Here’s to you; You Rock!
Being a young single parent is not easy. Take it from me, I’m a full time single mom, full-time employee, and full-time student. It never feels like there is enough time in the day. So if you can put yourself in this category, then here’s to you.
It’s not easy being young and being a single parent. You see your peers going out and partying, you’d have to get a babysitter and lose precious sleep to do that. You see your friends in relationships and getting engaged, you’re still single because people your age don’t want the responsibility of a kid. You see people on social media going on vacation or buying expensive things (for me it's tattoos), you barely make enough to pay all the bills and buy the necessities. Sometimes all these things can really get you down.
On top of all that you’re trying to juggle all these things and you see other parents having their kids involved in so much and you start to think maybe you’re doing this parenting thing all wrong. How are you supposed to have time for motherhood (or fatherhood), school, work, and all these extra added things that go along with your child.
Now this letter isn’t going to give you the hidden secret to parenthood, so I’m sorry if that’s what you’re hoping for. I’m writing this to tell you that you’re awesome! You are doing so much and feel so underappreciated (I know, I feel the same), but I’m telling you that I appreciate all you do. I know that hearing that from a complete stranger doesn’t exactly make you feel better, but one day (hopefully) you’ll hear it from your child. So I am saying it now to you for your child, Mom (or Dad) you’re the greatest, you are so appreciated, keep doing what you’re doing. All your hard work and dedication will pay off. One day you won’t have school, you’ll have a degree, and you won’t be stuck at that crappy job, you’ll be in a career, and you’ll find someone who loves you and your child and you will start a family together.
One last little note, don’t be afraid to take a night off and go out with friends. This doesn’t make you a bad parent. Self-care is so important and even parents need a break sometimes.
So keep your head up, have some fun sometimes, and remember it won’t be like this forever. You are doing great! Keep on keeping on, your hard work will pay off! You Rock!
