Kudos to Those who Parent Alone

Posted by mamas

Posted: April 23, 2008 - 11:22 pm

Recently, I had a crazy and stressful day without a single break in it that just seemed to escalate as it went on. This is not so unusual or out of the ordinary in many ways for a mom, but it was especially awkward since we did not see my husband all day long. I didn’t realize how much it would affect us. My toddler and I went about our normal day to day routines, but at some point patience wore thin. Even the dog seemed out of sorts. By the end of the day, my stress level had reached its zenith and I was missing my husband and the help that he provides.

I didn’t realize how much we act as a team daily, until he was suddenly unavailable for an extended period of time. We look out for each other’s well being by ensuring that the other gets a nap, a walk, a break, or food when needed. We do all this without consciously thinking about it because it’s what works and it prevents either parent from burning out. Taking turns and evenly dispersing responsibilities, makes for a happy family in our case. Of course we do what we have to do and if I were a single parent, I would certainly buck up and move forward, but I just want to take a moment to recognize those who are in this situation right now.

My bad day turned me toward contemplation. I thought of all the single parent families I know or the ones who have spouses deployed in the military or who are gone for weeks at a time on the slope. My hat goes off to all the mothers and fathers who have to “go it alone” and who strive to raise their children every day to the best of their ability without someone by their side to help out. I know it can be done, and we do it because we have to and we love our children. I don’t take for granted the fact that my husband and I split childrearing duties, household chores, work, and many more things in a fifty-fifty manner most of the time. Through my extremely trying day, I decided that I needed to take a moment and give a shout out to all the mothers and fathers who parent alone for any amount of time.

I appreciate that you don’t give up on your children and that every day you determine to do the best that you can, even if it means that you don’t get a break and life doesn’t slow down for you. You are raising children and should be commended for giving them your all. You don’t know how much you influence those children’s’ lives or who they are destined to become, but you keep doing the little things that will make them into “big” people in more than one way. Your determination and steadfastness will pay off in children who walk with the confidence of those who are loved. You may never be awarded a trophy for the sacrifices that you are making, but you will see your reward in the form of a life nurtured into adulthood. Keep up the good work and be encouraged that you are not truly alone, as many parents shoulder this same burden. Stay positive and don’t forget to take care of you as well. Thank you for your contribution to the world that will show through your children.

Do you parent alone? Were you raised by one parent? Share your stories and responses.

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