Kristina Roberts
Tia Mowry, a well-known actress in the United States, recently shared her personal thoughts and emotions online after facing criticism for calling herself a “single mom.” She has two children, Cree who is 14 years old, and Cairo who is 7, with her ex-husband Cory Hardrict. Even though they both care for their kids, Tia explained why she still uses the term “single mom” to describe her situation.
Tia and Cory were married for 14 years before announcing their separation in 2022. Their divorce was officially completed in 2023. Since then, Tia has often spoken about the changes she has gone through, especially in her role as a mother. Some people on the internet didn’t agree with her using the phrase “single mom,” because Cory is still part of their children’s lives. But Tia felt it was time to express how she really feels.
“Family can look different than what we imagined and still be full of love, stability, and joy,” Tia wrote in a heartfelt post on Instagram. “This is my truth, and I want to share it. Being a ‘single mom’ doesn’t always mean a mom doing it all alone without the father present in their kids’ lives at all. I recognise that archetype is extremely difficult, and I truly empathise.”
She wanted to help people understand that while both parents may still be involved, one parent can still carry more of the daily responsibilities. In her case, she said she is the only one who is present with the children every single day. She manages the home, the kids’ routines, and everything else on her own, which is why she calls herself a “single mom.”
“For me, in my household, I am SINGLE,” she explained. “I don’t have a partner, so I’m holding it down for everyone at home. I’m the only parent present day-to-day. I remember those first nights after my world shifted.”
These words show that being a single mom is not only about legal status or shared parenting agreements. It’s also about how life feels on a daily basis—who is there in the mornings, who helps with homework, who puts the children to bed, and who takes care of every little thing when no one else is around.
Tia also talked about the feelings of guilt and sadness she felt when she first got divorced. She was worried about how this big change would affect her children. Like many moms, she had fears about whether her kids would feel upset or confused about their parents not being together anymore. Still, she trusted that both she and Cory would always do what was best for their kids.
She also pointed out something very important—just because a family looks different doesn’t mean it’s broken. “It’s not even about being a ‘single mom.’ It’s about recognising we need to normalise different family dynamics,” she said. “Just because parents aren’t together doesn’t mean the family is ‘broken.’ It just looks different. Parents have to set aside their emotions and feelings for each other. They have to be there for their kids. No matter what.”
Tia is trying to teach people that every family is unique. Some families have one parent, some have two, and some may even include grandparents or step-parents. What really matters is that the children are loved, cared for, and supported in every way. A family doesn’t have to follow just one shape or idea to be strong.
Seven months before this latest post, Tia also shared her feelings during the holiday season. Holidays are usually about togetherness, and it was especially tough for her during this time. She posted a beautiful photo of herself with her kids near their Christmas tree and shared her thoughts about being a single mom during special occasions.
“I’ll admit, as a single mom, I sometimes feel the weight because our family doesn’t look like others,” she wrote. “But you know what? That’s okay. Different doesn’t mean less than. The most important thing is keeping the traditions alive for my children—because no matter how it looks, we are still family.”
Her words touched many people who might also be in similar situations. Tia’s message is not just about her own life, but also about giving strength to other parents who may be doing it alone, or doing it differently. She wants others to know that they are not alone in their feelings and that their family is still whole, even if it doesn’t match the traditional picture.
Tia’s bravery in speaking openly about her emotions helps break down the pressure that society often puts on mothers and families. By telling her truth, she is showing that it’s okay to have a different kind of family and that it’s okay to be honest about the struggles and joys that come with it.
In the end, what matters most to Tia is the well-being and happiness of her children. She continues to stay strong for them, even on the hard days. Through her posts, she is not just talking about motherhood—she is changing how people view it. She is encouraging kindness, understanding, and support for all families, no matter what they look like.
So the next time someone says the words “single mom,” maybe we’ll all stop for a moment and think deeper. Maybe we’ll remember that behind those words is a story of strength, love, and courage—just like Tia Mowry’s.
