Local Woman Celebrates Motherhood for National Single Parent Day

“Me” time and self-care are a luxury for single mother Lisa Sedgwick but being devoted to her kids is what she lives for.

Lisa Sedgwick (left) describes her son Rowan Sedgwick (right) like artist Elton John because he is always wearing stylish glasses. Photo by David Tuan Bui

Lisa had her first son Ebin Sedgwick, 8, at 31 years old. His biological father left upon knowing about the pregnancy. Her second son Rowan Sedgwick, 21 months, was born through at-home insemination.

Lisa tried to conceive a child through intrauterine insemination (IUI) in between the two kids but unfortunately miscarried.

One benefit as a single parent is having all the moments with the children to themselves according to Lisa.

“You get all the cuddles to yourself, you get the love to yourself you guys get to celebrate together by yourself,” she remarked. “There's a different kind of bond there than there is with the grandparents or if they had father figures in their lives.”

Rowan (left) was met with negative reviews from Ebin (right) at first since the older son initially wanted a younger sister. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Despite not having a father in the boys’ lives, it takes a community to help raise a child according to Lisa. She has major support from her family and friends to help child-rear the boys.

“Every person, family or friend is a vital puzzle piece for the development of children,” she said.

Being a single parent is not without its challenges and especially with COVID-19.

Lisa works as a personal support worker and only has her mother babysit the kids. She rarely can have others watch them in fear of spreading the virus around.

“To have that moment you can feel like yourself, I won't get it for a while,” she said. “I wish some days when it's super hard and it's just me, I can have some time for myself. I know right now, it's not going to happen for a while. I have to be okay with that.”

Ebin enjoys playing video games such as Minecraft and Among Us. He wants to learn how to play the guitar as he gets older. Photo by David Tuan Bui

Lisa willingly knew that almost all her time would be for her two sons when she had them but claims the rewards outweigh the hardships.

“When you have your child, you've now chosen for a number of years especially when they're little, to be in the service of your children,” she said. “You're basically doing everything for your kids.”

Lisa loves her two boys and says they were the best thing to ever happen to her. She believes you can raise kids as a single parent but you have to understand the responsibilities.

“A child is for life,” said Lisa. You have to be a teacher, you have to be a doctor, nurse and financial supporter. No family is ideal, no family is perfect. You have to make it perfect.”

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