Since the onset of the pandemic, we’ve all been navigating high levels of stress. From those early days when grocery shopping felt like a daunting task to the present, where the world is filled with chaos, it’s hard for anyone to feel unaffected. However, for single parents like me, that stress manifests in unique ways.
Let me elaborate.
I owe a phone call to an old friend. To be honest, I probably owe calls to many people. If you were to ask me why I haven’t reached out, I’d say I’m busy. And that wouldn’t be untrue. As a single parent working to rebuild my life and career while managing two teenagers who are back in school amid ongoing health concerns, I have a never-ending list of tasks to tackle. Each time I clear some items off that list, it seems to multiply, much like the mythical creatures that sprout more heads when one is severed.
But that’s not the real reason I haven’t called. I could easily make a phone call while driving to the store or while doing household chores that I can do on autopilot. The truth is, I’ve been grappling with my own thoughts, trying to reassure myself that I’m not failing my kids. I’ve been focused on keeping them safe, balancing their mental and physical health, and making every decision for our little family of three—each one scrutinized and questioned.
This kind of busyness is specific to single parents. It’s an exhausting cycle of decision fatigue, exacerbated by the pandemic, where each choice feels significant and requires all my mental energy, leaving little room for anything else. After eighteen months of this relentless pace, I find that many important things are slipping through the cracks, which now seem like gaping chasms.
This isn’t a plea for sympathy; rather, it’s a call for understanding. It’s a reminder to check in on the single parents in your life, even if they haven’t reached out themselves.
The difference between understanding and sympathy can be subtle, but a recent text from a friend I hadn’t heard from in months illustrated it beautifully. She reached out with a simple message: “Hey, how are you? Did you see this?” attached with a screenshot from my child’s school. Unsurprisingly, I had missed that crucial communication amidst everything else. Her message brought tears to my eyes, not because of the missed information, but because someone had noticed my struggle and stepped in to help.
I felt seen, and that connection meant the world to me.
Empathy for Single Parents
When I mention that single parents need empathy right now, I don’t mean to imply that other parents don’t require support as well. Recognizing the challenges faced by single parents during this pandemic doesn’t diminish the struggles of those raising children alongside a partner. I understand that you may be dealing with your own challenges, like navigating a difficult co-parenting situation or trying to maintain your identity outside of your parental role.
Relationships are reciprocal, and sometimes one party needs a bit more support, which can create an imbalance. During these trying times, single parents might need that extra understanding. Eventually, things will balance out, but in the meantime, a small gesture of empathy can serve as a much-needed lifeline for a solo parent who feels like they’re on the verge of falling through those cracks.
Further Reading and Resources
If you want to explore more insights on this topic, check out this blog post or learn more about resources for pregnancy and home insemination at this excellent site. Additionally, if you’re considering home insemination, Make A Mom provides authoritative information and products to help you along the way.
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In summary, the journey of single parenting during these unprecedented times has been incredibly challenging. The weight of constant decision-making and the emotional toll of parenting can feel overwhelming. Yet, a little empathy can go a long way in making single parents feel seen and supported.
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