by Lara Everett

Created on: April 15, 2008   Last Updated: February 26, 2011

How many times do think we will exclaim "you're driving me crazy" before we actually go crazy? I've thought about that many times in the past few months; as my 20 month old is stepping out of co-dependency into the wonderful stage of independence.

These are the days in my constant struggle that I wish I had another authority other than myself. How I've wished that someone could step in and take over this transmute mission I'm steadily going through.

The struggle of being a single mother, will surely be that 'survival' don't forget that, while just taking each day as it comes, don't forget that the struggle is your child's struggle too. They do tier of only having you to come to as well, I think they truly do realize that there isn't anyone to bail them out, when they are in trouble. We, as lonely mothers have a tendency to smother our babies, being as how they are all we have to lean on. So while they are driving us crazy, we're driving them crazy too.

Hold on by the seat of your pants, love them but not too much, try to hand out as much discipline as you do hugs and kisses. Keep an open mind and don't forget to laugh, that will most definitely take the edge off, on the days that are just bound and determined to break you down into tears. As I know so well, the tears we single mothers shed in hot showers when the kids are sleeping, can be eased by the joy of laughter with our silly babies.

It won't be easy to be a single mother, as long as you are a single mother, but what will last is the love you have with your child, that grew stronger due to the fact that you have been that child's mother, father, and friend all rolled into one very tiered person.

Say good-bye to spending any minimal amount of money on yourself, get used to sewing up your holy pants, wearing your hair down and long, your favorite place to shop will be the thrift store and the coffee shop! The plus side to that is the fact that every small hurdle you get over in your life as a single mother will be cause for celebration. Such as, buying a car, getting some brand new clothes, being able to spend more money because of all your hard work you finally have gotten that promotion you and your baby needed!

The day your child goes to school, will be a sad day for the simple fact that your baby is growing up but you will celebrate, since now your baby sitter is free! You'll go buy a new pair of shoes, DSW here I come!

Single mothers are amazing, how they can do it all, go to work, take good care of their babies, bring home the bacon, shop for it, and cook it. You are the disciplinarian, the gentle one who wipes the tears and the boo-boos, and your the one who tickles, chases, and rubs their backs when they are sick.

Strength, is the definition of single mother, struggle, strife, and the will to survive, is how to describe a single mother.

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