I’m a divorced mom who lives with my 2 sons.
If you feel the need to categorize me, then I guess you can call me a “Single Mom”.
I rarely refer to myself as such. I just see myself as a mom.
My kids don’t wake up and say, “Good Morning Single Mom”, they just say, “Good Morning mean ole witch Mom”.
Lately, I’ve seen a lot of talk about Single Moms. Or maybe I’m just paying more attention now.
Wisconsin Senator, Glann Grothman introduced Senate Bill 507, which would formally consider single parenthood a contributing factor to child abuse, if passed into law.
Ok, this dude is clearly disturbed.
Then while reading Solitary Mama’s blog about what do you think sexy is, I came across this:
“Single mothers and single parents often have low self esteems and I’d guess, feel the absolute least sexiest of anyone out there. Often times, we have failed at some kind of relationship, we spend lots of time with small children, we rarely have time to feel sexy let alone even think about it.”
Whoa…this is how I felt when I was married. When I became a single mom I felt sexy, confident, and happy.
Divorce set me free. Never again will I conceal my shine.
But, OMG…I can’t take it.
Can we stop with all the Single Mom Whoa is me pity party?!
I don’t view being a Single Mom as a negative.
Being a single mom doesn’t make you an orphaned puppy.
Can people stop referring to Single Parenthood like it’s a terminal illness…or a charity?
It seems that some people stereotype Single Moms as desperate, emotional wrecks, basketcases, victims, pity party cases…..I don’t relate to any of this.
I know many married women who could easily fall into these categories.
It’s time to see Single Moms in a positive light.
I see Single Moms as strong, resiliant, loving and determined individuals, like Judy Robles. A beautiful mom who raised a son with one leg to become a NCAA Champion Wrestler. She faced so many odds I can’t even count.
Motherhood in general is hard. Being a mom on your own definitely brings about increased challenges.
From these challenges, we grow, gain strength and knowledge, and give our children the opportunity to see 1st hand how a sole human being can make such an incredible impact on one person’s life.
Being a single mom is the reality of your marital situation. It doesn’t define who you are.
You define who you are.
Decide your definition and own it.
THANK YOU! I am so tired of all the negative stereotypes.Not all single moms are strippers, on welfare, sit at home and cry all night, lonely, and desperate. A lot of it keep it sexy and independent.
Thanks for the shout out. I actually agree that the crying and desperate stereotypes don’t do us any favors. I believe strongly in being happy with ourselves as single mothers before seeking out partners.
I wrote a blog post on Glenn Grothman also. I hope single mothers and single fathers, especially in Wisconsin, pay attention to this bill.
http://solitarymama.com/2012/03/stupid-list-friday-5-reasons-sen-glenn-grothman-can-go-to-hell/
Thanks Christina. I rarely write/discuss politics too but had to post about Glenn also. I loved your write up. It is very appalling something like this even made it to the floor.