Don't Be So Negative

I look at myself as being a pretty darn good mother in general. Society created the label of “single” mothers. Since when did my relationship status have anything to do with my parenting skills? Whether I had a partner or not, the values I instill in my son would be the same. I think they’re e a lot of misconceptions that people have about single mothers in general. Why can’t we just be great at raising our children? Are we allowing these negative connotations to dictate what we’re capable of?

As a single mother, I wish society would understand that we’re some of the strongest human beings ever. People that play multiple roles at once usually get paid big bucks to perform. I can assure you though that I’m no Tyler Perry nor Eddie Murphy and I take my payments for performing in mommy I love yous and sticky-face kisses. We had the choice to take the easier way out and continue with our lives but we chose to do what was right and take care of our responsibility. Just because we’re single mothers, that doesn’t mean that we’re uneducated, unemployed, mentally unstable or our children lack for anything. All it means is that we have yet to find our soulmate. I take pride in having a career and not a job.  I feel my motherly duties have been accomplished when I come home from an honest day’s work, flip the switch and the lights come on. I don’t look for any handouts from anyone. Is it hard….hell yes! Do I break down at times…absolutely but I keep going because that’s my only choice. I have someone looking up to me and I refuse to let him down.

I find it odd that when people hear the phrase “single father” a badge of honor and high praise is usually associated with it. However, when they hear “single mother” they think of us in a negative light. Don’t get me wrong, a father that does right by his children is always a positive situation but why is it different for moms? I’d like people to understand that we’re just as great. We’re great decision makers, we’re smart, educated, bread winners, well rounded, patient, chefs, councilors, doctors, teachers, mechanics, bosses and so much more. We do it all because we understand the sacrifices we’d have to make when we made the decision to do this on our own and we do it with beauty and grace.