Thursday, April 18, 2013

It is not easy.

I get asked quite often by women and men alike how hard it is to be a single parent. Most of the time they are in a bad relationship or are in a rough patch in their marriage… They want to hear one of two things;

1) It is much easier than people make it out to be! I mean really, anyone could do it!
2) It is soooo hard. Don't do it! Stay with your partner no matter what!

Sorry to burst everyone’s bubble, but it just is not that simple. Unless I believe someone is in danger I will never tell someone to leave a relationship. It is not my call. I am more than willing to listen and offer my experience, but my life is not the norm.

My experience being a single parent has been hard. I have less free time than my mommy friends. I have less money for entertainment. My energy level is usually pretty low and of course I am tethered to my child more than a person with a co-parent. All of this may make people think I hate being a single parent, I don’t. It is hard. Some days it is VERY hard. This is why I would never flat out recommend taking this route unless you have tried every possible path to recover your relationship or if you and/or your child are in danger.

I love my child and I like my life. It has been a lot of hard work and will continue to be.

3 comments:

Amanda said...

There is no simple answer. Each relationship is unique. However, there are things that people haven't thought about that you can give a glimpse into. Not everyone is willing to be a true single parent. Just keep listening and retelling your experience.

ArtWithAnAttitude said...

Being a single parent is hard work, and I admire all who do it. Twice in my life I have been a single parent, and it is certainly not the easy way out. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend, and thank you so much for sharing your story and experiences
www.mommysrambles.blogspot.com

Claudia said...

I would have to say being a parent is a hard thing. But being a single parent, just raises it up a notch.