When Your Kids Are Your Only Company

Navigating Loneliness as a Solo Mom

There’s nothing like having deep, thought-provoking dinner convos with a 5-year-old who’s passionately explaining why Paw Patrol could totally take down the Avengers. I love my baby down, but sometimes? Mama needs a grown-up conversation—you know, one with actual eye contact, complex sentences, and maybe even a little wine.

If you’ve ever stared at your kid across the dinner table and thought, “Dang… I’m kinda lonely,” you’re not the only one. Solo motherhood has a sneaky way of making you feel isolated—even when you’re technically never by yourself. You’ve got little people clinging to your legs, calling your name a thousand times, and asking you life-changing questions like, “Do turtles fart?” (Yes, they do. I Googled it and I’m not ashamed.) But somehow, it can still feel painfully lonely.

And let me be clear—this kind of loneliness hits different. It’s not about craving a relationship (although that might be part of it). It’s about missing adult companionship—the casual conversations, the spontaneous laughter, the moments where you get to feel like you instead of just “Mommy.”

💛 Let’s Get Real About Solo Mom Loneliness

Here’s the thing: being lonely doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful. You can love your kids fiercely and still crave meaningful adult connections. That’s human. And honestly? It’s healthy.

But here’s where it gets tricky:

• You’re always on the clock. When you’re a solo mom, there’s no built-in break. No partner to say, “I got the kids tonight—go out and have fun.” You’re the chef, chauffeur, nurse, and bedtime storyteller—all at once.

• Your world revolves around your kids. And while that’s beautiful, it can also feel suffocating. When your only social interaction is with tiny humans, you can start to forget what adult conversation even feels like.

✨ So, how do you fight the loneliness?

1. Make Time for Adult Connections (Even When You’re Tired)

Listen, I get it. After a long day of working, cleaning, and keeping tiny humans alive, the last thing you want to do is put on pants and leave the house. But honey, you need it. Even if it’s just a quick coffee catch-up or a phone call with your bestie, making time for adult interaction is essential.

✔️ Tip: If leaving the house feels like too much, start small. Call a friend on your commute or while you’re folding laundry. Send a voice note instead of a text—hearing an adult voice (other than Bluey’s mom) does wonders for your spirit.

2. Find Your ‘Me’ Time—and Actually Use It

Now, I know you are rolling your eyes like, “Girl, what free time?” But you know me—I’m always going to advocate for alone time. Even if you can only steal 30 minutes after the kids are in bed, use it for YOU.

• Go on a solo date. You’ve heard me shout this before. Get dressed, take yourself out to dinner, and order dessert first just because you can.

• Join a hobby group or take a class. Whether it’s a virtual book club, a dance class, or a creative workshop, doing something just for yourself reminds you that you’re more than a mom—you’re a whole person with interests and passions.

• Try micro-moments of self-connection. When the kids are down, put on your favorite playlist and have a kitchen dance party, or sip your tea in total silence—just you, your thoughts, and the stillness.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Make New Friends

Look, making friends as an adult is hard. (Honestly, harder than explaining Common Core math.) But you deserve friendships that pour into you—ones that remind you that you’re not walking this solo mom road alone.

✔️ Tip:

• Check out local mom groups or online forums. It’s not about becoming besties overnight—it’s about finding women who get it.

• Consider therapy or support groups—not just for healing but for connection.

• Be open to spontaneous friendships. Sometimes, your next homegirl is the woman you strike up a convo with at the park.

4. Get Comfortable with Your Own Company

Now, hear me out: loneliness and solitude aren’t the same thing. You can be alone without being lonely. The trick is learning how to enjoy your own company.

• Have fun by yourself. Put on your favorite show, eat a fancy meal in your PJs, or take yourself out for ice cream just because.

• Treat yourself with kindness. Talk to yourself the way you’d talk to a friend: “Girl, you’re doing an amazing job. You deserve rest and joy.”

• Romanticize your alone time. Light the candles. Play the music. Treat yourself like a whole vibe.

💫 And When All Else Fails?

Talk to your toddler like they’re your bestie.

“Chile, you wouldn’t believe the day I had. First, I spilled my coffee. Then, I forgot my wallet at home. Whew, honey.”

They’ll probably respond with, “Can I have a snack?”—but at least you tried. 😂

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💛 You’re Not Alone, Boo

Solo mom loneliness is real, but so is your resilience. It’s okay to crave adult companionship. It’s okay to feel isolated sometimes. And it’s definitely okay to make space for yourself outside of motherhood.

💬 Boo thangs, how do YOU navigate loneliness as a solo mom? Drop your tips in the comments—because we’re stronger together. 💛

Love, light, & friendships

Tiera Nicole