"Wants" of a Single Mom

Happiness is living in contentment.  Contentment is finding the joy in the simple things in life from a simple house, job and vacation. Desiring beyond your basic needs and beyond what is most likely to happen can lead to so much unhappiness and frustration.  Nevertheless, there is nothing wrong with dreaming of the fulfillment of the “wants” of a single mom.

In the United States alone, there are approximately 10.2 million single mothers (U.S. Census Bureau 2012). Imagine the impact to society if these simple wants of as single mom are achieved.

The dreams of most single moms are really very basic. I mean, most single moms do not dream of grand homes, expensive vacations and lots of money; although of course, it would be nice having such.  We only aim to provide all the needs of our children and see them grow into successful adults. 

Happy, healthy and successful kids are dreams of all mothers, not just single moms.  However, the joy in the fulfillment of such dream is I would say double for a single mom because she is alone in bringing up her children. It takes a lot of effort, time, dedication, patience and love but it is possible to raise happy, healthy and successful kids.  Though our days are always chaotic in terms of squeezing in all our tasks in 24 hours per day, we must not forgot to make time to talk to our children everyday showing them how much we love them and listening to whatever it is they have to tell us or ask us. 

To keep us sane from our chaotic activities, we need support from friends and family.  We need someone to talk to and ask for advice or just someone who would listen to us. Because of the increasing number of single mothers, today there are a lot of communities and organizations for single mothers.  Even the internet is venue to chat with other single moms and be motivated with their success. Single moms need not be alone in their challenges. 

We also want our own place; a place to call our home.  It doesn’t have to be big or in an exclusive place; we just want a place where we and our children can feel comfortable. Initially, single moms will live with their parents.  Some will find a small apartment.  But ultimately, we would want our own house and a home. 

Some of us are also thinking of finding another love interest.  It is but natural that friends will prod single moms to go back into the dating world.  For those who choose to do so, there is nothing wrong with this as long as you take your kids’ interest before your own personal desires.  Also be very choosy and not let your past mistake happen again. 

I believe more important than dating is finding an identity and a purpose. Whether you are a single mother by choice or by chance, it is important that you know your identity and your purpose. You are a mother whose purpose is to raise happy, healthy and successful children.  You are simply wonderful.  Your past must be buried to the ground and put your gifts and talents to good use.  Look into your inner self and dig out those hidden gifts and talents.  Are you skillful in dressmaking, gardening, painting?  These talents may be your key to a successful business which will empower you to provide the financial needs of your children.  

These simple “wants” are possible to accomplish but if you are not yet accomplishing these, do not worry.  You cannot do everything but I know you are doing your best and that is what matters most.