10 Unexpected Benefits of Being A Single Mom
Being a single mom is hard. You have to manage the financial pressure, societal issues, personal health issues, and emotional issues of raising a child alone. Furthermore, if you are a working single mom, you have to manage both your career and your child alone.
However, there are some unexpected benefits to being a single mom.
Happy You
Knowing that you are role-modeling a happier, better-balanced version of yourself helps you through some of the tougher days. Here is a being a single mom quote that will make you happy and inspired.
“Being a single parent is twice the work, twice the stress, and twice the tears but also twice the hugs, twice the love, and twice the pride.” ~Unknown
ME Time
Once the kids go to sleep, you can take time for yourself. This is the precious time to spend with a good book, with your favorite TV show, with your friends, at the gym, or in pursuit of a hobby. Adult, kid-free time.
“As a single mom, I’m juggling a lot and working long hours. Yes, it costs them a little, but what my children get in return is a mother who is energized and content.” ~Edie Falco
Less Drama
You will be satisfied in knowing that you are doing the best you can and that there is no one to second-guess the decisions you are making. At the end of the day, you answer to your own conscience. You know that you have found new strength and confidence in your ability to handle situations that were not there before. As Emma Johnson, author of The Kick..ss Single Mom, has put it into words beautifully –
“If you fight with a crazy person, an onlooker cannot tell the difference.” ~Emma Johnson
Grateful You
Raising a child alone is such an opportunity to discover more things about yourself. It’s an opportunity to prove to the world that you are capable and strong enough to raise a child alone. Of course, you cannot disregard the fact that your family is always there to support and guide you. You feel grateful for their support and love.
“The best part of being a mom to me is unconditional love. I have never felt a love as pure, a love that’s as rewarding.” ~Monica Denise Brown
Proud You
Becoming a mom means you put your child above your own wants and needs. Often, you doubt yourself for being a single mom but looking at your child will bring you so much pride and joy. Yes, it’s hard but fulfilling.
Wrong turns, humiliating flops, painful heartbreaks – blogger and author Mandy Hale has been through it all. Here is one of her words of wisdom to single moms –
“Single moms: You are a doctor, a teacher, a nurse, a maid, a cook, a referee, a heroine, a provider, a defender, a protector, a true Superwoman. Wear your cape proudly.” ~Mandy Hale
Growing Together
Mother is regarded as the first and best teacher of a child. As a single mom, you are free to love and raise your child the way you see fit, according to your values and wisdom.
“She has to have four arms, four legs, four eyes, two hearts, and double the love. There is nothing single about a single mom.” ~Mandy Hale
Stronger You
Slowly, you will find that you are raising an extraordinary child and you are truly blessed. You will find your strength, determination, courage, and identity. And maybe single motherhood had to happen in order for these traits to surface.
“A single mom tries when things are hard. She never gives up. Believes in her family, even when things are tough. She knows that above all things… a mother’s love is more than enough.” ~Deniece Williams
You are The Boss
You don’t have to compromise or negotiate matters like which school to send your child, where to live, what to do, and health care decisions. No damaging arguments in front of the children help them understand how to resolve differences with love and compassion.
“Being a working mother and a working single parent instills in you a sense of determination.” ~Felicity Jones
New Perspective
Slowly, you will find that it is a lot easier handling the parenting responsibilities on your own than carrying a partner who cannot pull his own weight. A two-person parental unit is not a “need.” A strong, loving, nurturing relationship is.
“I am a single mom, and I’m the breadwinner, and I have to work, and I have to do these things, and that’s just the way it is. I don’t think my son even knows any different.” ~Charisma Carpenter
You Did It
As a single mom, you focus on the NOW and celebrate what you DO have. At some point, your child will tell you were the only parent they ever needed and that you gave them all the love and support they needed. You see them succeed – and guess what? – you can take full credit – you did it on your own.
“I know how to do anything, I’m a mom.” ~Roseanne Barr
Having said all that, in some ways, it’s a lot easier to parent alone. Not only do you have more responsibilities, but you also have more freedom as a parent and more time with your children. Shout out to all single moms making non-traditional families work: Rock On!