flying solo
Off late, I've heard and read too many stories about single mum. Single by choice or by divorce, a woman's maternal instinct is sometimes much more compelling than her desire for a husband. Every woman has the right to decide what she wants in life, and how she wants to attain it.
On an issue like being a single mother by choice, the kind of message being sent out to society can be dangerous. We still find that the stigma of being a single mother in a millennium world. Perhaps skyrocketing divorce rates and equal opportunities for women are some of the forces that have pushed them towards single motherhood. But I thinks the reasons are usually more personal. They might still want a man, just not at the moment.
Call some of them the "SMC's" or "Single Mothers by Choice", an evolved subset of single mothers. Far from being yours, ignorant and immature, these 30 something voluntarily take responsibility for a child; know full well that parenthood would be solitary project for them from day one.
No doubt being a parent, no matter how you do it, is challenging and wonderful. As a mother, a commitment to a child goes beyond the financial. It takes more than just a parent, but a network of support. These are different theories and arguments about the best way to do so, but nurturing a child form toddler to teenager is a labour of love and an individual journey that takes you through a plethora of emotions. The responsibility on your shoulders is mind-boggling, to say the least.
As the SMCs, these women have all made the same choice to bring up their child without a father figure. Practical? Perhaps. Selfish? Possibly.
What about a father figure? How important is the father figure in today's family? The primary role of the father remains important as a complement to the mother. But in the absence of that, male stimulus from friend and family can be an effective alternative too. It's not about the quantity of interaction, but the quality. And the presence of an uncle of grandpa can still ensure that the child grows up in a happy environment. However, a child who grows up without a father figure may not know how to socialize with male adults, which could affect his or her relationship with men as an adult. I'm not sure how far this is true. Then again, it'ss important for a single mother to build up a support system of friends and family, both male and female. That way, the child knows that there are other people to turn to for help, not just Mum.
You can break up with a man because you do not want the same things, but you can never break up with your child. Parenthood is a life-long vocation that will change a parent's life while testing her mettle.
And there's no reason single mums cannot excel in bringing up baby.
It's my thought... only...
On an issue like being a single mother by choice, the kind of message being sent out to society can be dangerous. We still find that the stigma of being a single mother in a millennium world. Perhaps skyrocketing divorce rates and equal opportunities for women are some of the forces that have pushed them towards single motherhood. But I thinks the reasons are usually more personal. They might still want a man, just not at the moment.
Call some of them the "SMC's" or "Single Mothers by Choice", an evolved subset of single mothers. Far from being yours, ignorant and immature, these 30 something voluntarily take responsibility for a child; know full well that parenthood would be solitary project for them from day one.
No doubt being a parent, no matter how you do it, is challenging and wonderful. As a mother, a commitment to a child goes beyond the financial. It takes more than just a parent, but a network of support. These are different theories and arguments about the best way to do so, but nurturing a child form toddler to teenager is a labour of love and an individual journey that takes you through a plethora of emotions. The responsibility on your shoulders is mind-boggling, to say the least.
As the SMCs, these women have all made the same choice to bring up their child without a father figure. Practical? Perhaps. Selfish? Possibly.
What about a father figure? How important is the father figure in today's family? The primary role of the father remains important as a complement to the mother. But in the absence of that, male stimulus from friend and family can be an effective alternative too. It's not about the quantity of interaction, but the quality. And the presence of an uncle of grandpa can still ensure that the child grows up in a happy environment. However, a child who grows up without a father figure may not know how to socialize with male adults, which could affect his or her relationship with men as an adult. I'm not sure how far this is true. Then again, it'ss important for a single mother to build up a support system of friends and family, both male and female. That way, the child knows that there are other people to turn to for help, not just Mum.
You can break up with a man because you do not want the same things, but you can never break up with your child. Parenthood is a life-long vocation that will change a parent's life while testing her mettle.
And there's no reason single mums cannot excel in bringing up baby.
It's my thought... only...
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