Children thrive when their parents are responsive, nurturing, warm, sensitive, and flexible. No matter how many parents people have in their lives, this is true. Here’s an open letter for a single mom from a child who is so proud of having you as a parent.
An open letter for a single mom
Hey mom,
It’s not easy for me to say this, but back when I was much younger, I used to be angry at you for being a single mother.
Every time there was an activity at school, I would get jealous of all my classmates since they had both of their parents with them. I was embarrassed to be the kid with the single parent in school. Sometimes, you weren’t even able to make it, so grandpa and grandma had to be the one to be there, especially during PTA meetings.
I’m really sorry that I felt that way, I didn’t even stop and think about how difficult it was for you to be away from me, but because you had to work so that you can earn money, you sacrificed a lot just so I can go to a good school and have all of the things that I wanted.
You gave me life
As I grew older, I started to realize just how hard everything was for you. All those times that you came home late at night, tired, and I didn’t even bother to give you a hug or to kiss you. I was so caught up in having a “real” family, that I failed to realize that you, and grandpa and grandma were my family. It’s not a “traditional” family, but all of you loved me, and took care of me.
I want you to know that I’m very proud of you, and I’m sorry if I hurt you by being stubborn.
I love you. Through all that we’ve been through, you were always the one who stood by me, took care of me, gave me everything I need, and you were the one who gave me life.
I wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for you, and I hope you know that.
All of the things that I have right now, I owe them all to you, and I hope that I can give back all of the love that you gave me. Now that you’re older, I want to be the one to take care of you and make you feel happy and loved. It’s the least I could do for the way I treated you when I was younger.
I love you mom, and I’m super proud to be called your son.
Tips for single mom on how to build positive relationship with your kids
Your child will feel safe and cherished if they have a good relationship with you. With any changes in your family situation, this may help them adjust. And of course, you will feel better also if you have a good relationship with them.
Here are some suggestions for how to strengthen your bond with your child.
- Give them positive attention. Positive attention is showing your child that you are interested and you care about them. Simply grinning, laughing, or giving your child as many hugs as you can can be enough. Additionally, you can let your kid know that you’re delighted to see them in the morning and after they get home from school.
- Provide quality time with each kid. Try to schedule frequent alone time with each child if you have more than one. A peaceful game with an older child after the younger ones are sleeping or reading a book before bed with a younger child are two options.
- Show interest. You can spend quality time with your child whenever and wherever you like. Talk to each other while preparing or eating dinner. On the bus, you can play word games; in the vehicle, you can sing along; and at bedtime, you can tell jokes or stories. You can also discuss your child’s interests, whether they be in sports, music, reading, or how things operate. In addition, try to attend school plays or sporting activities. You may also ask your child to show you their favorite app or teach you how to play their favorite game.
Don’t forget yourself
Getting help is crucial to taking care of yourself as a single mom. Consider who you can turn to for support in times of need and what kind of assistance those close to you can provide. It could be information and guidance, emotional support for you, or practical assistance with daily duties.
It’s possible to forget or run out of time to take care of yourself when you’re preoccupied with taking care of a child. However, taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional needs is beneficial to both you and your kids.
Updates by Jobelle Macayan
READ: An open letter to Mr. Tito Sotto from a single mother’s daughter
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