MOTHERHOOD is blissful and rewarding. But it is also one of the hardest things to do. Just like pregnancy, it brings with itself a dizzying range of emotional highs and lows. Coping with them is even more difficult for single mums. My conversations with single mums gave away the numerous big and small challenges faced by them. As they shared their experiences about how they coped and what worked for them, they shed light on some useful tips for managing single motherhood.

GARNER SUPPORT

Priya (name changed), a marketing consultant, divorced her husband when she caught him cheating on her. Her daughter was then three years old. She was grateful to have her mother to fall back on through the difficult time, but soon after, her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Priya, was pulling herself together and also braving the responsibilities of raising a little daughter and caring for an ailing parent. She explains that no single mum can pull it all off on her own. “It’s not humanly possible. The best way forward is to accept that, and find people that you can lean on. Form a strong support system. Maids, friends, family and parents—one needs them all.”

FOCUS ON SELF