Single mothers in India are defying preconceptions and overcoming hurdles. This article explores the myths and why it is time to let them go.
Motherhood is a fantastic journey with heart warming experiences. Let’s face it—it’s hard, and single mothers often feel like they’re climbing a high hill. Life can be unpredictable, and lone moms may experience unpleasant moments others may not see.
When we think about family, we often picture a typical setup: a man, a woman, and their children, all living happily together. But the numbers tell a different story.
According to a 2019 UN Women report, single mothers make up 4.5% of all households in India, which is a startling 130 lakh women! These statistics remind us that families come in all shapes and sizes, and single mothers play a vital role in these diverse family structures.
To all the single moms, your journey may have ups and downs, but your courage and love shine through. Let’s celebrate family diversity and your fantastic single women parenting that defines love and commitment.
Single Motherhood
Single motherhood can happen for a variety of reasons. It can be from divorce, the loss of a spouse, being an unmarried single mom, or even a personal choice.
But unfortunately, people jump to various conclusions, where single moms are labelled incapable. This unkind judgement makes it hard for them to open up. Discrimination and unfair criticism discourage them.
At Rooting You, we strive to change this unfair connotation. Thus, here’s to all single mothers: you’re doing well, and your love for your kids shows through any hardship. Let’s redefine family to include all the fantastic single moms who make it work every day.
Called Selfish for being a Single Mother
Why can’t the world treat single mothers and single fathers equally? And see them as parents, no matter their relationship status.
She is a single mom; that’s all there is to it.
After all, aren’t we all mothers, regardless of our relationship status? How does that status affect our IQ, quality of life, or ability to raise children?
Shanika, our community member, says, I am a single mom by choice. I was not happy with the marriage and decided to move out. I am a career woman and love to focus on my work and my child; how does that make me even more selfish? But I don’t let it define me. I’m stronger than ever, facing life’s challenges with love and resilience.” She learned that being a single mother is no different from being a mother.
Shanika still faces challenges from this judgmental society. And it is distressing that all single moms do. It’s tough for them. They already carry a heavy emotional load, and society’s lack of understanding makes it more challenging.
Judged and Shamed
Stereotypes can be challenging for single moms from all walks of life. As women, we’ve been judged, whether we’re married or not; people make assumptions about our skills that aren’t true. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, even though things might not be going well, our abilities, not our gender, define who we are.
Let us empower you with a well-known example.
Take Sushmita Sen, for instance. She’s a remarkable example of a single mother who defies stereotypes. She chose to adopt not one but two beautiful daughters. People questioned her choices, and she faced rejection despite being a public figure and earning well. However, she responded with grace and determination. She showed the world how single moms can provide their children with a loving and stable home. Her story stands tall and empowers all single moms to break free from societal expectations.
This message is to all beautiful moms reading our blog. Be confident in your choices, and be proud of your strength; there’s no shame in it. Single motherhood is your unique path to creating a beautiful life for your children. Let your actions speak louder than any stereotypes, just like Sushmita did.
Talking About Misconceptions
Letting go of the single-mother taboo is not easy; however, to bring that change to society, women need to stand up for themselves unapologetically. Like they say, be the change you want the world to be.
Remember that it is essential to accept who you are. No one understands your journey better than you. Stop putting yourself in front of people who do not have an idea of your life. Your love and commitment to yourself and giving your kids a great life define you.
Stop paying attention to what people say or feel; it stops bothering you!
Live as you want; some may like it, and others may not. Reach out to your loved ones who genuinely care for you, and you will see how supportive the world is. Take time for yourself, nurture your growth, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when you need it.
As a famous proverb goes, it takes a village to raise a child; therefore, friends, relatives, and co-workers must be receptive to a single mom’s journey. Instead of stigmatising them, let us support their situation as single mothers. It has also been a choice for individuals to leave violent situations. So, it is essential to understand that if a single mom fails, it is the failure of her society to support her.
At Rooting, we will always walk beside you on this courageous path.
Lavina has a strong passion for human psychology and a deep desire to understand the unique challenges faced by parents. Her personal experience as a parent has inspired her to establish Rooting You. Her writing offers comfort and serves as a valuable resource for single parents navigating the challenges of raising children on their own.
