Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Hashtag: Single Mom Problems
One day not too long ago, I found myself sitting in a shady area of a local playground in Union Square, NYC. I'd just finished running around with Aiden, chasing him from the slides to the swings and back again. Before the playground, we had lunch at a local diner and before that, we were at his swimming class. I was pretty tired, but the kid seemed to think he was competing with the Energizer Bunny.
At that moment, I decided to unwind that evening with a glass of wine once I had tucked Aiden into bed and kissed him good night. I mentally scanned my kitchen cupboards and refrigerator and remembered that I was all out of wine. Aiden and I would have to make a quick run to the Trader Joe’s Wine Shop before heading home on the subway.
As we were walking toward the wine shop, I realized something: Aiden was coming with me so that I could pick up booze! I was that mom. But what is a single mom to do?! When Aiden inquired about it — as any curious kid would — I simply told him that we were going to buy something that mommy is allowed to drink, and that he would be allowed to drink once he becomes a grown up.
As we were walking towards the subway to head home, I realized something: I’ve got #singlemomproblems — not a lot, but a few. And here they are:
1. Explaining to Aiden why he’s the only kid in the wine shop. Awkward.
2. Having a million and one pictures of just Aiden (because I’m the one who takes all of them), but not very many pictures with Aiden (because there’s no one to take it for us).
3. Turning down guys who try to hit on me… in front of Aiden. “Yes, this is my son. No, I’m not with his father anymore. No, I will not take your phone number. No, you definitely cannot have my phone number. No, I’m not looking for a stepfather for him.”
4. Discussing my love life (or lack thereof) with Aiden and having to justify why I’m [still] single. I kid you not. Here’s one of our recent conversations:
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Lol, get your self pimp on. Wonderful article Alicia. I am married now but I was a single mom and i can relate.
ReplyDeleteI liked your Redbook article. Not easy talking about the love life with a kid. But I think you handled it fine. :)
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ReplyDeleteI think it is SO rude and tacky when men approach women while they are clearly with their children. I remember my brother and I being children and my mother getting approached by guys all of the time when we were with her and feeling so uncomfortable. No home training, I swear.
ReplyDeleteAnother great article!
ReplyDeleteWhat is it with marriage and kids these days? Do they talk about this at school? My kids keep looking at our wedding picture wondering why they were not in it. Lol.
I need to take more pics with the kids. I'm always behind the camera. My kids could be orphans if you went by the pics.
I share the picture problem too. I am jealous that my husband has not only a lot but great pictures with our son. I love taking pictures (especially when he's not looking) and he doesn't. I usually have to beg him to take them with me as I stretch my arm out to fit us in the same frame. I can count one hand the pictures with me.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine how it is explaining your dating life in NY. They aren't so pushy VA but I have been asked if I would have someone's baby while I was with my child. What a creep!
Children are just so curious and full of questions, arent they? You handle it so well!
ReplyDeleteMen are so bold these days. I had a guy hit on me in front Moo & JJ while the Mr was walking the buggy back to the store! Like really?!
ReplyDeleteLol Ive taken emma into a wine shop! And we've also mastered the self shot (the ones I take of ourselves with my arm extended out in front of us haha)
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