10 Lessons every single mom learns.

The job of being a mom is definitely tough. Being a single mom? That takes  super hero strength. And so this Mother’s Day, I’d like to acknowledge single moms everywhere by sharing 10 lessons that single moms eventually learn.

TEN TRUTHS THAT ONLY SINGLE MOMS KNOW

1. You aren’t Bad Cop or Good Cop.

You are now the entire police force. You are it baby. All alone. There’s no one to back you up when you dispense discipline or set boundaries. “Close that computer now, or it’s going away for a week.” And you have to mean it. No cutting deals anymore. You’re it.

2. You Get The Scary Spider Out of The Shower.

This is the worst job ever! When my daughter used to scream about spiders (she hates them), I could get her Dad to get a paper towel and take it to the garbage. But now, this job is all up to me. My solution to spiders? I take a delicate wad of toilet paper, gingerly wrap up the spider,  then open the window and set it free. (Did I mention that I talk to the spider the entire time, explaining what I’m doing?) I figure spiders have as much right to live as anyone, even if they mistakenly end up in the shower. Plus they catch mosquitoes and I HATE mosquitoes!

3. You can’t use the old “just wait till your Dad gets home” trick.

No more hiding behind that tired threat. There’s no waiting on anyone. Any consequences have to be handled on the spot, no putting off onto someone else. Damn it. Any discussions? You are having them now. And if your daughter is pissed off, she’s taking it out on you and you alone. Lovely.

4. Strange Noise in The Night? You’re The One to Go Investigate.

We were asleep recently when I heard an unexplained, sudden thud at 3am. My heart was beating out of my chest but checking it out was now all on me. I crept out into the darkened living room, armed with the only weapon I could find; a purple curling iron. I was going to either strangle the intruder with the cord or use it like an Indiana Jones style whip, or perhaps give him a nice set of beachy waves. WTF? I’m still figuring out my whole Dirty Harry self defense moves.

5. You now have your own toolbox and even know what most of the tools are for.

I bought a tool box at Lowes! A whole Tool Box with a hammer, electric screwdriver and some cute little clips. It is pink though. A friend of mine saw it and called it my Barbie toolbox. He then went and bought me a proper drill and some big nails. I feel so butch.

6. The only male sharing your bed is a cat, and he sheds.

My daughter routinely comes to sleep in my bed, there’s lots of room now. The only male she has to push aside is Leo the cat. Yes, he sheds but he’s way less trouble than some other males I know.

7. You don’t have anyone to ask; “So what do you think?” And you’re OK with it.

There’s not a second opinion for almost all the decisions you make. I bought a new comforter with no backup. Huge step. It takes some getting used to making decisions all alone.

8. You’ve learned that you can unstick the garbage disposal with a broom.

Thank you God for Youtube videos!

9. You’ve learned you, and your child, are both so much stronger than you ever thought.

We’ve survived. Sometimes its been rough, I can’t lie, but we are learning how resilient we both are.

10. At the end of the day, you are damned proud of yourself and how far you’ve come. You’ve made mistakes along this journey, but you’ve done it! Be proud. 

To all the single moms, we are stronger than we ever imagined!