4 challenges single mothers face

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Being a single mother imposes a series of challenges that can affect you on an emotional level. In this sense, in order to work on them, the first step is to identify them.

Written and verified by the psychologist Elena Sanz.

In recent decades, the concept of family has expanded and diversified, making room for different family models. For this reason, the stigma associated with single mothers is becoming less and less, and many women even deliberately choose this path to start their family. However, There are still multiple challenges that single mothers face and that make their work a demanding task. and, at times, lonely.

The conciliation and support measures that society offers to women who are mothers alone are insufficient. Furthermore, unfortunately, judgment and criticism are still present in various areas.

All this can complicate and tarnish the beautiful experience of being a mother. However, identifying the main challenges will be the starting point to address them and achieve a more fulfilling motherhood.

What challenges do single mothers face?

Overload of tasks and responsibilities

Women who mother without a partner assume the economic, moral and emotional responsibility of parenting. They become the sole financial support of the family, perform all parental and educational functions and take care of domestic tasks.

The weight that is generally shared with the other parent falls solely on their shoulders, generating physical and psychological exhaustion.

Isolation

During the first months of motherhood, the care that the baby needs means that the woman has to offer almost exclusive dedication. For this reason, many mothers say they miss contact with other adults and express this affects them emotionally.

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In the case of single mothers, the intensity of this feeling of loneliness can be greater, not only because they do not have another adult in the home, but because Task overload reduces the availability of free time to dedicate to social relationships. And this limitation remains for much of the children’s childhood.

Family dependency

The lack of time, financial resources and support in parenting can lead single mothers to turn to extended family on multiple occasions. Something that is more common the younger the woman is.

Due to this need and the absence of another parent, Family members can go beyond their limits and go from supporting to exercising authority that does not belong to them..

Finally, decisions about the education of minors only concern the mother and she may be disavowed by other family members.

Negative emotions

All of the above can lead to the appearance of negative emotions. Excessive responsibilities and lack of time can generate anxiety and sustained stress. The feeling of isolation and lack of gratification in areas other than motherhood can cause sadness, irritability and apathy.. And, in the same way, the need to turn to family support and be disempowered can undermine self-esteem and self-confidence.

But there is also another very common emotion that constitutes one of the main challenges that single mothers face: guilt. Sometimes this family model is a personal choice and other times it is a sudden situation (due to the death of the other parent or because he or she decides not to take over her parental role).

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In any case, Many mothers feel guilty when they understand that their children will grow up without the presence of that other reference figure.; They feel responsible for not having managed to keep the family together or fear the repercussions this may have on the development of the minors. An emotion that is increased by the judgment and opinions of the environment, which often invalidate single-parent families.

How to Address the Challenges Single Mothers Face

To reduce the psychological and emotional impact of all the above challenges, a change in social paradigm is necessary that supports and validates families led by single mothers. However, until this happens, having support, understanding and a safe space in which to vent emotions can be essential for these women.

Educating ourselves through books and expert guides can help clear up doubts about parenting alone. Mothers’ support groups and forums can be an extremely enriching space. and comforting in which to connect with other women in the same situation.

And, of course, receiving professional help or advice when necessary can help manage negative emotions and open the possibility of living a more full and rewarding motherhood.