Single moms do it all. They are the cook, chauffeur, maid, nurse, teacher and more – and that’s before leaving the house to earn a living to support their kids!
In the bustle of maintaining such a hectic life, it’s not uncommon for single moms to lose sight of just how much they are appreciated for all that they do. These single mom quotes and quotes about single mothers are a reminder to take the time to reflect on a job well done and remember that no one has to walk this path alone.
Funny Single Mom Quotes to Lift Spirits
Go on, have a laugh! When life is stressful and it seems the most demanding job in the world is that of a single mom, help put things in perspective with a good dose of humor and know that the most challenging times won’t last forever. As Animal Dreams author Barbara Kingsolver quipped, “It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn’t.”
Comedienne Phyllis Diller famously said of the child-rearing experience, “It would seem that something which means poverty, disorder, and violence every single day should be avoided entirely, but the desire to beget children is a natural urge.” This is a great reminder to parents, especially single mothers, that there might have been a time when this was her greatest desire, to create a family and raise good children. That wasn’t an unrealistic vision; it just takes patience and it is important to remember that feeling of wanting to appreciate that dream coming true.
There are a great many one-liners on parenting out there to rush to the aid of a stressed single mother, among them:
- “The quickest way for a parent to get a child’s attention is to sit down and look comfortable.” ~ Lane Olinghouse
- “Sing out loud in the car, even, or especially, if it embarrasses your children.” ~ Marilyn Penland
- “When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen. When they’re finished, I climb out.” ~ Erma Bombeck
The following anonymous quote sums up exactly how a single mom might feel after a particularly rough day: “I love to play hide-and-seek with my kid, but some days my goal is to find a hiding place where he can’t find me until after high school.” It can help a single mom to remind herself that this is a common feeling and it doesn’t make her a bad parent.
Read on
When the challenges of single parenthood seem insurmountable, sleep is at an all-time low, there aren’t enough hours in the day, and responsibilities seem to crush the spirit, remember these words of wisdom:
- “A parent’s love is whole, no matter how many times divided.” ~ Robert Brault
- “Don’t handicap your children by making their lives easy.” ~ Robert A. Heinlein
- “Your children need your presence more than your presents.” ~ Jesse Jackson
Mignon McLaughlin might have captured the feeling that motherhood can feel completely thankless with this: “Ma-ma does everything for the baby, who responds by saying Da-da first.” As exhausting and futile as it may seem at times, all children grow into young adults and begin to understand the sacrifices their mother made for them. Some see this early on, while others may have to have children of their own to fully appreciate their mother’s efforts.
Single Mom Quotes That Tug on the Heart Strings
As overwhelming and all-encompassing as the responsibilities of single motherhood are, the love between mother and child can overshadow the negative or challenging times. Remember there is a great purpose to all of this hard work: raising a child is molding them into an adult; there is no greater responsibility. In the words of the Talmud, “When you teach your son, you teach your son’s son.”
Print these single mom quotes on post-its and put them up around the house as a reminder to see the big picture and remember what a great purpose life as a mother serves:
- “A child enters your home and for the next twenty years makes so much noise you can hardly stand it. The child departs, leaving the house so silent you think you are going mad.” ~ John Andrew Holmes
- “The trouble with being a parent is that by the time you are experienced, you are unemployed.” ~ Anonymous
- “Whenever I held my newborn baby in my arms, I used to think that what I said and did to him could have an influence not only on him, but on all whom he met, not only for a day or a month or a year, but for all eternity – a very challenging and exciting thought for a mother.” ~ Rose Kennedy
Reading motivational quotes and reflecting on the experiences of others is a great aid for single mothers in need of perspective and encouragement. Keep a journal of meaningful poems, stories, and quotes, or post them around the house for a visual reminder that others have walked this road – and come out better for it on the other side.
Source for Quotes: Parent Quotes at Quote Garden (accessed April 11, 2010).