Even When It’s Hard

Especially when it’s hard

I do the best I can, but it’s true what they say: it takes a village to raise children.

This August will mark four years since I officially became a single mother. But if I’m being honest, I was a single mother long before that, just with a ring on my finger.

As a mom of five kids ranging in age, I’m constantly navigating five unique personalities, moods, growth spurts, hormone surges, and the relentless testing of boundaries. My days are filled with sports schedules, school demands, meal planning, bath time rotations, first crushes, friendship drama, tears to wipe, and tempers to calm.

And that’s on top of trying to care for myself, my mental health, my needs, and my sense of self.

Last night, the lack of respect in our home reached a breaking point… and my boyfriend pointed it out.

These are not easy conversations to have. My ego, shaped by years of trauma, instantly wants to go on the defence. It took real intention to quiet that instinct, to listen instead of react.

We talked for hours. I cried, no, I bawled.

It. Was. Hard.

But through that tough conversation, we reached an agreement: it’s time to elevate our relationship, and with that, his role within my family.

This morning, we all sat down together.

“A family meeting,” he announced.

For forty minutes, he calmly laid out new routines and addressed the challenges. There were tears. After so long without a consistent male presence guiding them, it was a shock for the kids to hear a different, firmer tone.

But he began with words I’ll never forget:

“Your mom is the hardest working person I know.”

And in that moment, I felt more supported than I ever have.

Today, we implemented new consequences and introduced fresh routines. It won’t change everything overnight, it’ll take time, consistency, and patience. But for the first time in a long while, we’re stepping into something new: a family built on mutual support, love, and respect.

Even when it’s hard.

Especially when it’s hard.

Because real growth lives in the uncomfortable.