Readers Respond: What Makes You an Extraordinary Single Mom?

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

Note: If you have a question, please visit the Single Parents' Forum, where you can interact with other single moms and dads.

I Have Will Power

I am raising two girls, who are 13 & 7, on my own with little or no child support, no government assistance, and I'm very proud to be where I am today compared to where I was two years ago. I do not have help from family or friends and my children and I are very successful in our personal lives. We have little or no contact with their Dad. The kids and I have respect for each other, ambitions to do well, honesty, and a positive parent-child relationship. After I left, I researched and educated myself on single parenting. I continue to utilize tools and come up with activities so we can continue to have positive, open discussions with one another. We have our moments, but we always remember the tools we have learned. My kids and I are excelling very well in school and work. We appreciate each other and acknowledge our strengths that we bring into our family. I don't think of myself as a single mom. I am the leader of our family who provides unconditional love, direction, and stability.

—Guest Lynn

Better Off Without Him

My name is Kaye and my marriage was civilly annulled four years ago. My daughter is turning 9 in December. At first I was living paycheck to paycheck. Now I am earning much more and I am able to support my daughter and myself even if the father gives no child support. I finished my first master's degree in 2008 and now I'm taking my MBA. I lived with my parents for 2.5 years. I am now living independently from my parents. It's been 2.5 years already. I manage my finances better. I just had my retreat and joined a support group. I am trying to balance everything in my life in all aspects. People say I'm a good catch because I just keep on improving myself and my life. I know it's tough making it on my own but it's better than being a battered wife. I have sole custody of my daughter, but I am very flexible with visitations. People say I'm too kind, but I don't want my daughter to miss her father as I grew up in a complete family.

—Guest Kaye

I Am Strong Now

I am Viki, i have a three year old daughter. I separated with her father when she was four months old. Her father is not supportive, emotionally, and even financially. I thank God He has given me strength to accept the fact that I have to bring up the child by myself. I have managed to put her in preschool and she is coping very well.

—Guest Viki

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