I spoke to an awesome single mom yesterday. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, she got her Masters in Therapy and is raising an awesome son. But lately, after a series of events, she's not feeling all that awesome. I thought some words of encouragement might be helpful, for her and for you (or a single mom you know):
- Single moms are doing okay! Despite the stereotype, single moms manage to make things work, according to the statistics. Just over 79% of single mothers are gainfully employed, with most of those mothers working full time year round. Only 27% of single mothers and their children live in poverty; a significant number to be sure, but certainly not all. Single mothers also do not typically receive public assistance, with only 22% receiving Medicaid and 23.5% on food stamps.
- One in four kids is raised by a single mom. Almost 26% percent of children in the US are being raised by a single parent, which is significantly higher than the average of 14.9% across other industrialized countries. Experts believe this is due to a greater acceptance of single parenting. Duke University professor Christina Gibson Davis believes that changing gender roles and even high incarceration rates in some communities have contributed to the rise of single parenting.
- These kids turn out to be presidents, authors, doctors, lawyers, business owners and rock stars! Tom Cruise, Christina Aguilera, Julia Roberts, Barack Obama, Angelina Jolie, Matt LeBlanc, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Bill Clinton, and the list goes on ... Your kids aren't doomed because you're not in a traditional household. In fact ...
- There's other good news: children of single moms tends to be more educated, own their own homes and make more money as adults.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed as a single mom. Just remember this: one fantastic parent is better than two average parents. Your kids will turn out just fine, even terrific!
All your kids need is one advocate, one person telling them they're fabulous and they can do anything, and they will believe you. Just remember to tell yourself the same thing!
Make today as amazing as you are, single moms!
Honorée has dedicated her life to being a positive force for good. She writes personal and professional growth and development books, and The Successful Single Mom book series. As an executive coach and corporate trainer, she turns service providers into rainmakers, average producers into rock-stars, and dreams into reality. For more information on how she can specifically help you or your organization, click here.
The Successful Single Mom is the only book series for single moms written in a positive, can-do voice, from the coaching perspective, by an executive coach who was also a single mom. These books provide the road map for creating the life, bank account, body, and relationship you want, starting right now, today!
Honorée has dedicated her life to being a positive force for good. She writes personal and professional growth and development books, and The Successful Single Mom book series. As an executive coach and corporate trainer, she turns service providers into rainmakers, average producers into rock-stars, and dreams into reality. For more information on how she can specifically help you or your organization, click here.
