Struggles of a Single Mom: A Mother’s Quiet Strength in the Middle of Everything

HER Voice

I didn’t plan for my life to look like this.I

I’m Fayee, I am also a mother of three. My eldest is nine, my middle child is four, and my baby is just nine months old. Each of them needs me in completely different ways, all at the same time. Some days, it feels like I’m being pulled in three directions, and no version of me can fully meet all their needs the way I wish I could.

I’m in the middle of going through divorce papers. They sit there, half-done, waiting for me. Every time I look at them, I feel a weight in my chest. It’s not just paperwork, it’s the closing of something I once believed in. Even when I know this is the right step, it still hurts in ways I didn’t expect.

In the midst of raising my kids, I'm also in the midst of navigating a divorce, holding onto unfinished papers that mark the end of a chapter I once believed in.

At the same time, I'm also trying to stay afloat at work while preparing for a move into a new home that is meant to be a fresh start.

And most days, it feels like more than she can carry.

HER Story

Some days, it’s just too much all at once. The baby is crying, my older two need me, work messages keep coming in, and the divorce papers are still sitting there, waiting. I look at everything and wonder… how am I supposed to do this alone?

I feel like I’m constantly being pulled in different directions, and no matter what I do, it’s never enough. If I’m with my kids, I’m thinking about work. If I’m working, I’m thinking about my kids. And somewhere in between, I’ve lost the space to even process what I’m going through.

I’m tired— physically, emotionally, mentally. There are moments I feel like I’m slipping, like I’m not showing up as the person I used to be. And that scares me.

But what people don’t see is that I’m still trying.

Even when I feel like I’m breaking, I still wake up. I still pack their things, feed them, hold them, and respond to what needs to be done. I still make decisions, even when I’m unsure. I still carry on, even when I don’t feel strong. And maybe I don’t say this enough, but this is hard.

It’s hard to let go of something I once believed would last. It’s hard to hold everything together for my children while quietly falling apart inside. It’s hard not knowing what the future looks like, but still having to lead them forward anyway.

But at the same time… I know why I keep going.

Because to my children, I’m not someone who is struggling or unsure. I’m just Mum. That means I have to show up, no matter how I feel, no matter how heavy things get.

Maybe I don’t have clarity yet. Maybe I’m still overwhelmed, still figuring things out, and I believe that's okay. What's important now to my children is that, I’m here.

And right now, that has to be enough.

HER Growth

Take life one step at a time, but do not forget you’re stronger than you think.

What is your personal motto?

Do you have any word of advice for other parents or single moms?

Right now, caring for myself looks simple and intentional.

I make space for small moments of rest, even if it’s just a few quiet minutes to breathe.

I remind myself to eat properly, stay hydrated , and most importantly, to give myself grace on the hard days. I’ve learned not to be too harsh on myself, because some days, just showing up is already tough.

How do you care for yourself now?

You’re doing better than you think.

It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay not to have everything figure out. There is no perfect way to do this.

What truly matters is your love, your effort, and your presence. That’s what your children will remember. That’s the strength they will carry with them for life.

About The Babies Cue

The Babies Cue is a Singapore-founded mothers’ community built on Her Voices, Her Stories, and Her Growth.

We provide trusted educational and emotional support for mothers from pre-pregnancy through postpartum and early childhood—combining credible resources with authentic insights from real mothers. Built by mothers and led by mothers, The Babies Cue is a safe and transformative space where women come together to share, learn, and grow.

For media enquiries, partnerships, or collaboration opportunities, please contact hello@thebabiescue.com.

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