5 Truths Single Parenting Has Taught Me

This #SingleParentsDay discussion has been sponsored by Angel Soft® and The Motherhood. All thoughts are my own!

More than 12 million mothers and fathers are raising their children solo. On March 21st, National Single Parents’ Day, we recognize the dedication, sacrifice, and hard work that comes with the single parent territory.

Being a parent is hard. It’s actually the hardest job on the planet. Unfortunately, children don’t pop out of the womb with an instruction manual or “how-to” guide. We have to grin and bear it through the tough times like teething, tantrums, insomnia, and the art of having a teenager. You take the good with the bad and work with it. After the first few years we become superheroes, wearing a cape comfortably under our bath robes. As a mom it’s always been my responsibility to nurture, protect, teach, and encourage my daughter to be the best person she can be. That’s tough work, especially when you’re doing it alone on a daily basis. My daughter’s father is present and a huge part of her life so I’m not exactly a solo rider on the roller-coaster of parenthood, but still a single mom nonetheless. For the past seven years I’ve learned to embrace that role with the support of family, friends, and my one-of-a-kind kiddo who offers boundless love.

As someone who’s experienced the journey first hand, here are 5 Truths About Single Parents that I’ve discovered over the years.

1. The bond created between a single parent and their child is STRONG. It’s unbreakable, untouchable, and unique in many ways. My daughter and I have always had a special connection, fostered by love. Like all relationships, it takes care and attention on a daily basis. This is especially true if the other parent is not involved. In some cases, one party has to make up for what is lacking and while it’s not always a cake walk, we love extra hard so they aren’t missing out on their absence.

2. Single parents understand the true meaning of being selfless in every aspect because we rarely get a break. Heck, eight years later and I still can’t use the bathroom or eat a meal without a little human asking me a million questions. This also includes doing what’s best for our children even if it means always putting their needs before our own. The constant demand to be present physically and emotionally is overwhelming. Finding balance between everyday obligations and responsibilities may pose a struggle but we never view it as impossible. Every decision, big or small, is made with care because they’re depending on us. Somehow we manage to do it all on our own and we’re okay with that.

3. Years of independence and sacrifice have made us great role models. We’ve developed a mindset to accomplish goals and build a foundation that will help in creating a better life for our child, regardless of what it takes and how much sleep may be lost in the process. Raising a thoughtful and compassionate human being is serious business, especially when starting from scratch. Living as a single parent doesn’t stop us from working double time to do so. It’s practically second nature.

4. We’re experts at multi-tasking and time management because it’s essential to parenting survival. When done correctly and under the right circumstances, juggling daily duties is effortless. Each day we learn something new to master, whether it’s how to pack a lunch and get them dressed in under 5 minutes or cooking dinner while tackling the dark abyss known as the laundry room. There are plenty of days I wish I had someone to help me match socks or fold towels but it could worse.

5. Single parent households are no stranger to society. With over 12 million in the world, raising a child on your own has proven to be possible time and time again. Despite the misconceptions, not all of us are desperate for love or a partner to relieve us from the “sorrows” of solo parenting. Priorities change when you have children and that special one-on-one bond is just as fulfilling without someone else in the picture. I enjoy our mommy-daughter movie dates, sharing secrets, and making the rules without having to negotiate with anyone. After experiencing a failed relationship or marriage, it’s perfectly fine to become picky in who you choose to bring into your family dynamic.

On National Single Parent Day, Georgia-Pacific’s Angel Soft toilet paper brand is launching a touching video celebrating and recognizing the joys and challenges of being a single parent. It will shares the stories of three single parents and how they have overcome incredible odds through raw, personal interviews. It ends with a granted wish that will help make their everyday lives a little easier. Be sure to share and give a BIG HUG to those special single moms and dads in your life.

The National Single Parent’s Day video is the latest iteration of Angel Soft’s “Be Soft. Be Strong” initiative which highlights the softness and strength of all types of families to handle life’s circumstances. You can also view these warm fuzzy moments on Angel Soft Facebook page and website.