The Journey. It’s Mine. [Daragang Magayon’s Personal Blog]

What can we do when we don’t want to do it anymore? A single mom asks - not just any single mom, but Christina of Solo Mother.

First I thought I’d comment but my comments were becoming a full entry so I thought I’ll just write it here, for other single moms to read as well.

Responding to Christina’s question: no it isn’t horrible to feel at times that you don’t want to be a mother anymore. Single parenting is exhausting and difficult (to say the least!) and there are times when you want to stop being responsible for the life of another. I think it is but natural to feel that way, I guess even married moms will feel it at times, much less someone who is doing it all alone.

The feeling will pass however, because your kid is the joy of your life and yes, you wouldn’t trade him for anything. Those heavy feelings will pass - believe me - you single mom just need to do something for your self alone.

Call in sick at work perhaps? But do not stay home, leave your kid with the nanny or at daycare and without guilt pamper yourself even for just a day. I did that, lots of times.

Get a hair cut or a foot spa or just hang around the mall -fit shoes and blouses you wouldn’t buy anyway because you just can’t afford it. Or maybe read a book in a quiet corner of a bookstore - just read for the moment, not buy the book because you won’t have time to read at home, at least not until your kid is reading his own book already. Take note that if you do any of these two at office hours, the shops are practically empty so you can take your own sweet time.

Better yet, call a girlfriend - eat out, watch a movie together or just talk (lots of) and go for a long walk. If no girlfriend is available (who would at office hours?!) do your grocery shopping in peace without hurry (and walk all the way home) –this alone is bliss for any mom, single or otherwise.

In fact I still do something like those from time to time, except the walking home part (because home these days is too long a walk to take, a choice between 5 and 13 kilometers!). I think any mother should (if not already) escape once in a while for some ME-times. Once in a while.

Anything. Anything that will make you come home happy. Tired maybe but happy to face your responsibilities once more. Christina is right — always, always come home.