40 Single Mom Quotes That Capture the Experience Perfectly
So much work, but even more joy.
Hard, but oh-so-rewarding: That's what Hollywood's A-list mamas have to say about raising their kids solo. When it comes to being a single parent, these celebrity moms prove that it's all worth it. To honor all those single mothers out there, we've gathered some of the best and most inspirational single mom quotes from celebrities and other famous women. In these quotes, they open up about the stigma associated with single motherhood, the struggles of parenting without a full-time partner to consult, their journeys to single parenthood, the forgiveness they afford themselves when they make mistakes and, ultimately, the joy they feel in watching the kids they've raised on their own become happy, healthy adults. (And maybe even the President of the United States?)
Whether you're celebrating your own single mother this Mother's Day and you need something to write in her Mother's Day card, or you're just looking for an inspiring quote to get you through the day, these words of wisdom and relatable sayings from actresses, musicians, writers and politicians will remind you that you're never truly alone as a single mother. (Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!)
Jennifer Lopez
“It's about love, and that's what I constantly remind myself of because I kind of let society get inside my head. 'Oh, it shouldn't be like this. I did this, I did that. I failed.' And it's like, no. They're happy, they're healthy, they're loved more than anything in the world and they're going to be fine."
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Rachel Bilson
"Kids are great for an excuse for anything. If you don’t want to do something, you don’t ever have to lie because like you have kids. You can leave early, you can not go and you can go to bed at 9 and it’s awesome."
Jill Scott
“I never really considered myself a single parent because I was blessed to have a village of family and friends who love us and assist in every way to help him become a really kind person and a genuine person."
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Mary-Louise Parker
"I don't think you necessarily have to be part of a traditional nuclear family to be a good mother."
Paula Miranda
"Remember that a single mom is just like any other mom and that our number one priority is still our kids. Any parent does whatever it takes for their kids and a single mother is no different."
Mariah Carey
“I feel like the most important thing is how the kids grow up. They’re human beings and they have to be treated as such. They’re sensitive and they’re going to feel any kind of tension. So, for me, it’s not about how I deal with anything. It’s about how they’re going to feel after the day is over and they’re going to sleep at night.”
Amanda Stanton
"I decided instead of being embarrassed of my failed marriage and ashamed of being a single mother, I was going to OWN it. Being the best mother you can be and giving your kids the BEST life possible has nothing to do with your relationship status and you don’t have to be happily married to have a ‘picture-perfect family.'"
Angelina Jolie
"I actually feel more of a woman because I feel like I’m being smart about my choices, and I’m putting my family first and I’m in charge of my life and my health. I think that’s what makes a woman complete."
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Meg Ryan
"Motherhood changed me because it is so fundamental what you're doing for another person. And you are able to do it even though it takes a lot."
Edie Falco
“As a single mom, I’m juggling a lot and working long hours. Yes, it costs them a little, but what my children get in return is a mother who is energized and content. It helps us to bring out the best in each other, which is what a family should do.”
Felicity Jones
“Being a working mother and a working single parent instills in you a sense of determination."
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Sofia Vergara
“I was really young when I divorced his father, so I raised him trying to set the best example and give him the best that I could ... When people compliment me on him, on how well mannered, how charming, funny, and well-behaved he is, it makes all the sacrifices worthwhile.”
Denise Richards
“I think moms, single or not, put a lot of pressure on ourselves trying to balance it all. It’s never going to be perfectly balanced — the sooner you know this, the sooner you can relieve some of the pressure you put on yourself.”
Padma Lakshmi
"I have a great career, and I have my daughter. So what I don’t have is not as important to me as what I do have."
Roma Downey
“What is free time? I’m a single mother. My free moments are filled with loving my little girl.”
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Minnie Driver
“It is really challenging to be by yourself, to be the bread-winner, to make sure your child is having a complete and lovely childhood — and it’s all on you, sort of, on the day-to-day.”
J.K. Rowling
“I would say to any single parent currently feeling the weight of stereotype or stigmatization that I am prouder of my years as a single mother than of any other part of my life."
Christina Milian
“I want to show the example that you can be a single mother and work and handle a lot of other things at the same time.”
Kristin Davis
“On the positive side, I don’t have to worry about my relationship, because I don’t have one. But on the other hand, I don’t have a support for myself. I remember wishing I had someone to bounce ideas off of. Instead I would be by myself trying to figure it out with Google.”
Halle Berry
“For me, motherhood is learning about the strengths I didn’t know I had, and dealing with the fears I didn’t know existed.”
Selena is the entertainment and news editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers the latest on TV, movies and celebrities. In addition to writing and editing entertainment news, she also spotlights the Hispanic and Latinx community through her work. She is a graduate of CUNY Hunter College with a B.A. in journalism and creative writing.
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; previously, she wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her toy-collecting husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found helping out her team at bar trivia or posting about movies on Twitter and Bluesky.
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