Forget About Superheroes: Single Moms Are the Ones With the Super Powers!

By HEATHER HOPSON

When I became a single mother, I became a super hero. I received special powers long before my baby was born. Super strength and super courage enabled me to carry another human being inside my stomach for nine plus months. I don’t recall any comic book characters possessing this amazing ability. After giving birth, I transformed into a more gentle, kindhearted and selfless person; all adjectives used to describe Superman at one time or another. (Well, I was that way when my hormones weren’t raging!) Instead of a cape, I wore a nursing bra. And instead of Superman’s signature forehead curl, I sported a mommytail. So, I hereby challenge the Man of Steel and his famous friends to a battle: Superheroes vs. Supermoms.

Batman

Batman may combat crime in Gotham City, but he’s no match for single mothers fighting off germs, strangers, and other dangers on a daily basis. The CapedCrusader’s sidekick, Robin, runs in the opposite direction when faced with our army of supporters made up of grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Superman

Superman is known for his super strength, however single moms use their mega muscles to stretch a dollar beyond belief. They pay mortgage, electric, water, cable, and grocery bills and get change back. They use their coupon clipping powers to stock their shelves with big bargains.  Although Superman can see through objects with his X-ray vision, Supermoms can see through their children when they lie about completing a homework assignment, eating their broccoli, or cleaning their rooms.

The Green Lantern

Single moms may not have a ring on their finger like this superhero, but we do have a force field stronger than the Green Lantern’s. Our embrace protects our children from harm and transfers our affection through hugs and kisses.

The Flash

The fastest man alive moves at a snail’s pace when racing Supermoms. We cook, clean, and carpool at the speed of light, and apply makeup, shower, and change clothes in the blink of an eye. We’ve also been known to swoop in before children fall down, scrape their knees, or break a bone.

Aquaman 

Aquaman can communicate with sea life, but Supermoms can speak an ever more complex language: co-parentese. They bite their tongues, avoid conflicts, and promote peace when interacting with their children’s fathers–all while raising kids under separate roofs. With impenetrable skin like Aquaman’s, an ex’s rude remarks roll right off a single mom’s back.

Comic characters should run and hide, because they are no match against real life Single Supermoms!  Whether you’re a single or not, as a mom, you possess super human abilities.  What’s your superpower?

Not long ago, Heather Hopson was an award-winning television host in the Cayman Islands.  Today, she’s writing a different kind of story as a new mom at www.diaryofafirsttimemom.com and www.facebook.com/diaryofafirsttimemom.com