The Struggles of Single Mothers: Challenging & Rewarding

The Struggles

Single motherhood is a journey filled with challenges, sacrifices, and unexpected rewards. According to recent data, there are over 1.8 million single-parent households in the UK and more than 13 million in the US — with numbers growing worldwide. While every family’s story is different, single moms around the globe share a common thread: they face an uphill battle, often alone.

Financial Pressure: The First Battle

The most pressing issue for many single mothers is financial strain. Raising children is expensive — even for two-parent households. For single moms, the burden is doubled. The causes vary — divorce, abandonment, or death — but the outcome is the same: one parent doing the job of two, with half the income.

Child support may be inconsistent or completely absent, leading many moms to work extra hours or pick up second jobs just to stay afloat. Sacrifices become routine. Extras like outings, new clothes, or birthday parties are sometimes out of reach. But they carry on, determined to provide.

The Weight of Task Overload

When there’s no one to share responsibilities, the workload can become overwhelming. Single moms handle everything:

• Work

• Meals

• Cleaning

• Homework

• Emotional support

And they often do it all on little sleep. Fatigue sets in — not just physical, but emotional, too. Burnout can lead to impatience, less quality time, and rising tension with children. This can create a cycle of stress and frustration on both sides.

Decision-Making on Your Own

From school choices to curfews to emotional discipline, single mothers make every major decision alone. There’s no partner to weigh the pros and cons with, no one to share the blame or the credit. This emotional burden — combined with the fear of making the wrong choice — can be heavy.

Often, the child may resist rules or push boundaries, unaware of the complex pressures their parent is under. You might be seen as “the bad guy,” even while doing your best to give them love and safety.

Behavioral Challenges in Children

Children, too, struggle with the changes that come from a missing parent. Boys may act out or become withdrawn. Girls might struggle with confidence or seek attention in unhealthy ways. It’s not uncommon for single moms to feel unsure about how to handle the emotional consequences.

But asserting boundaries, staying consistent, and reinforcing love are the keys to helping them feel secure — even when everything around them is shifting.

Less, But Not Lesser

You may worry your child is missing out. Maybe they don’t have what their peers have. Maybe birthdays are simpler or vacations are fewer. But what they do have — your strength, your presence, your resilience — matters more than anything money can buy.

“Single moms: You are a Doctor, a Teacher, a Nurse, a Maid, a Cook, a Referee, a Heroine, a Provider, a Defender, a Protector — a true Superwoman. Wear your cape proudly.”
— Mandy Hale

A Message to All Single Mothers

You may not have chosen this path. You may feel exhausted, lonely, or even invisible at times. But your love and effort are not unseen. Your strength is shaping the future of your child. And while the struggles are real, so are the moments of pride — the first day of school, the “I love you, Mom,” the quiet bedtime hug.

You are not alone.
You are doing enough.
And you are more than enough.