It’s 5:30 AM on a school holiday. While the rest of the house is still deep in slumber, I’m already on my second cup of coffee, tackling admin and household chores. The quiet hum of the dishwasher and the chirping of birds are my only companions for now. Soon, however, this peaceful calm will give way to the beautiful, chaotic symphony of morning: Jessica’s alarm, Bethany’s sleepy protests, and Joseph’s enthusiastic greetings. This is the daily rhythm of life as a working single mum to three incredible children. If you’re a working mum yourself, you’ve probably asked the same question I hear so often from the amazing women I coach: “How do you do it all? How can I be everything I need to be?” The honest answer is, you don’t do it all perfectly. But you do it with immense love, resilience, and a deep well of pride in the happy, healthy humans you’re raising. Honestly, I wouldn’t trade this life for the world.
Jessica, my eldest, is 15 going on 25. She’s navigating the tumultuous waters of GCSEs, friendships, and teenage angst with a grace that often amazes me. Creativity flows through her veins; she’s an exceptional artist, filling sketchbooks with vivid characters and intricate designs. Yet, she’s also fiercely academic, determined to excel in every subject, often burning the midnight oil. Then there’s Bethany, 11, with a heart as big as the ocean. She’s incredibly generous and caring, always looking out for others, and a talented writer whose stories transport you to magical realms. And finally, my little tornado, Joseph, 5. He’s an inventor in the making, with an imagination that knows no bounds. Our living room often resembles a workshop, littered with his latest inventions crafted from cardboard, tape, and a healthy dose of pure genius.
The Juggling Act: Struggles and Triumphs
Life as a single mum is a constant juggling act. There are days when I feel like I’m running on fumes, trying to balance school runs, work deadlines, homework help, extracurricular activities, and simply keeping a tidy home. The mental load can be immense. Missing a school play because of a client meeting, the guilt of a rushed dinner, the endless laundry pile – these are the everyday struggles.
The age differences certainly bring their own unique challenges. 15-year-old drama can clash with 11-year-old sensitivities, and Joseph’s boundless energy sometimes overwhelms his sisters. Finding activities that appease all three or giving each child the dedicated one-on-one time they need, requires strategic planning and a lot of patience.
But then there are the moments, the absolute triumphs, that make every struggle fade into insignificance. Seeing Jessica’s latest artwork, reading one of Bethany’s heartwarming stories, or listening to Joseph excitedly explain his newest invention – these form the fuel that keeps me going. And watching them, my happy, healthy children, thriving at school and growing into such wonderful individuals, fills me with a pride that’s almost bursting at the seams.
Just recently, those words every parent longs to hear, echoed through our home. All three of them, in their own unique ways, told me they loved me. And last night, little Joseph, with his cheeky grin, declared I was the highest in “mummy abilities” in a game of Top Trumps. My heart absolutely melted. These are the moments, the affirmations, that remind me I’m doing something right.
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Tips for Fellow Single Mums
If you’re also navigating the rewarding but challenging path of being a working single mum, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
- Prioritise Self-Care (Seriously!):
- It sounds cliché, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Even 15 minutes of peace, a hot bath, or a quick walk can make a huge difference.
- Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to lean on your support network – friends, family, or even other parents at school. We all need a village.
- Embrace Imperfection: Your house won’t always be spotless, and dinner won’t always be gourmet. It’s okay! Focus on what truly matters: your children’s well-being and your sanity.
- Create Routine, But Be Flexible: Kids thrive on routine, but life happens. Be prepared to adapt when unexpected things crop up.
- Celebrate the Small Victories: Did you get everyone out the door on time? Did a child help with chores without being asked? Celebrate these little wins! They add up.
- Talk to Your Kids: Even with age differences, open communication is key. Let them know your struggles and your triumphs. Encourage them to share theirs.
- Remember Your “Why”: On the tough days, remind yourself why you’re doing all this. Look at your incredible children and remember the immense love that fuels your every effort.
Being a working single mum is undoubtedly hard work, but it’s also the most rewarding job in the world. Every day is an adventure, filled with love, laughter, and the occasional scientific experiment in the living room. And as I watch my beautiful Jessica, my caring Bethany, and my imaginative Joseph grow, I know with absolute certainty that every single struggle is worth it.
