Going it alone since pregnancy: Parenting advice from Jessica, single mom of Sierra, 9, and Christopher, 7
Q: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a Solo Mom?
A: Never thought that I would be a Solo Mom.
Q: What do you think society thinks about Solo Moms?
A: Sometimes I feel as if society doesn’t give the Solo Mom enough credit. I mean, we have to be both mom and dad.
Q: What are some of the challenges you face as a Solo Mom?
A: The biggest challenge of being a Solo Mom is you never get a break. You can’t turn to someone and be like “It’s your turn to do baths tonight.” It’s all on you.
Q: What are some of the victories you’ve experienced as a Solo Mom?
A: I would have to say getting all the hugs in the world from both of my kids.
Q: As a pregnant Solo Mom, what were some of the challenges you faced doing it on your own?
A: I was six months pregnant with my daughter when I left my husband. I had to move back in with my parents, and they helped me care for my daughter. I was also part of Healthy Families in Warren County [Virginia, a nationally accredited and an affiliate organization of Healthy Families America (HFA)]; they do in-home visits, and they help you be the best mom you can be. They were always kind, always bringing new material for me to read. They even videotaped me with my daughter.
Q: What was the most rewarding thing about doing it on your own?
A: Knowing I could do it all on my own, without the help of a man; I have my parents, who help out a lot with my kids. My schedule doesn’t allow me to be home at night with my kids, so they have to stay with my parents. I don’t know where I would be without my parents around. They truly help me out more than anything.
Q: What advice can you give other Solo Moms in your situation?
A: Don’t ever give up. No matter how bad you think it is, you cannot give up. If you do, you will be giving up on your kids. When things get tough, take a deep breath and relax.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com
Kristy Summers is a Solo Mom to five amazing children and an advocate for single mothers, encouraging them in all their experiences, from financial struggles to overcoming negative stereotypes. An avid writer, she’s working on a book aimed at helping broken women become whole again.
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