You probably know many single parents.

I do and I was one...am one. And it is a tough and lonely run through an unknown land at times, but the kids are worth the effort.

I have a friend who has learned to braid his little girls' hair, listen to KidsBop, drink "tea" from tiny cups, and carve time out of his schedule to be in the classroom as needed. He is a police officer and his commitment - whether single dad or not - raises the bar!  

We single mums have learned how to talk to our growing guys about all sorts of things, watch movies like "GI JOE: The Rise of Cobra" and have used the content of "SuperBad" to our advantage ("sure you can watch it, but with me!  that will be so exciting- here's popcorn"- The movie lasted only 20 long minutes that night!)

Just because you can no longer carry them on your hip and they're off saving the world, doesn't mean we're not still parents. And their growing adds challenge to what is already an adventure race. Dads that talk to their girls about...developing and all of the accouterments that involve a trip to the store and moms that learn how to tie a Windsor knot for their son's first homecoming or prom date attire do so out of necessity and love.  Our kids- just like us - need to know that somebody cares enough to do the hard and uncomfortable stuff.  

That one - the Windsor knot - nearly killed me; and I'm still iffy about it.  So here's to all the "single ladies" who are raising men...who will one day raise the bar; a tutorial on tying a tie (clip-ons are only good in extreme emergencies...)

So if your little one no longer "fits" on your hip for a carry, carry - on with your imagination, creativity, and honesty.  They still need you to be mom or dad (never both!)  

And you - we - still need to ask our community for help to tie a Windsor, take our son out for a skate around the ice or our daughter for a trip to the coffee shop for a chat with someone who is safe and not "mom".

Thank you to all of the folks who step in to lend a hand.  You are saints in jeans and K-State sweatshirts.