The Resilience of Motherhood
Tags: Resilience, Motherhood, Mothers, Single Moms, Struggle

The problems faced by single mothers all over the world.

A mother is an individual, who dedicates her life to ensure that her child can live the best one possible. The bond shared between a mother and child is strong, nurturing and transitional. From budding the child from within to watching her child grow she is omnipresent. Although the dynamics of a family are changing, the relationship between a mother and her child remains unique.

A societal definition of a family comprises a mother, father, and child. It is believed that there need to be two parents to bring up one child. But that is no longer true. In today’s day and age, out of choice and due to circumstances women all over the world have decided to be single parents to their child, a single mother. Since this does not confer with society’s norms, a single mother is considered to be bad for society, which is why she is constantly stigmatized.

It is believed that for a child to grow and develop, they require the love, attention and care of two parents. But there are many instances where that is not possible. Some women choose to raise their children by themselves, whereas others find themselves without a partner due to abandonment, divorce or death. But instead of commending these women, for taking on this monumental task, society ends up looking down upon them.

Many are isolated from group gathering, termed immoral and their children are looked down upon. Although the definition of ‘good parenting’ or ‘parenting’ differs from society to society and culture to culture, it is commonly believed that women cannot take care of their children alone.

It is believed that there are things that men or a male presence teaches a child that a female cannot. And so for a wholesome upbringing, a child requires two parents.

So there is not one, but many problems a single mother faces:

1. Finances

Taking care of a child with a single income can be extremely difficult. Not only does she have to balance running a household but also extra needs, keeping in mind that education, medical needs, and extracurricular activities require adequate finances. Therefore, it is believed that many single mothers go through phases of poverty. But that doesn’t stop them from providing the best care to their child.

2. Balance

Mothers find it difficult to maintain a balance between work life and motherhood. Since they are solely dependent on themselves to take care of their child, some mothers find it difficult to keep a balance between work and taking care of their child. If they get the help they require, then they find it away. Since having an income is important, they make sure they find a way to work while taking care of their children.

3. Isolation and Stigma

Being a single mother sometimes means that there is no one to share things, big moments and thoughts with. Since a mother’s life is juggling between child care and work, it can get lonely sometimes. Especially since society seems to look down upon single mothers, there are chances that they might get isolated and left out from events. Which is unfair, yet they manage to power through.

4. Limited Self Time and Fatigue

A mother’s life goes into finding a balance between work and spending time with her child. Which means that there is no free time. She is only depending on herself to take care of her child. And so it is her job to fill the shoes of two parents and not one, which means she will have to work double-time. Some might think that this is an unfair role, but she finds her happiness in the smile of her child.

As you can see, it is not easy being a single mother. Struggles continue a lifetime, but it’s about the good moments one lives for. A mother’s love and strength are tested beyond its limits, and yet she manages to overcome each hurdle. The only word that can be accurate in describing a single mother is Resilient. It is her resilience that helps her be the best parent to her child. So instead of judging a mother, we should applaud her for her bravery.

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