Being a single mom isn’t just about survival — it’s about resilience, resourcefulness, and HEART. Every day, millions of moms juggle work, parenting, bills, and the emotional load of raising kids on our own. Most days, it feels like we’re barely keeping it together. Other days, we shock ourselves with our own strength. In this post, I want to share ten stories — some from my own journey, and some from other incredible moms whose stories I’ve come across — that prove single moms are among the strongest people around!
If you haven’t yet, make sure you read my full post Why Single Moms Are Some of the Strongest People I Know for an even deeper dive into the power and perseverance of single moms.
1. The Night I Fixed the Car in the Rain
It was 11 p.m., pouring rain, and I had a sleeping toddler in the back seat when my car’s tire went flat. My first instinct was to cry. But there was no one else to call — it was just me. I pulled over, took a deep breath, and changed that tire right there on the side of the road. My hands were shaking from the cold, but when I finished, I looked at my daughter in the rearview mirror and thought, “She’ll never know just how much I fought for us tonight.” That moment reminded me that even when I’m terrified, I can still get the job done. If you’ve ever had a ‘just me’ moment like this, you know exactly what I mean.
2. Stretching your earnings into a Week of Groceries
There was a time when my husband at the time was laid off and I wasn’t make much. No savings. No backup. Just the weekly paycheck. I spent hours planning a grocery list, looking for deals, and figuring out how to turn pasta, beans, and vegetables into enough meals for the week. My stepson and husband never went hungry — and they didn’t even notice how tight things were. That week taught me that being a mom is basically getting a master’s degree in budgeting and problem-solving.
3. Going Back to School at Night
When my youngest started kindergarten, I made the decision to go back to school at night while working full-time. It meant late nights, missed sleep, and studying in the car during soccer practice. But the day I walked across that stage to get my degree, my kids were in the audience cheering. They didn’t just see a diploma — they saw that their mom never gave up, no matter how many obstacles stood in the way. If you’re thinking about making a big move for your future, this is your sign to go for it. This is not my story.
4. Starting a Side Hustle at 2 a.m.
Marissa, a single mom of two, used to bake to relieve stress. One night, she posted pictures of her cupcakes online at 2 a.m., not thinking much of it. By morning, she had three orders. Today, her home baking business helps cover her rent and gives her the flexibility to be there when her kids need her. Her story is proof that sometimes the smallest, sleep-deprived ideas can turn into life-changing opportunities. See more flexible work ideas here.
5. Saying “No” to Protect Mental Health
I used to say yes to everything — extra nights with the kids, volunteering, helping friends — until I realized I was burnt out. One day, I started saying “no” unapologetically. It wasn’t easy. I used Set Boundaries, Find Peace as my guide to not feel guilty. It gave me the time and energy to be present with my child and protect my mental health. My courage to set boundaries is a reminder that self-care isn’t selfish — it’s survival. Here are some quick self-care rituals you can try.
6. Walking Away from a Toxic Relationship
After years in a toxic relationship, Angela made the difficult decision to leave with her 4-year-old son. She had no job, no car, and no clear plan — just the determination to give her son a safer home. Within a year, she found work, bought a used car, and moved into a better neighborhood. Her story is a testament to the strength it takes to leave when staying feels easier.
7. Learning New Skills to Get Ahead
Jasmine lost her job during the pandemic, and instead of panicking, she spent three months taking free online courses. By the time the job market opened back up, she landed a remote position making more than she ever had before. She said the hardest part wasn’t the studying — it was believing she was worth investing in. Her leap of faith paid off.
8. Advocating for a Child at School
When her son was struggling in class, Kayla didn’t let the school brush off her concerns. She learned the education laws, attended every meeting, and pushed until her son got the support he needed. Today, he’s thriving — and she’s become an unofficial advocate for other parents in her community. This is a reminder that no one fights harder for a child than a single mom.
9. Moving Across the Country for a Fresh Start
After losing her job and apartment in the same month, Naomi packed her car with everything she owned and drove 1,200 miles to stay with family. She started over in a new city, eventually finding a job she loved and a school her kids thrived in. Sometimes strength looks like staying — and sometimes it looks like leaving everything behind.
10. Teaching Kids to Dream Big
My favorite story is from Michelle, who, despite working two jobs, found ways to teach her kids about chasing big dreams. She made vision boards with them, celebrated small wins, and talked about goals over dinner. Today, one of her daughters is the first in the family to go to college. Her story is proof that even when money is tight, hope is free — and it’s one of the most powerful things we can give our children.
Your Strength Is Your Superpower
Every single mom has a story worth telling. Whether it’s fixing a tire in the rain, saying no to protect your mental health, or starting a whole new life from scratch, your journey is proof of your resilience. If you’ve ever doubted your strength, let these stories be your reminder: you are capable, you are resourceful, and you are unstoppable.
For more encouragement and practical tips, check out my post Why Single Moms Are Some of the Strongest People I Know. And if you’re ready to explore more ways to thrive, you’ll love my guides on flexible remote work and quick self-care rituals.