I grew up with a single mom. We lived in a small town with no afterschool programs, where the only buses were yellow and where, for a long time, my mom seemed to be the only working mother and possibly the only single one. (Mind you, I was little, so what did I know?)

These days, when I have public transportation and my school’s incredible aftercare offerings to lean on, I still get worn out. And I have a partner at home. There are moments when I think, How could I ever get this all done by myself?

But if I’m totally honest, there are also days when I think what life might be like as a single parent. From my completely unscientific sample of pals, life can seem a bit simpler from the outside when there’s no other adult to negotiate with. Want to spend the day ice-skating with your daughter? Go ahead! (I’m looking at you, Faye.) Is the boy with Dad this weekend? Girls’ Night! (That’s you, Trisha.)

Of course, the stresses of single parenthood are many. What amazes me
most about single moms (and dads) is their ability to have a backup plan in place to handle the unexpected. I do, too, but it often involves “It’s your day to deal, honey.” Twice now Faye has tipped me off to some very important upcoming child care needs—and I consider myself organized.

That’s why in Our Best Solutions issue, we salute the ultimate problem-solvers: single moms. The strategies you whip up, even at the last minute, are ones we all can use. Faye, Trisha, mom—you are incredible pros and great moms, too. Happy Mother’s Day to you and all!