single parenting with Amber Jones

Single parenting comes with many challenges and rewards. The good news about single parenthood is that you get to take credit for all of your children’s accomplishments; the bad news is that you do all of the hard work through all of their day to day functions of life that lead up to those accomplishments.

Having a child with a chronic illness, one of the hardest things for me is the fact that I don’t have someone who loves them, takes on the responsibilities for them, and truly cares about the outcome as much as me to be able to turn to that person and say, “Are we doing the right thing?”. Being able to make decisions on your own without having to come to an agreement is wonderful but it is also extremely stressful. Just think, this person’s whole world is resting on your shoulders – that is an enormous responsibility even when you have two active parents. But when it rests on one person…….it can honestly be overwhelming at times.

Many times when you talk about single parenthood the biggest issue that comes up is financial – that piece is hugely important. (Read my post on How to Deal with a Deadbeat categorized under Mama’s on a Budget) However, I think the thing that often doesn’t rise to the top which is equally if not more important is the emotional part of single parenthood. It is the deep feeling in your gut when you get that piece of paper telling you about “Doughnuts for Dad’s” day at school and knowing the disappointment your child is going to face…….and sadly knowing that there is nothing you can do to help them through it except reinforce to them that you love them enough for two – and cry right beside them for the undeniable sadness you both feel.

But on the good side of things: I get all the smiles, hugs, kisses, the I Love You Mommy’s, and the pure joy of seeing my children grow up all to myself. I am the single most important person in their world and I love every single minute of it. I get to be the first person to cheer when they use the potty for the first time, the first person to take them trick-or-treating on Halloween, the first person to talk to them about their first love, and the first person to say “I’m so proud of you, honey” for every little thing they do.

Although it is the hardest job in the world; it is a job I would fight for every minute of every day.