Singing praises for single mothers

GINA Elder, a single mother of five children, recently posted the following in her blog, onemomsguide. com: “I didn’t set out to be a single mother. I set out to be the best parent I can be, and that hasn’t changed.”

According to a study published by the United Nations Development Programme Malaysia in 2012, single mothers in this country, especially those aged 40 years and above, often survive with very minimal savings and in many instances face great difficulties entering or re-entering the workforce in order to support their children.

Children might understand why their mother has to work but sometimes it can be pretty hard for them to accept the fact. It can be tough when a child does not have enough time to spend with his/her mother.

Ultimately, if you are a single mother or parent, do note that no matter what the latest studies say about the damaging effects of a broken home, remember that you and your children are more than a statistic, and that your home isn’t broken. Renowned author and single mother J. K. Rowling once said, “I am prouder of my years as a single mother than any other part of my life.”

It is definitely not easy being a single mum. You have to teach your children everything, feed them, clothe them, and at the end of the day, you’re only human. You’re going to mess up sometimes but the bond you build with your children can’t ever compare with anything in this world. ANAK TUNGGAL TO AN IBU TUNGGAL Kuala Lumpur