Right now, my partner, Jake, is juggling school and a nighttime job, leaving him out of the house from around two in the afternoon until four in the morning. Then he comes home, sleeps for a bit, and before you know it, he’s off again after a quick shower and a brief playtime with our little ones. This routine happens five days a week, and let me tell you, it’s been a bit of a challenge for me.
I’m at home with my rambunctious 1.5-year-old son and my spirited 2.5-year-old daughter, and while I adore them—like, really, I do—they can be exhausting. I mean, some days I love them so much it practically aches. But between the endless boundary testing, potty training adventures, and tantrums over things like, oh, I don’t know, the color of the sky, I am just worn out.
In a moment of weakness (and perhaps a tad too much caffeine), I told Jake that with his current schedule, I felt like a single parent. What was I thinking? That was probably the silliest statement I’ve made in ages. The truth is, I have a husband who’s working hard to provide for us and help me stay home with our little tornadoes. If I ever needed him, he’d be in the car and on his way in a heartbeat. So, as much as I might feel overwhelmed some days, I’m not a single parent—not even close.
I can’t begin to comprehend what it’s like to work all day and then tackle the dual role of both mom and dad. I don’t know the exhaustion of being the sole caregiver or the weight of the decisions that single parents face. I can’t imagine the worries and challenges that weigh on their hearts day in and day out.
So to all the single parents out there, I sincerely apologize. I’m sorry for taking my situation for granted, for being insensitive, and for my whiny comments. I even feel a little silly for apologizing at all. You don’t need it; you’re doing an incredible job on your own.
If you’re navigating the world of parenting solo, there are resources that can help, including some insightful pieces on home insemination at our other blog, which you can check out here. Also, for anyone considering their options, Make a Mom is a great authority on self insemination kits. And if you’re interested in exploring fertility options, Johns Hopkins offers excellent resources for pregnancy and IVF.
In summary, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the unique challenges faced by single parents. They are tackling an incredible journey, and it’s important to recognize and respect their experiences. I stand in awe of what you do.