When he was five we moved to a small town which is more traditional in its demographic make up. In fact, when he was around six, I was driving and his friend some place and his little friend asked him: “Where is your daddy?” My son went, “Hmm, Kevin, we are a single parent family. That means there is only one parent!” Kevin was still insistent, “but how did your mom have you without a daddy?” My son started explaining about eggs and sperms and ovaries lol. So it is really okay!

However, I do make an effort to nurture his friendships with my male friends and family members so he would have healthy role models but honestly, I think at this point, he has a such strong sense of self and identity and is very secure in his relationship with me and my family that I am really not too worried about it. As he says, “Mom, you are really great, because you really are my mom and dad.” We in fact joke that all I need is a beard to be his dad!

Finally, I frame the ‘type of family’ into a larger understanding of the choices we make and how we live our lives. That makes it a more affirmative choice than something that needs to be defended. Which is precisely I handle my sole parenting status with others.

If any other choice mommy wants to chat/share ideas/share support let me know.