For the first time I talk very openly (as always!) about life as a solo Mum and let me begin my sharing this quote which sums up a little of what I share in this episode:

"Be grateful for what you have AND demand what you deserve." Abby Wambach

I'm surprised I've not talked about this topic on my own (as opposed to with guests) before now but it felt good to speak on this topic as so many parents can feel alone — whether they are in a relationship or not — and it's high time I spoke about the reality that many people like myself experience.

In this episode I wish to share my solidarity for solo parents. Of course, no two families are the same but I wanted my fellow solo parents to feel seen and heard and to share my personal experiences of the downs and the ups.

In this episode, I speak on:

• society's view on solo/single parents and having grace for ourselves
• the need for a true village to raise families
• the feeling of being on my own with certain things and decisions
• my grief over not having another baby
• making time for ourselves, on our own
• empty nest 'syndrome' and potential ways to prevent or reduce it
• navigating life with our child(ren) and the transitions we have, in all their beauty and messiness
• alloparenting
• the power in validating our own experiences

Themes: parenting, solo parenting, matrescence, perimenopause, the sociology of motherhood

At the end, I share a poem written by Hollie McNish.

I mention Rebecca Cox and our conversation from Episode #51, my conversation with Rosanna Jahangard (Episode #70), a quote from Dr Tara Swart, Lucy Jones and her book 'Matrescence', the Barbie movie and a quote from Abby Wambach's book 'Wolfpack'.

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