This article was first published on Medium.
A mother’s love extends beyond the tangible. And for single mothers, that love powers an everlasting strength that keeps them standing — even when the weight of the world rests on their shoulders.
Every day, single moms embrace the “impossible,” pushing past boundaries and proving they are capable of the unthinkable.
According to the Center for American Progress, 7.3 million single moms make up the population in the United States in 2023. In Florida, nearly 27.4% of households were single-parent with children under 18.
For some single mothers, their responsibilities as nurturers and providers go beyond just motherhood. As time passes and life presents its challenges, many find themselves stepping into a new role, caring for those who once cared for them.
The Burden of the Sandwich Generation
Many are finding themselves sandwiched between the responsibilities of raising children while synchronously caring for aged parents. The joint obligation of caring for children and parents can be demanding, especially for single mothers who manage this responsibility on their own. This ongoing challenge has contributed to a rise in multigenerational households, where several generations live together under one roof.
“As a single mother, if I had to raise my child while caring for a family member and managing work, I would be incredibly drained and exhausted,” says one Miami mom who would like to remain anonymous.
“There would be no time left for myself, and I’d constantly feel like I was splitting myself in half. Caring for others is a full-time job, and I’d always feel like I was falling short — never able to fully meet the needs of my child or the family member who requires my care.”
“As a caregiver, I realized that here today, gone tomorrow. You need to make the most of everything. Always say I love you, it’s nice to see you, or a simple hello.” — Anonymous
While these dynamics can offer additional stability and support, it also can cause chronic levels of stress, weakened immunity, irritability, and other serious mental and physical illnesses.
The Toll of Caregiving
Caregiving is a challenging role that not everyone can take on.
According to a National Partnership for Women & Families analysis, women spent nearly 300 hours per year on caregiving, amounting to $643 billion in unpaid care work — approximately $4,650 in annual unpaid work per woman in the U.S.
Despite a significant gender gap in caregiving, men contribute an estimated $403 billion in unpaid work, making unpaid caregiving a trillion-dollar industry.
“Caregiving, in general, is not the same for everyone. For example, some may see it as a blessing, others may see it as a burden. Caregiving does require patience and understanding. Some may be naturals, while others can adjust and adapt, while some will get there,” says Michael Yarid, who routinely cares for his mother, JY, who has dementia.
Due to the demands of caregiving, many caregivers experience increased levels of stress, weakened immune systems, memory, and attention problems, and a higher risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Frequently placing their needs aside for others, caregivers are likely to encounter feelings of depression, anxiety, irritability, and isolation.
“I can navigate many of the common challenges of caregiving. However, my biggest struggle is that my mom becomes very attached to me rather than my siblings. When I need downtime, the transition is never smooth. Unfortunately, this is unlikely to change, so I have to find ways to manage it. With children, they can often understand and adjust, but in her case, that’s not possible.” — Michael Yarid
Honoring the Hidden Heroes This Mother’s Day
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, take a moment to honor the silent heroes of our society — the incredible single moms raising the next generation but also those stepping up to care for their aging parents.
This Mother’s Day, let’s go beyond the traditional boundary of “motherhood” and shed light on those who are less recognized and deserve much more than just a single day of recognition.
