Parenting may feel like a balancing act. We support our children’s physical, emotional and developmental needs on a daily basis. From doctor appointments to kindergarten graduations, we are there to support and encourage them.
We teach them how to tie their shoes and read bedtime stories to them at night. Parenting is a big job!
I really love that companies are celebrating parents from all different families. It’s an honor to be part of this celebration and work with Angel Soft, a brand you can count on to be there for you. (Disclosure: This post is sponsored)
This Father’s Day, we would like to take a moment to acknowledge a very special group of parents who are bravely raising their children while playing both parent roles. Single Moms.
Last week, I watched a friend’s child while she went in for an MRI. She was hesitant to ask for help and was very gracious when I said yes. It was only a few hours in the morning and our kids played really well together. The children painted, ran outside and played forts. I was happy I could help and that she trusted me to keep her little one safe and happy while she took care of her own needs. She thanked me many times in person and through messages, but I reminded her that I enjoyed watching her daughter as that is what friends do for each other.
I know how hard it is to ask for help.
She is a single mom. Her parents help watch her daughter while she works, but they aren’t always available. I have a spouse, but no family close by, so there have been times when I have been the friend calling others for favors. I know it’s hard to ask others for help, but needed sometimes. I can’t begin to imaging the challenges of single parenting: managing schedules, households, raising a child, always being on, and little free time.
The thing is, she is an awesome mom.
I see the two of them around town at parks and the library. She picks her child up from school every most days with a smile on her face and a giant hug.
We get our kids together for playdates every so often. She also works and takes care of her home, meals, shopping, and bills.
She is like a superwoman: balancing work, life, and parenting.
She is strong.
So when asked to participate in this conversation, I thought of my friend, ad, of all my friends who are single moms or have been single moms in the past.
Solo parenting ;a difficult task, but they are really doing an amazing job managing both roles and raising kind-hearted, compassionate children. Single Moms are heroes.
I know that many single moms have men in their lives to celebrate with this Father’s Day, but sometime this week, I’d like you to take the time to think about your single mom friends and family members and reach out to them. Find a way to say, Happy Fathers’ Day, Mom.
So What Can You Do to Support a Single Mom this Father’s Day?
- Offer to watch her child (children) for an afternoon.
- Bring a bouquet of garden picked flowers to her.
- Make dinner and/or dessert and invite yourself over with it!
- Organize a ladies night in. Bring drinks, a chick flick and popcorn.
- Take and develop pictures of mom and her kids.
- Call her up and ask how life is. Listen.
- Send a card through snail mail, e-mail, or text a thinking of you message.
