Hats off to the single parents

People say that things change when you have a baby. We’ve had our baby for 5 weeks now and yes everything changes. One of the biggest revelations I have had though is the increased respect I have for my Mum.

I have a wonderful sister who is 3 years younger than me and a wonderful mother. When we were growing up my father left when I was about 8 or so.

This left my Mum with two children, Both in primary school, one of whom had only just started.

I used to think I could imagine how hard it was for her to bring up 2 children alone. When I was older I used to think, “wow that must have been hard for her”. But, until I had my own and the commitment that it takes to give your heart and soul into it, I didn’t really actually have any idea.

The immense pressure there is to make sure your child is fine all the time is one thing. Our little one has a bit of a cold at the moment, and every time she coughs I think she is going to break. That’s just part of it. Then there is the feeding, the clothing, the emotional wellbeing, the stability. All of these things added together take a lot of time and effort. But because they are your children. You do it. Because there is NO alternative.

My mother is a strong woman. She is a fighter. Always has been. Her relationship with us has always been about trust, foremost, and love and friendship. As a new father I have a newfound respect for single parents. Every day has its challenges with a new baby but it is made easier by being a couple. My wife is great with our baby and I am not sure how either of us could cope on our own.

My Mum always instilled in us that we should never ever lie. It was the number onr thing she would get very cross about when we were kids. She helped us understand what it meant to tell the truth. How to be a truly good person and how to love others.

I’ve been very lucky to have her as my Mum. She is my best friend. My rock. Everything a mum should be and more.

So this post is dedicated to my mum and the millions of other single parents out there who have to face bringing up children alone.