a full-time job, maintaining a household, and ensuring my children are safe and
happy is my biggest focus.
Sometimes new relationships for me fail because I’m so busy and most people when
dating want all your attention.
Mothers need time away from their children and daily responsibilities just to decompress
themselves and have some alone time.
Postpartum depression is a disorder not commonly discussed and many mothers end
up hurting their children and themselves due to not receiving the help they need.
If you know or see a mother of father struggling, be a listening ear or send them some
kind words or motivation.
You never know how just one conversation or remark can impact a person’s mood or
mindset that day.
Asking for help is very hard for me and being the sole provider can sometimes get
exhausting, but I know I must continue.
Some tips to help single parents balance daily life along with parenting include:
Ask for help.
Take your mental health seriously.
Schedule self-care.
Create quality family time.
Be a parent, not a friend to your children.
As a mother, sometimes life gets overwhelming, but I never let my stress and emotions
show to my children.
Women are looked at to be these strong and resilient people, but sometimes being
strong is a challenge.
Knowing that I have the support and love of family and friends makes my load easier to
carry.
Raising emotionally stable, intelligent, and hard-working children is my goal.
I plan to always be a shoulder to lean on for my children, while allowing them to lead
full, healthy lives.
Growing up in the 90s-2000s is very different than today’s generation, social media
plays a big role on influencing our children whether good or bad.
I won’t allow my situation to turn me bitter or angry, I will be the best role model for my
children and all those I encounter.
Life’s challenges only make us stronger and being able to give birth and parent children
is a gift.