The Perks of Being a Single Mom

Between changing diapers, chauffeuring kids to activities, and cooking dinner, it's tough to be a parent. Now imagine trying to do all those things — and more — without help. Being a single mother is a difficult job, one that many women take on (bravely, we might add!). But despite the long days and occasionally lonely nights, there are some bright spots to solo parenting. Here, real single moms share the best parts of life without a partner.

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01
The Extraspecial Bond

The Extraspecial Bond

For Mary M., single motherhood means a close relationship to her children. "It's just you and your child or children," she says. "They only have you to depend on, trust, and talk to."

02
Newfound Independence

Newfound Independence

"I find such great joy in being a single mom and not having some man telling me how to parent and disrupting my perfect schedule," Nightingale says of single motherhood.

Source: Lionsgate

03
Bragging Rights

Bragging Rights

When you're the only parent, that means you are the reason for your child's success. "Every milestone, every accomplishment, everything he's learned was from me," Desiree J. says. "I was there, I helped, I taught.

04
You See Everything

You See Everything

From first step to first date, you get to see (and photograph) it all! Michelle C. points out that "you're there to witness so many moments, some of which you would miss if you were taking turns watching the kids with the dad."

Source: NBC

05
More Room For Fun

More Room For Fun

When you have to share time with an ex, you want to make it as special as possible. "I love being able to have ice cream for dinner occasionally, have dress-up parties, and sing Britney, Aqua, and Disney in the car without having to ever answer to any man," Carolyn H. says.

06
No More Drama

No More Drama

Presplit, you participated in nightly shouting matches. Now you enjoy the peace and quiet. "There's no more yelling and no more tears," Tracy P. says.

07
A New Nighttime Companion

A New Nighttime Companion

No, we don't mean a new man. "I get to share my bed with my 2-and-a-half-year-old daughter every night," Milet E. says. "I wake up to her sweet face and a wonderful feeling of gratefulness every morning."

08
No More Stench!

No More Stench!

Once he moves out, you notice a huge difference in the house: its scent! "My house and my bathroom smell lovely," Julie J. says.

09
Girl Power

Girl Power

"I feel the best part of being a single mom is proving to the world that women are very strong and we can take anything life deals us, head-on," Amy H. says.

Source: NBC