Even with all the modernity in the world, being a single mother is still a huge taboo for society. A lot of prejudice and judgment surround women who face this tough journey alone. If we think dealing with the world’s judgment is hard, it’s only because we haven’t been inside the mind of a woman who takes on this responsibility alone. The first thought inevitably comes as fear of being able to manage. Am I capable of this? How will my family react? The first thing you should think is that it’s not only your life at stake now, you will be responsible for two lives. All the comments, sidelong looks, moral lessons, and advice on how you should raise your baby will be nothing compared to the adventure of motherhood you will go through1.

Arduous Task

Being a single mother is not easy at all, but it obviously has its rewarding side. Taking care of a child alone is a job for the courageous and fearless, as exhaustion will set in and the desire to share the load with someone else will arrive. If the woman has an active professional life, the workload doubles. You’ll have to find someone to watch the baby to help you, or even a daycare, and begin your journey of juggling ten things at once. Work, child, home, clothes, food, bills, and more bills—after all, having a child is costly, and we must admit it’s a major physical and emotional strain as well. Being a single mother isn’t always a choice, as various circumstances can lead to this outcome. But for those who face this responsibility alone, being a mother goes far beyond putting food on the table and providing clothes. Children need affection, attention, a lot of dedication, security, and a firm hand to raise them. In the first years, it may seem very difficult and sometimes you may even think you won’t make it, but every woman has an inner strength that she often doesn’t know she has and only emerges after motherhood. Face it head-on, put all your love and sensitivity into it, and keep moving forward. Unfortunately, there is no manual for being a good mother, but everyone does their best, even when they make mistakes.

Challenges of Being a Single Mother

Motherhood is beautiful, magical, and special, but like everything in life, it has its hardships and tough moments. When all this responsibility falls on one person, it gets even heavier! The challenges of being a single mother go beyond taking care of a child alone. If you have no one to count on or help you, some plans may be postponed or even cancelled. Some activities can no longer be done, and many choices will change course after a child is born. Another big challenge of being a single mother is the pressure society puts on you and the way you care for your child. The demands about the father’s absence or even the cruel comments you have to face about your choices or possible mistakes. Hearing comments about the child’s behavior, even about the lack of a male presence in their upbringing, is considered normal in the world of single mothers. But many know how to get around this perspective and show that a warrior mother is worth much more than many mothers and fathers who give up.

Explanations for the World

As if having to face the entire double journey alone wasn’t enough, you also have to deal with speculation about why you’re a single mother. For some, it’s easy to clarify what happened, but there are also those who don’t want to remember a traumatic phase in their life, usually caused by paternal or even family abandonment.

A New Love

I believe that one of the biggest challenges for a single mother is not answering questions or dealing with people’s opinions, but when it comes to finding a new partner, things change. Every woman has the right to start over, be happy, and give herself a new chance. But when you have a child, your care and choices have to be much more cautious. How do you bring a third person into contact with your child not knowing how it will go? And what if it ends, too? Will this person treat your child with respect and love? Letting go of past traumas also comes into play, but on the other hand, it can be good so things can be different this time. Past mistakes serve as great lessons so they won’t be repeated, and a new story can be lived! The insecurity involved in caring for and raising a child as a single mother is inevitable, but who said married mothers don’t feel it too? Being a mother means giving yourself completely—body, soul, and heart—without holding back2. Making mistakes is part of the journey, but pressing on, overflowing with love until the end, is what makes it all worthwhile!! Children are gifts from heaven in our lives—whether you’re a single or married mother, they will always be special! Embrace the mission with total dedication to your life partner, because that is what they become over the years. Well-raised, well-guided, and loved children become great friends, and all the difficulties and fears become insignificant when we see in the end that we did it.