a two-part podcast series, created by The Mom Hour, celebrating the joys and challenges of going it alone
What does it mean to be a “solo parent”? It’s a little different for everyone.
For the military mom, it might mean facing down her partner’s six-month deployment while she tries to hold down the fort at home with no family nearby. For the single mom, it’s the realization that she has to deal with everything – from night terrors to blowout diapers – without the support of a loving partner.
Solo parenting can also look like one parent taking the second shift alone every day while the other works, then heading to her own job late at night; like business trips that take her partner out of town for weeks or months on end; like crying into her pillow on the days her babies are with Dad (after all, even when her kids aren’t around, she’s still Mom).
In this special series, we’re tackling the realities of solo parenting – the hard, the overwhelming, and even some of the perks – while offering a ton of validation and camaraderie to other moms who are going it alone, no matter the reason or duration.
Keep reading to meet the moms featured in Episode 01 of the series, hear solo parenting tips and stories from our community, and learn more about WaterWipes, a dad-founded company leading the way in telling honest stories about what it means to be a parent today.
Solo Parent Stories You Heard In Episode 01
Katie separated and divorced when her youngest was still a baby, and has built a busy, active life in Colorado with her two young kids. She works full-time from home while overseeing virtual school for a kindergartener and a second grader.
Paola’s husband works long shifts far from home as a store manager (and at times in their marriage has worked the night shift), and her own corporate job starts at 7:00am every day. With twins doing remote school at home and a preschooler who isn’t in formal childcare at all, Paola’s family has learned how to help each other in the pockets of time that are available with their overlapping schedules.
Julie is a completely single mom to 5-year-old Nicholas, without an ex or partner in the picture. From day one she’s built a bond and an adventure-filled life with her son, from travel to tantrums to DIY furniture construction, all with an inspiring sense of humor.
Kate’s husband has worked on natural gas pipeline projects for more than a decade, leaving their growing family with the choice to pack up and move every few months, or be separated for long periods of time. Since having kids they’ve done both, and now stay put (and separated) more often so that their kids can attend school in one place.
Voices From Our Community
We heard from so many more solo parents than we could air on the podcast, and we’re honored they’ve chosen to share their stories here. If you have a story or tip to share, keep reading! You’ll have a chance to share your own solo parenting experience at the bottom of this page.
My solo parenthood looks like…
A moment where I felt like a superhero…
One of my biggest challenges is…
Survival Tips From Solo Parents
Looking for tips to take care of yourself, get your kids to step up, and generally thrive during solo parenthood seasons of life? Listen to these tips from moms who have been there:
About Our Sponsor
The This Is Solo Parenthood podcast series was created by The Mom Hour in partnership with WaterWipes.
It’s always our goal on The Mom Hour to represent motherhood with honesty, nuance, and the foundational belief that there are many, many ways to be a great parent. WaterWipes agrees, and has built their brand on similar principles, recognizing that welcoming a baby into the world is full of love, joy, messes and everything in-between—and that every parent’s experience is unique and full of their own highs and lows.
The #ThisIsParenthood platform is WaterWipes’ way of shining a light on the true realities of parenthood, with the hope that we can normalize a more open, honest conversation around the ups and downs of being a parent. Because at the end of the day, WaterWipes believes the wipes parents use on their little one should be one less thing they have to worry about.
WaterWipes are made with simply two ingredients: 99.9% water and a drop of fruit extract, so parents can trust them for everyday use on baby’s delicate skin. (WaterWipes are even safe enough for use on premature and newborn skin!) WaterWipes are available for purchase online and in-stores nationwide, including Amazon, BuyBuyBaby, Target, Walmart, and Walgreen’s.
Share Your Solo Parenthood Story
We’d love to hear from you! Share a moment or a survival tip via voicemail with the button below, or send us a note using the form on the right.
By sharing your story, you’re granting The Mom Hour permission to use it in this project. If we need anything else, we’ll be in touch. Thank you!