Readers Respond: What Makes You an Extraordinary Single Mom?

Responses: 3

Take a moment to consider all the ways that you are an extraordinary single parent. For instance, what sets you apart from other moms? How do you go "above and beyond" for your kids, and what are you especially proud of?

Taking the time to name your strengths "out loud" here on our site is one way to amplify them and acknowledge the true gift that you are to your kids.

Related: Extraordinary Single Dads

I Take Advantage of Every Moment

Hi! My name is Keisha. I'm 24 years old, and I have a two sons. One is 4 years old and the other is 6 years old. Their father is in federal prison until 2016. I have raised both of our boys by myself since they were born. He has only seen them twice. It's very hard. There are times I just sit and cry. I work Monday-Friday from 7:30 am - 5:30 pm. When I get off on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, I have to take my oldest boy at football practice by 6:00. Then on Saturday, I go to football games. But, despite all that, I take full advantage of every day and every minute of time I have with my boys. Because the way I look at it, it can be taken from you in a split second.

—ldula

I'm Doing it All

My name is Kim, and my daughter is almost 8 years old. I had her very young. Her father is still in the picture, but he's not overly reliable with finances. In the past 8 years, I have more than tripled my salary, bought a condo, put my daughter through a great pre-school/Kindergarten program, allowed her to do extracurricular activities, and nearly finished my bachelor's degree program - with virtually no assistance. Additionally, I've found a common ground with my daughter's father so that we can operate as a team - to avoid her playing the two of us against each other in her teenage years.

—Guest Kim

I Forgave My Ex

My name is Sheila, and I've been divorced for six years now. In the beginning, I was so angry with my ex for cheating on me and leaving us, that I couldn't even look at him, much less have a civil conversation for the sake of our two kids. But I have to say that, in hindsight, I've actually done a pretty good job of working through my anger and getting over what he did to me. We're not exactly "friends," but we get along well enough now to relate as co-parents. Back then, I don't think I ever could have imagined it, but we've really come a long way. And the best part is that it's been good for the kids, and that has made giving up my righteous anger worth it.

—Guest Sheila