Every weekday, I’m fully immersed in the chaos of parenting young children. I’m constantly wiping faces and bottoms, preparing meals and drinks, reading stories aloud, and driving them to various activities. My day is filled with educational tasks, from reading and writing to math games on the computer and complex science projects. I offer hugs, referee their disputes over toys, and sometimes, I sneak into the bathroom for a moment of peace—only to be found every single time. My lunch typically consists of whatever leftovers my kids leave behind, all while juggling the incessant in-and-out of our dogs.
When 4:30 p.m. rolls around, my partner comes home. We collapse on the bed, turn on the TV, and he takes over parenting duties. He cooks dinner, wipes faces, and keeps the peace. Yes, my days are busy and exhausting, and at times, I feel like throwing in the towel. But I have a partner to share the load with, and I recognize how incredibly fortunate I am.
I wake up at my own pace, whenever the kids rise, without the pressure of a 6 a.m. rush to daycare. I don’t have to deal with the stress of leaving a job I might not enjoy just to be home with my children. I don’t rush to avoid traffic or late fees at daycare, nor do I shoulder the entire responsibility for my household alone. My respect for single parents knows no bounds.
There’s a lot of talk about the so-called “mommy wars,” pitting stay-at-home moms against working parents. The truth is that this shouldn’t be a battle at all. We’re all just trying to do our best for our children, often facing different challenges. I have nothing but admiration for single parents. I can’t fathom raising kids without a partner. When my husband leaves for a weekend, I struggle; I can only imagine how intense it must be for those parenting solo.
I know that many stay-at-home moms have opinions about daycare, but I genuinely understand that for single parents, it’s often a necessity. Finding a good daycare that fits your child’s needs is no small feat—especially when facilities close unexpectedly around holidays, forcing you to scramble for last-minute childcare on a tight budget.
After a long day at work, the thought of returning home to face face-wiping, cooking, and cleaning without any help sounds daunting. And let’s not forget the laundry! You handle it all—sorting, washing, and folding every piece of clothing in the household. You’re the one who lays out clothes for you and your kids, ensuring everyone has clean socks and underwear. It’s the small, but crucial details that showcase your strength and dedication.
Despite the challenges, you make sure your kids are fed, loved, educated, and cared for. I have support, and I still feel overwhelmed at times. I can only imagine how you must feel, but you push through.
Let’s put aside the divisions of the so-called mommy wars. It’s time to stop criticizing each other over parenting choices, whether that’s about formula feeding, daycare, or missed events. Many of us, including myself, don’t fully understand the challenges you face, but when I see your happy, thriving kids, I can’t help but think you’re a hero.
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In summary, let’s unite as parents, respecting each other’s paths and acknowledging the hard work that goes into raising children, regardless of our individual circumstances.