What is the hardest part about being a single mom?

Lakisha - posted on 01/05/2010 ( 1374 moms have responded )

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my question is basically asking what would make being a single parent easier in your opinion; what is lacking in your life pertaining to rising your kid(s) by yourself?

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Brittany - posted on 05/31/2010

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i never get a brake i allways have Layla not that i dont love her because i do but somethimes i just need to be alone and i never get that she even sleeps with me i will but he in her bed and when i get up in the morning she is in mine i think just never having time for myself

Mogire - posted on 05/31/2010

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the loneliness and sacrifices, thinking boit the uture all alone but always like to conentrate on the positive that will actually m,ake it to provide, make him happy and see himhave the best education no matter what. when I fel so down i call a few friends justto chat so I feel like am not all alone in this world. doing it all by yourself at times you feel like a break but when you think of baby's safety and comfort you do without. ita hardbut focus on the positive

Telika - posted on 05/30/2010

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lacking an adult convo and imtimacy the hardest part is finding a babysitter to get out when you are sick you have no one to take care of them at least w/o complaining,thats it

Charlena - posted on 05/27/2010

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Single moms run in my family , I guess we are just to good of women to keep a man lol so being a single mom comes pretty easy to me , but I wouldnt mind finding a job where I can work from home so i can be with my babies all day I hate that i work 9 hours a day 5 days a week .

Dawn - posted on 05/25/2010

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The thing that makes it hard for me is that my son was born 4mths early and i had to give up everything to make sure he made it. and knowing that his father isn't involved i have to struggle with money and making it to doctor appointments but when i see him progress everyday knowin that he over came the obstacles i am blessed

Alesha - posted on 05/25/2010

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for me its not having a "complete" family...i want my daughter to have both a mommy and a daddy daily in her life

Chelsey - posted on 05/24/2010

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I would have to agree with most of you gals on here! The hardest thing is not having your own space... your alone time... and being so lonely. I love my daughter sooo much and she is my bestfriend! but i miss that affection hug from someone who loves you, that kiss just to say hello.... i miss my adult time. Its hard finding a man who is ok with you having a child and its harder choosing that guy who you can trust to help raise your baby with you! My daughter helps me forget these problems when i pick her up from daycare and she comes running into my arms just so excited to see me and gives me the biggest kiss. I never saw myself raising a child right now but i think it has changed my life in the most amazing way. I believe one day i will find that special someone and we can raise our family together. Some days are harder then others but the sun always comes back shinning! I love that little squirt.

Danielle - posted on 05/17/2010

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The hardest part for me is not necessarily being a single mom, but being a single mom of two - one of which has special needs. It is like having two infants, and while I love both of my little God-sent angels very much, I sometimes get frusterated and fall into the "why me" game we all know so well.
Another problem is the lonliness and lack of adult conversation - that can drive a person mad and make them speak in Sesame Street all day and night! lol

Maria - posted on 05/16/2010

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For me the hardest thing about being a single mom is the fact of being the only one to make decisions, break up arguments an trying to figure out what would be the best thing to do for the household..An the number 1 thing would be the lack of the second income..

Rhonda - posted on 05/16/2010

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The fact that you can't have sick days...you have to be there always..but at the end I think it's worth it and i won't have it any other way...

Kelly - posted on 05/13/2010

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the times i find hard being a single mum is when my baby boy was poorly in hospital on a number of occastions so everythink else goes out the window such as bills housework an the stress of doing it all alone but i wouldnt change it for the world because its made me stronger an more determined to prove his dad an the rest of the world wrong im a great mum because my 11mth has clothes on his back food in his tummy an all the love that he needs im lucky as he sleeps through the night has done since birth an he always smiling even when poorly xx

Andrea - posted on 05/12/2010

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Being a single parent is hard because you have to organize the things in life and make sacrifices so that you can take care of your children and you have to pray and ask God for help and to see your children be happy you can feel encouraged to go on as a single parent because with your faith and the help from God you will make it as a single parent.

Monica - posted on 04/30/2010

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My kids are older, and its hard. Became a single parent after 21 years of marriage, but spend the last 2 on my own with my girls Not an easy road, perhaps in some ways easier with older kids.

Tarnz - posted on 04/30/2010

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having only two hands...thankful i have a huge heart...which keeps me going...looking into my sons eyes makes me stronger...i live and parent each day as though its my last...4 ever 2 gether 2 love 1 another....4221....

Amanda - posted on 04/28/2010

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not havig fredom like everyone else. my family helps a little bit but they have there own life and the dad family don't call me to see if i need any help or anything like that. so alone,don't have any help from anyone speicality when you need to care for yourself

Melanie - posted on 04/28/2010

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I don't have any problems with raising my son as a single parent, my only issue is the loneliness of being a single mother

Julie - posted on 04/28/2010

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I too am sitting here looking at all these posts... nodding my head. I agree ... and I am glad that I'm not the only one that feels guilty... I often feel guilty for taking me time. And sometimes putting the kids off for a few more minutes.

Chelsa - posted on 04/27/2010

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I miss thirty minute showers, sex, and sleep, Oh Gods, sleep.

Chelsa - posted on 04/27/2010

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I miss thirty minute showers, sex, and sleep, Oh Gods, sleep.

Rachaelle - posted on 04/26/2010

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I think "ONE" of the Hardest parts is when you just have that one day when things seem to be goin bad- kids wont listen, hair wont lay right, they spill something on their shirt right as u'r walkin out the door, u lock your keys n the car, etc.... and then when u try and stop for a second to say things will be ok, u start thinkn: Where is daddy? ANd things would be a lot smoother if u had that back up person to catch u when u fall at times like this. When u sit an think, WHY should I have to go at this alone. But the best part is when u pull urself tgether and look at ur kids and can honestly say: "I DID IT" Ive made it thru one more day.

DONT GIVE UP MOMZ we can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rachaelle - posted on 04/26/2010

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I think "ONE" of the Hardest parts is when you just have that one day when things seem to be goin bad- kids wont listen, hair wont lay right, they spill something on their shirt right as u'r walkin out the door, u lock your keys n the car, etc.... and then when u try and stop for a second to say things will be ok, u start thinkn: Where is daddy? ANd things would be a lot smoother if u had that back up person to catch u when u fall at times like this. When u sit an think, WHY should I have to go at this alone. But the best part is when u pull urself tgether and look at ur kids and can honestly say: "I DID IT" Ive made it thru one more day.

DONT GIVE UP MOMZ we can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Caitlyn - posted on 04/18/2010

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I think the hardest thing is when you just want a break, but you can't because there's no one else to do all those parenting things for you, at the end of the day though every second is worth it.

Caitlyn - posted on 04/18/2010

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I think the hardest thing is when you just want a break, but you can't because there's no one else to do all those parenting things for you, at the end of the day though every second is worth it.

Melissa - posted on 04/18/2010

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DOING EVERYTHING ON YOUR OWN

Andria - posted on 04/18/2010

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There is a lot of things that would make it easier but some of them are just out of the question. It would be nice to have some help so I could have some me time, but I manage. It would also be nice if the fathers would be in there lives to help out, but that's out of the question. Neither one is stable enough to take care of themselves let alone a child. But I do love being a mommy.

Alma - posted on 04/18/2010

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It is just double the work without any breaks unless a family member or a friend watches him for a few hours for me.... However I know when he is gone how much I miss him and I know that I would not change a thing.

Shevaughne - posted on 04/17/2010

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Nothin missing at all. In fact far more peaceful and far more consistent for me and My child. There is no conflict of beliefs which makes it easier to get routines and behaviours on the go. I guess some people ( adults) need somebody intheir lives because they are not comfortable being on their own. I do not have these needs to be with someone and aprreciate the blessiing of my child so much - he comploetes my life totally. Everything you do as a single mum suits you and you dont have to balance another third party to accomodate them . it is sefish I guess but it is also so much easier .

Elizabeth - posted on 04/16/2010

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I have no problem being a single mom, but it does bother me at times that i'm still single.

Elizabeth - posted on 04/16/2010

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I have no problem being a single mom, but it does bother me at times that i'm still single.

Tiffany - posted on 04/16/2010

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I think it's a combination of having to be take care of everything by myself and when my girls com home from their dad's house, it takes a couple days for them to remember they're home and mom doesn't put up with the things that dad does. Getting them to pick up after themselves and be respectful is difficult. Being able to pay for everything and still being able to have the money to let the kids do activities like dance and softball is sometimes a struggle also. However, I wouldn't trade any of it for the world! I love my kids!

Danielle - posted on 04/15/2010

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The hardest thing for me right now is that when my son comes home from a weekend with his dad he is a holy terror. His dad lets him do whatever he wants and gives in if he starts to throw a fit because its easier than disciplining him. I have gotten to the point that I actually talked to his father and told him either he needs to get his act together and on the same page as me or he would just have to deal with seeing him less.

Danielle - posted on 04/15/2010

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The hardest thing for me right now is that when my son comes home from a weekend with his dad he is a holy terror. His dad lets him do whatever he wants and gives in if he starts to throw a fit because its easier than disciplining him. I have gotten to the point that I actually talked to his father and told him either he needs to get his act together and on the same page as me or he would just have to deal with seeing him less.

Mary - posted on 04/14/2010

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My hardest part is the teenage years. I have 3 kids: 19, 16, and 12. Along with this comes the attitudes. My boys have only spent maybe a total of 2 years with their dad and my daughter hasn't seen her dad since May '05. I've tried to raise my kids to the best of my ability, work, take care of the house, and now that I have lost my job due to a closure, I am going to school to get my degree. I have high expectations for my children to get good grades in school so I try to uphold my expectations on my grades also. Another hard thing that I have had to endure while my children have grown up is my oldest blaming me for their dad not being in their lives and being in prison. That was his choice to have the lifestye he has, not mine. My daughter doesn't even want anything to do with her dad. I'm just afraid that with her turning 13 this year, he is going to come back and want to try to start visitations with her. I really don't think that will happen with her going but i don't want the added stress of fighting with him. Basically, I guess I'm saying is that everyday life is hard when you are a single parent, but somehow, someway, we all get through it. You just raise the kids the best way you can and hope that once they are grown, they take something with them that you tried to bestow upon them.

Jennifer - posted on 04/14/2010

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Hardest part for me about being a single mom is knowing that "dad" is the "fun dad". He doesn't work steady *union* and is always spoiling my daughter. She tests him and he gives in and lets her get away with things she wouldn't DARE try with me. Also the day after she comes back from Dad is hell. Let the reprograming begin! Also being the sole breadwinner makes it difficult. Paying housing costs alone (dad is VERY irregular with child support unless he's unemployed completely) and having to pay for daycare. Good luck ladies. I hear your pain/joys! :)

Amanda - posted on 04/13/2010

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there are many of things that are hard with being a single parent. but wut hurts the most is dealing with a father who doesn't take care of his child and you have to do it all but urself and he's sitting there telling u ur a bad parent and doesn't pay child support. and he calls just to fight with you, saying he wants to spend time with his kid but only to make u feel horrible before and after he spends time with ur kid.

Kellie - posted on 04/13/2010

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I agree with most everybody, the hardest part for me is not having that person there when im sick, or have worked all day, or am just ready to pull my hair out; to step in and take control and to pull my weight. It sucks when you always have to play through the pain, because my childrens father is not in the picture at all.

Pamela - posted on 04/13/2010

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Hi , I opinion on the recent topic is this, I am raising two teen girls and i dont have any thing lacking or missing from raising them by myself. I say this because I have very good children, the in raising them is always keeping the lines of communication open. Dont ever close the door of communication with your children. Me and my girls talk about any and everything. To make things easier would be that you do everything you can do as a parent and not worry what the other parent is not doing. Dont focus on what daddy is not bringing to the table. Focus on being the best that you can be to your child and yes its hard, you get burned out sometimes, but its worth it when you see that your children are getting good grades, respectable, love going to church just to name the few.

Pamela - posted on 04/13/2010

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Hi , I opinion on the recent topic is this, I am raising two teen girls and i dont have any thing lacking or missing from raising them by myself. I say this because I have very good children, the in raising them is always keeping the lines of communication open. Dont ever close the door of communication with your children. Me and my girls talk about any and everything. To make things easier would be that you do everything you can do as a parent and not worry what the other parent is not doing. Dont focus on what daddy is not bringing to the table. Focus on being the best that you can be to your child and yes its hard, you get burned out sometimes, but its worth it when you see that your children are getting good grades, respectable, love going to church just to name the few.

Pamela - posted on 04/13/2010

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Hi , I opinion on the recent topic is this, I am raising two teen girls and i dont have any thing lacking or missing from raising them by myself. I say this because I have very good children, the in raising them is always keeping the lines of communication open. Dont ever close the door of communication with your children. Me and my girls talk about any and everything. To make things easier would be that you do everything you can do as a parent and not worry what the other parent is not doing. Dont focus on what daddy is not bringing to the table. Focus on being the best that you can be to your child and yes its hard, you get burned out sometimes, but its worth it when you see that your children are getting good grades, respectable, love going to church just to name the few.

Pamela - posted on 04/13/2010

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Hi , I opinion on the recent topic is this, I am raising two teen girls and i dont have any thing lacking or missing from raising them by myself. I say this because I have very good children, the in raising them is always keeping the lines of communication open. Dont ever close the door of communication with your children. Me and my girls talk about any and everything. To make things easier would be that you do everything you can do as a parent and not worry what the other parent is not doing. Dont focus on what daddy is not bringing to the table. Focus on being the best that you can be to your child and yes its hard, you get burned out sometimes, but its worth it when you see that your children are getting good grades, respectable, love going to church just to name the few.

Courtney - posted on 04/13/2010

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No one to support me. No shoulder to cry on. No one to go to bed with.

Dajana - posted on 04/12/2010

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Yes, that's it! That's the way I feel - exactly.

Stephanie - posted on 04/12/2010

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The hardest thing for me is having to explain why mommy and daddy aren't together anymore and why he can't see his older half brother and sister very often. It doesn't help that his daddy tells him that someday we'll be a family together.

Jeanene - posted on 04/12/2010

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I have been a single mom for thirteen years, I think a good support system is a must!! I have my children enrolled in mentoring programs...camps..I also rely heavily on church support!! Joining a parent group with people also in your situation helps a great deal! I also find that taking "little me vacations" is a must! For example a hot bath, a walk, a favorite magazine or book, and if I can afford it I date myself! I go all out buy flowers, and dinner, movie whatever pleases me at the time! So important to love yourself! Ever been on a plane?? Well, they tell you in the event of an emergency put your oxygen mask on first, then your childs! Well...it is this way in life as well!!!

Alicia - posted on 04/12/2010

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Not having anytime for myself cause once you put them to bed you are still cleaning or so tired you are falling asleep on the couch. My daughter is 11 & my son is 7 & I wonder if I am doing right by them alot. My daughter wants more freedom & my son has a really bad temper & needs more structure but I am only one person & I have a hard time sometimes finding the happy medium

Chrissonya - posted on 04/11/2010

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I have been a single parent for the eight years of my twins' lives. It has been a true struggle from day one. I think the hardest thing has been not having someone to assist you with the daily rountine. I have to do the extracurricular activities, cook dinner, assist with homework, pick out clothes, help with getting ready for bed, and provide mental, emotional and finanical stability. My family and close friends help me and of course the help of God has made the difference. It is all worth it though!!! :)

Chantal - posted on 04/11/2010

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The hardest thing for me is feeling lonely, when my little lady has gone to bed and im on my own its housework or tv, it gets very lonely. Although she is 8 months now and im getting used to it just being myself and my princess. The only thing i can think of that might help that is if there were a young mums group, i have tried going to mum and baby groups but there does seem to be many young mums there which kinda puts me off. My advice to anyone who feels the same as me is simply it will get better as soon as you start to feel comfortable in your own company. Try to find things that you can do alone that takes your mind off everything else, for example i play the dance mat on ps2, im reading a baby signing book which is so interesting and thats also something i can put into practice when im with my baby. A she is not deaf nor disabled however i have worked with disabled children before and i feel its an amazing way to communicate with your baby and is also a skill that in turn she can take through life with her. Hopes that helps any mummys who feel similar to me x

Kathy - posted on 04/10/2010

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Lack of sleep!!

Kimberly - posted on 04/10/2010

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There are sooo many posts where I am just nodding and saying, "Yep! Me, too!" Nevertheless, I had to add my own just to vent it out - my son's "biological father" never sees him (never even asks) and that's great for me because he's a prick! He lives in another state so that makes it easier, but my son is going to be 3 yo soon and every so often he says something about "daddy" and I just look at him and find creative ways to divert his attention. He's never known "biodad" to be daddy so that helps. Other than that, though, EVERYTHING is hard. I've seen money issues, lack of support, no free time, being the "mean mommy," etc. and that is all so true. I think that mommy guilt in those few moments that I DO get is also pretty difficult. I even feel guilty in the times when I don't feel guilty! LOL Also, I've seen dating in the list and that's true. I'm at the point with a terrific guy now when I'm considering letting him meet my son, but I'm very apprehensive about it because if it doesn't work out and my son gets attached, that may be really hard for him which will be agonizing for me. I have some help, but it always comes with strings attached. And in times when I either need to work at home or just wanna surf the web mindlessly while he watches Backyardigans and Thomas but he just keeps coming in the room ... and that little, sad face when I promise to come in and play in 5 minutes ... UGH!



I'm glad loser dad isn't around, but I sure could use some help sometimes.



Thanks for the chance to get that out!!!

Theresa - posted on 04/10/2010

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In my opinion in making single parenting easier is consistency from the other parent as far as certain disciplinary rules well as financial help from the other parent. It is already a struggle as it is to raise a child by yourself and unnecessary stress is annoying.

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