Burnt-out single mom-of-three snapped at her kid — but her 11-year-old’s unexpected response left her crying happy tears
The load of being a single parent can take a toll on a person. Being exhausted from the pressure and having to do it all alone can cause a parent to lash out or lose their temper. A single mom named Whitney Dillard (@castleboundwhitney) confessed that she, too, had a similar moment with her 11-year-old daughter, Finley, Newsweek reported. Dillard mentioned how she’d had a rough day and had so much lined up. Being tired and overwhelmed with it all, she was frustrated. When the girl asked her mom something simple, she lashed out at her. While the 11-year-old may have pondered why her mom behaved the way she did, she came up with a heartfelt response that soothed her mom instantly.
Dillard shared in a previous video how being a single mom was never a “choice” for her. Nevertheless, she was grateful for it. “I’ll never not choose them even though this life was chosen for me,” she wrote in her caption. That day, the exhausted woman was extremely caught up. Juggling with drop-offs, practices, preps, and whatnot, she didn’t have time for a breather, and it was just one of the days where she was at the end of the rope. "There’s never anyone else to divide and conquer the daily tasks. It’s all on me, all day, every day," she remarked.
11-year-old Finley approached her mom amid it all and simply asked where the lunch containers were. She was met with a frustrated voice that said, “They’re in the dishwasher.” Dillard felt guilty when she thought of her outburst, but was grateful that her daughter was calm about it and even helped her with the dishes. When she came to speak to Finely before bedtime, she was asked why she was upset. "She knew I had been crying and immediately asked why. When you’re a single mom, you have to be transparent about both your victories and your struggles,” Dillard revealed.
Feeling grateful yet sorry, the tired mom went into the kitchen the next day to find the assurance she deeply needed. On the fridge, coffee maker, and different parts, she found handwritten notes from Finely, assuring her that she was not alone. One read, “Good morning, mom, I love you so much, thank you for everything that you have given us. You’re the best.” Another note pointed out Dillard’s behavior from the previous day and told her that it was okay. “Mom, I’m sorry you were sad last night. I love you and don’t blame yourself for being sad or having a short temper. It’s okay,” the 11-year-old wrote.
She continued to assure her mom through simple notes. Another read, “Just know you don’t deserve this,” and “You’re perfect.” The last note assured the mom that she was not alone and that Finley was “thinking about” her. The mom was moved and grateful for her daughter, who not only understood but was empathetic and kind. @luckyrusnak said, “You have raised a beautiful child and should be proud of it.” @typicaltiiina added, “This is so sweet. You are raising a child who can detect emotions. Children need to see us sad, mad and crying. It teaches them that it’s okay to show their emotions when needed and not withhold them.”
@castleboundwhitney I’ll never not choose them even though this life was chosen for me 🫶🏻 #singlemom #singlemomlife #petpeeve ♬ original sound - princessa
You can follow Whitney Dillard (@castleboundwhitney) on TikTok for more content on parenting.
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