Hello there! My name is Rachel Corbett and I’m a solo mum…by choice.
I know what you’re thinking “Was it really a choice or did you have no other option, you sad pathetic single woman who got left on the shelf?”
It’s ok. Even if polite society says you can’t say that to my face you’re more than welcome to think it coz, I get it.
We’re supposed to all want that perfect two-partner family and anything short of that is really just a consolation prize.
But I never really thought that way.
And I’ve noticed, when I tell people I’m a solo mum I usually get a few responses…
“Oh God I wish I’d done that” from anyone in a less than ideal co-parenting situation OR anyone who is in a relationship with someone but may as well be doing it solo because their partner is MIA both emotionally and physically.
“Oh, that’s nice” from people who think it’s honestly a bit sad and that, despite me saying I’m fine, I’m probably holding it together for their benefit and I’ll pop home for a quick cry later while thinking about all the ex’s I should have had a baby with so I wasn’t in this mortifyingly embarrassing position.
And finally, “Oh, I could never do that” from people who genuinely think they couldn’t do it solo.
And if you’ve ever thought that, but you really want kids and you haven’t found a partner who would make your life infinitely better and you’re wondering, “Could doing it by myself be an option for me?”, then this show is for you.
Even if you couldn’t care less about the words that are coming out of my mouth and you just want to use it as proof of life, to see that someone doing it solo can make it through a week, I’ll be here for you.
This show isn’t about giving advice, because honestly, every family and baby is so different I think it’s a bit weird to think you’ve got the all the answers.
Especially when, like me, you’ve muddled your way through this once. And you’re still only at the beginning bit.
But there's plenty of stuff I’ve worked out, or found really helpful doing it by myself, so I thought I’d share it in case it helps you too.
I’ll also be going back through some of my audio and written journal entries from the early days because, in all honesty, that bit was such a miserable blur that I’m quite fascinated to relive it from a safe distance, coz, I’m not gonna lie. I really hit the skids.
But I can say that in an amusing tone now because it really does get INFINITELY better.
And thank GOD because otherwise why would anybody do this? It’s hell!
So come and join me for Operation Tiny Human, coming to your ears soon.
If you’ve got any questions, even if it’s as brutal as “Why the hell have you done this you idiot?” I’d love to answer them on the show and you can submit them here.
And I hope you’ll join me for Operation Tiny Human, coming to your ears soon.
This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present.
CREDITS:
Host: Rachel Corbett
Editing Assistance: Josh Newth
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