Celebrating the Extraordinary Strength of Every Kind of Mother

Being a mom can be really tough, there are sleepless nights, constant worries, and a lot of responsibility that comes with raising kids. Moms go through the physical challenges of pregnancy and childbirth, and then they face the exhaustion that comes with caring for a newborn. They worry about their kids getting sick and feel the ups and downs of guiding them into adulthood. On top of that, moms often have to keep track of so many details like when kids hit certain milestones, their medical needs, what school supplies they need, social interactions, and what each child likes. It can feel like an endless to-do list while also juggling relationships and maybe even a job.

Talking about single moms they face a whole different set of challenges. Studies show they often deal with tough financial situations, feelings of loneliness, and social isolation. Without a partner, raising kids can feel extra hard, especially when it comes to discipline. Many single mothers struggle with feelings of helplessness and end up participating less in social activities. The lack of support and extra responsibilities create a tough environment for effectively caring for their kids. They have to juggle being the breadwinner, caregiver, and disciplinarian all on their own, which can be really overwhelming. On top of everything, there's also social stigma that implies their family structure is somehow lacking. Research shows that kids of single moms might struggle with more emotional and behavioral issues, but it’s important to note that these problems are often linked to financial struggles and mental health challenges of the moms, not just being a single parent. That’s why it’s crucial to support single mothers in terms of their well-being and financial health.

Moms raising kids with special needs often start their journey in a unique way, especially when they get a diagnosis that changes their hopes for the future overnight. Studies show that these moms face a lot of mental and practical challenges. They deal with stress from many areas: not knowing enough about their child’s condition, dealing with social stigma, facing acceptance issues in their family, and juggling both their child’s care and their jobs. These moms become experts out of necessity,learning medical terms, figuring out confusing healthcare processes, and fighting hard for educational support. Their days are filled with scheduling therapies, managing medical visits, and meeting their child's everyday needs. Research shows they often need more info, help, and teamwork from professionals than what’s usually offered. The emotional weight is heavy, with worries about their child’s future, sadness over missed milestones, and the stress of always being on alert.

These days, where moms are prioritizing their own growth they have a tough job juggling work and family. Many working moms face workplace cultures that make things harder for them, leading to lower pay and fewer chances for promotions, plus subtle doubts about their commitment. On top of that, they have a lot on their plates to remember, like permission slips, doctor visits, and family needs, all while dealing with work deadlines. Studies suggest that high work pressure and rigid work settings can lead to feelings of depression among working moms, as stress spills over into family life. Full-time working moms feel this impact the most. They often feel pulled in two directions, trying hard in both their jobs and at home but still feeling inadequate.

To all the moms out there: Your strength matters. We see the hard times you face. Your love makes a difference, even if you can’t always see it. Being a mom isn't about being perfect; it's about sticking with it.

Single moms often find new ways to be resourceful, creating communities that might not have the usual family ties, but still focus on what really matters. They show their kids how to turn limits into creativity. Many become better decision-makers when they have to figure things out on their own, gaining confidence along the way. Moms of kids with special needs learn to advocate for their children, challenging systems to get what their kids need. They value small steps of progress and find support from others who get what they’re going through. Working moms also adapt, becoming better at their jobs out of necessity while showing their kids how to balance work and nurturing. As we celebrate mothers this May, let’s remember that behind those picture-perfect social media posts are women facing serious challenges with incredible determination.

Real appreciation means recognizing the challenges moms face, like inadequate parental leave, lack of childcare, and rigid workplace policies that put too much on them.

Reference:

• Ralte, Z., & Zehol, L. T. (2020). Single mothers challenges in Mizo society. Mizoram Univ J Humanit Soc Sci, 7, 103-15.

• Goodman, W. B., & Crouter, A. C. (2009). Longitudinal associations between maternal work stress, negative Work‐Family spillover, and depressive symptoms. Family Relations, 58(3), 245–258. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3729.2009.00550.x

• Rahma, F. T., Winarsunu, T., & Sutoko, I. (2024). Great Mother for Special Needs Children: A Qualitative study of the role of a single mother. Scientia, 3(1), 141–147. https://doi.org/10.51773/sssh.v3i1.265

• Alsamiri, Y. A., Alaghdaf, A. A., Alsawalem, I. M., Allouash, B. A., & Alfaidi, S. D. (2024). Mothers of children with disabilities: exploring lived experiences, challenges, and divorce risk. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1399419

• Golombok, S., Zadeh, S., Imrie, S., Smith, V., & Freeman, T. (2016). Single mothers by choice: Mother–child relationships and children’s psychological adjustment. Journal of Family Psychology, 30(4), 409–418. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0000188