Kendall Georges was thrust into single motherhood three years ago. She shared her lived experience on the struggle of raising two daughters alone.

Georges still had her ex-husband around for a time when they first separated, but now that he moved away, she is more consistently on her own, raising two daughters with next to no paternal influence.

According to a 2022 report from the U.S. Census Bureau, 80% of single mothers were either never married or have been divorced.

The Center for American Progress (CAP) did an analysis of single mother in America, which showed that of 7.3 million single mothers in 2023, 20% of single mothers were under 30, 39% were in their 30s, 31% were in their 40s, and 10% were 50 or older. 

The economic status of single mothers is a large factor in how well they are able to raise their children in a stable household, which is largely attached to their involvement in the workforce.

That same CAP analysis stated that single mothers working full time in 2022 had a median annual income of $40,000, which was $17,000 less than single fathers.

While Kendall Georges may not have had to deal with the economic hardship, many others do.

The poverty rate for single mothers was 28% using the official poverty measure and 26% using the supplemental poverty measure, according to the CAP analysis.

The impact of not having a financial struggle was crucial in Georges’ success in being a single mother.

“Financially, thankfully, we’re secure, and I know that that is a common stigma with single mothers is that hardship. So, I’m so grateful that we don’t have to struggle in that aspect,” Georges said.

What Georges was most impacted by, was the emotional health between her and her daughters, which is another layer to single motherhood in America.

While the financial aspect can be a large stressor for single parents, there are many other factors that come into play for their emotional well-being.

Mental Health America lists other common stressors, such as feeling stretched too thin, custody disputes, loneliness, having no personal time, and taking care of yourself.

Georges said having a great “chosen family” has helped her through her journey as a single mother.

“Just realizing how important chosen family is, and that you can choose friends and choose people in life that really do operate like family regardless of what the blood ties are,” Georges said.

Single mothers, and single parents in general shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. Understanding you’re never alone can be crucial to your success in being a great mother, and in life.