Ashlie Mitchell is a hardworking, sensitive single mother who wears her heart on her sleeve. She always puts others’ needs before hers, making her a selfless person. In turn, people love to be around her. Ashlie may be quiet, keeping to herself, but when you get her to open up, you become graced with wisdom, great affirmations, and love beyond words. Her 17-year-old daughter sees her as a superhero. Yes, with powers. It’s hard enough raising a child on your own, but a teenage girl with a mind of her own takes a gift not everyone has. Ashlie handles all situations, good and bad, with patience and understanding. Anyone would be lucky to have a mom like her.

Q: What is it like being a single parent?

A: “It’s tough being the sole provider and decision maker, but I love the relationship I have with my daughter.”

Q: What problems do you face daily?

A: “I wonder if I made the right call [or] decision, or how I will provide.”

Q: What kind of financial restraints do you encounter?

A: “Finances are tight in a single parent household. I cannot provide the ‘normal’ childhood items like most 2 parent households can.”

Q: Why don’t you press for child support?

A: “Child support is set up through child support services. Financial restraints prevent me from having a private attorney.”

Q: Do you find introducing someone new to your child difficult, either from a romantic or platonic standpoint?

A: “Yes. I worry about an attachment being formed and things not working out. I want to protect my child and keep her safe.”

Q: How would you go about introducing someone new to your child?

A: “When they are a younger child, it would be in a group setting or a fun outing, then more formally later. When they’re older, introductions would be made once it looked like things were progressing.”

Q: Do you regret your decisions regarding your child’s father? (Is there anything you wish you could change)

A: “I do not. I feel that I made the best decision for the well-being of my child. I feel like the decision I made provided her with a stable environment.

Q: Does being a single parent make you feel bad about yourself?

A: “Sometimes. It’s hard not to compare [myself] to others when I can’t provide something other parents can.”

Q: Is being a single parent a lot of pressure? (From your parents, your child, yourself, and society)

A: “Most definitely because you are acting as two parents. You are making decisions that are normally a shared responsibility. There is pressure to be able to provide the same things that two parent homes provide.”

Q: What do you love the most about being a single parent?

A: “I love the relationship I have with my daughter. I feel like we are closer than a lot of kids in 2 parent homes. The love in our home is abundant and there is no question about that.”

Q: What is one piece of advice you’d give your daughter or other kids in a single-parent home?

A: “Never say anything negative or bad mouth the other parent and have open conversations. No matter what your relationship is with the other parent, that is still that child’s mother or father, and that needs to be respected despite the circumstances.”