Welcome to March’s Solo Mom Spotlight!! I’m super excited to spotlight this awesome mom! She has been one of my biggest supporters throughout the years and the love for her boys radiates off of her.
So let’s get to know Ms. Laturah Blocker!
Introductory Questions
1. Tell us a little about yourself! What’s your story, and how did you navigate becoming a solo mom?
I'm a single mom of 2 boys aged 18 and 5. Both were planned and both of their dads ended up leaving. My oldest son’s dad was in his life for the most part and I was back home with family so I had support. I didn't want anymore kids but my son and my partner at the time convinced me to have another. I told him I was pregnant in January 2019 and he left in February.
I went through my entire pregnancy by myself. It was hard having my 2nd child with little to no support because we had moved to Georgia. I shut myself off and just focused on raising my boys. I worked and did everything for them and just let myself go. It's been no one but God that has put many situations and opportunities in my life for us to maintain all this time.
My son turned 5 in October and just found out who his dad was. They talk now and he's so happy.
2. What does a typical day in your life look like?
A typical day in my life starts at 4am. I read my Bible, refresh my plans, do my affirmations, and then get myself ready for the day.
I log in for work at 5:30 until 6:15 when I get my son up and ready for school. I work from home daily except 1 day. I'm also a mobile notary, so as jobs come in, I complete them.
I pick my son up from school at 2:30 and finish up work by 3:30. I take my oldest to work at 5 and then cook dinner. Right now, my church is on a fast so we call in at 7 for prayer. While I'm on the line, I get my youngest bathed, read a book, wash his face and brush his teeth and get him ready for bed.
Then I clean up my downstairs and kitchen. After that I journal and read some chapters in the Bible. When my oldest calls around 10:30, I pick him up from work then come home and get myself ready for bed.
Repeat daily until Saturday morning when they have bowling league practice.
3. How would you describe yourself in three words?
Woman seeking God
Parenting Journey
4. What’s been the biggest challenge of being a single mom, and how have you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was not losing myself. I did that and now I'm fighting to step away from the norm to learn about myself away from just being a mom and worker. It's harder than I thought but I'm making baby steps in the process. 😆
5. What’s one thing about solo motherhood that people don’t talk about enough?
The lonely nights and yearning to be held.
6. What’s your proudest “mom moment” so far?
Every time my youngest wants to do [school]work outside of being in school. We do 2 pages every day and no matter what, he always wants to do it.
7. How do you manage parenting while pursuing your own goals and passions?
My planner had been my best friend. I just started this year and it has been the best. I thought writing down things would be silly but I hold myself to things more when I do that.
Self-Care and Balance
8. How do you prioritize “me time” as a solo mom?
I take mental days at work and do what I want while my son is in school. Or I'll find something to do when my oldest is off.
9. What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day?
Journal and talk to God
10. Do you have a go-to self-care ritual that keeps you grounded?
I don't but need to look into some things.
Inspiration and Advice
11. Who inspires you as a mother, and why?
You—Tiera Nicole. Seeing how you do things with your son and how loving you are is refreshing. I struggle with being happy because I'm always in my head worrying about these bills and home life. But when I actually take the time to hang with my son and he's being good, those are moments that makes me feel good. So seeing you do it, makes me want to stay on top of it more.
12. What advice would you give to other single moms who might be struggling?
Don't give up on God and don't give up on you. Everything will work itself out, even when you don't see it in that very moment. God is a safe space and He has never let me down.
13. If you could go back and tell your younger self one thing about motherhood, what would it be?
Although you liked watching other people's kids right now, you can't give yours back and there may not be relief. So enjoy life as best you can and don’t lose yourself getting all wrapped up in them. You still matter.
Fun and Personal
14. What’s a hobby or activity you love doing that your kids think is “annoying” or “just like a mom”?
Laundry and cleaning up
15. If you had a full day to yourself, no responsibilities, what would you do?
I would go out for breakfast, hit up a movie, and then grab lunch. Next I would sit out by some water, then go out for dinner and get ice cream. And last I would just take a stroll.
16. What’s your favorite mom hack that makes your life easier?
Setting a schedule for the week and getting my son’s clothes together for school. It's so much better than waiting to do it in the morning.
17. Name one song that’s the soundtrack of your life right now.
When You Believe by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey
Looking Forward
18. What are your goals or dreams for the next year?
Continuing to build my notary business, travel somewhere with my kids and solo, read more, increase my income and take more chances.
19. How do you teach your children about resilience and self-love?
I tell my kids to never give up, don't let anyone take advantage of them. Speak their mind and stand up for themselves respectfully. And that God loves them and they're unique. They don’t have to follow behind anyone.
20. What legacy do you want to leave for your kids?
I want my kids to have morals, self control, great money management and love for everyone but more importantly each other. I always tell them WE ALL WE GOT so don't let anything or anyone come between the bond you create.
I want to thank you so much, LaTurah! Your story was very heartfelt and I’m sure it will resonate with a lot of solo moms. So how can readers keep in touch with you?
My business IG is @simplytsigningsolutions, and Facebook is Simply T's Signing Solutions
If you’d like to be considered for The Solo Mom Life’s “Solo Mom Spotlight”, comment below or email me at tieranicolespeaks@Gmail.com
Love and light,
Tiera Nicole
I love it!!!!! Reading other solo mom journey's is so inspiring it's so refreshing. Cheers to you LaTurah as you know God will continue to bless you 🙏🏾🙏🏾