Have you heard the term “choice mom”? It’s easier to say than “single mother by choice” and it was coined by writer Mikki Morrissette, who became a mother in 1999 and published “Choosing Single Motherhood: The Thinking Woman’s Guide” in 2008. She also founded an online community for other women who are at different points in their family-building journey sans partner.
There are so many ways that women come to decide that being a “choice mom” is their path. There’s also more than one way to bring a baby into your life. Accordingly, the information on ChoiceMoms.org is split into stages: Thinking, Trying, Waiting, and Becoming.
Rather than merely a database of resources (be sure to check out their 40 podcasts on topics ranging from managing emotions to fertility treatment options to parenting issues), the website is an informal gathering place for networking, support, and learning more about the big choices involved in proactively becoming a single mom. The organization — it’s a lot more than just Morissette now — also sponsors networking events in major cities around the United States.
A recent post by Morissette covered the “Five Myths of Choice Motherhood” — worries and concerns she’s heard over the years in her work:
- Choice Moms have to do everything alone.
- At some point, everything in life will be situated so that making this choice will be simple and easy.
- Getting pregnant will be relatively simple.
- Children of Choice Moms don’t care about missing or knowing about their father.
- Choice Moms are doomed to remain single forever.
The mother-of-two says looking myths square in the face enables us to move forward toward the life we want to lead. It’s inspiring to know that women from all walks are taking steps to proactive parenting and creating the communities that they need.
You can read more about each of the Five Myths of Choice Motherhood through links within the blogpost.
About Tracy Morris
I wear a lot of hats while spinning plates and true stories. In between taking care of myself and my family, I write about fertility and other health care topics. Most of my online time lately is spent at two very different places: FertilityTies.com and TrailerParkKarma.com. Perspective is everything -- my pre-teen reminds me daily.
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