Rocking Solo: A Single Mom’s Guide to Being Unapologetically You

Remembering those days, decades ago. And my heart still goes out to moms who are solo parenting now My generation had similar challenges. But today, solo parenting moms are confronted with so much more.

So, look at this as a love letter from a former single mom - now a grandmother - to all those still on the front lines and, somehow, still managing to keep it all together. Well, maybe some days it is like unraveling a skein of yarn.

But for the most part, you’ve got this! And I am so proud of you for all the times you do make it work…and in your own way.

 Dear Mom:

The orchestra of life doesn’t always play the tunes we’re familiar with, especially when you’re a single mom juggling the cymbals and the bass drum, all while trying to hit the high notes. 🎵 It’s like being the lead singer, manager,and fan club president of your own rock band. And let’s be honest, sometimes it probably feels more like a one-woman circus act than a symphony.

Forget the peanut gallery that thinks they know the score to your life.

The truth? You’re the maestro here. And if your version of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" includes a guitar solo or a rap verse, so be it.

Picture this: It’s a Thursday night. You’re knee-deep in laundry that's forming a small mountain range on your sofa. Dinner? Let’s call it an eclectic mix of breakfast cereal and whatever fruit you can find that doesn’t require peeling, cutting, or any form of preparation beyond "grab and go." And right there, in that beautifully chaotic moment, your kiddo looks at you with those eyes full of stars and says, “This is the best dinner ever!” Why? Because it's not about the Michelin stars on your apron; it’s about the love stars you're earning in their hearts.

Being yourself is the best mom you can be: Authenticity is the secret sauce in the recipe of parenting. Trying to be the parent someone else thinks you should be is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, while blindfolded, riding a unicycle. It’s unnecessary, overly complicated, and frankly, no one wants to see that.

Embrace the glorious mess that you are. Because in that mess, there's magic. Your kids won’t remember that the house was always spotless or that you followed every piece of unsolicited advice thrown your way. They’ll remember the impromptu dance parties, the inside jokes, and the warmth of your genuine laughter. They’ll remember the love.

So, to all the single moms out there, here’s to you:

To your strength, your resilience and your unparalleled ability to be the truest, most fabulous version of yourself.