People Who Truly Respect Single Parents Usually Know Better Than To Say 11 Cringey Phrases

Last updated on Aug 21, 2026

A warm portrait of a Black woman with curly blonde-highlighted hair embracing her young son indoors while smiling at the camera. annastills | Canva
Advertisement

Being a single parent is a tough job. Single moms and dads have to take on all the tasks of a two-parent household — cooking, carpooling, cleaning, etc. — without any extra help. 

Their job is only made more difficult when they are forced to endure a series of somewhat ignorant comments from strangers and peers. If you want to truly respect a single parent, try refraining from some of these cringey phrases.

Advertisement

People who truly respect single parents usually don't use any of these phrases:

1. 'Baby daddy' or 'baby mama' 

Dad or Mom means the same thing, and doesn't sound so dismissive.

RELATED: Why One Specific Group Of Single Moms Is Happier Than Pretty Much Everyone Else

2. 'I can relate, my partner travels for work all the time'

Sorry, folks, but that's not the same thing.

3. 'Did you try to make it work?'

insulted woman speaking to rude friend Nicoleta Ionescu / Shutterstock

Advertisement

No. I called the divorce attorney after our first fight over dirty dishes.

RELATED: 5 Ways Kids Who Grew Up With A Single Parent Love Differently

4. 'Your poor kids have to grow up without a positive male role model'

Between their grandfathers, uncles, teachers, and their father, I think they'll be okay.

5. 'It's a shame; kids need both their parents'

Would you say that to a single parent whose partner passed away?

6. 'It must be nice to get a break from the kids now and then'

You're right. It's so nice to hear my kids cry because they're sick of being shuttled between houses every week.

RELATED: Why Being A Single Mom Has Turned Me Into A Complete Nag

Advertisement

7. 'You're so lucky you don't have a partner to fight with'

Believe it or not, divorced and estranged couples can still fight.

8. 'Your kids are going to have some serious relationship issues'

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see the crystal ball in your hands. Please, tell me more about my children's futures.

9. 'Just make sure you don't have another kid'

disagreement between guy friends MART PRODUCTION / Pexels

Advertisement

You too! I wouldn't want anyone else inheriting your lack of class.

RELATED: Single Moms Who Are Happier Than Married Ones Usually Have These 12 Reasons

10. 'How do you afford it?'

By working my tush off every day of the week!

11. 'Oh, come on, being a single parent isn't that hard'

Really? Would you like to try it?

Advertisement

RELATED: I Got Divorced Because I Was Tired Of Being A Married Single Mom

PopSugar has been a partner with YourTango since 2011, and is the place to read and talk about the topics women want: dating, relationships, nostalgia, and more. 

Loading...