Raising children alone can be quite a challenge. Most single mums will feel the need to put on a brave front like they have it all together, but this is exactly what it is – a front!
The image that modern day society portrays of single mums is still very negative, which creates an added pressure to “have it all under control”. Sadly, this can be far from true: most of the time we are trying to cope, just like everyone else is. So here are just five things you may want to know about being a single mum that you might not have considered…
1. When you ask a single mum, “How are you?” and they reply, “I’m fine, thanks” nine times out of ten this is not the truth.
2. Having to explain to another child in the playground, who may ask us, “Why does your child not have a daddy” with the loudest voice ever, can be quite uncomfortable and make us feel like more of a failure.
3. Having a reliable and non-judgemental support network that helps out with the school run and after-school pickup when running late is very helpful, and can be a huge deal for us mums who are doing it alone.
4. That text message or phone call offering to look after the children at the weekend so you can unwind is very needed. It does a lot for improving a single mum’s wellbeing and sense of self-worth.
5. Sometimes it’s not always easy to show just how appreciative we feel when help is at hand, but always remember that it is so needed and truly appreciated
Fiona Small
