A new kind of co-parenting: Single moms move in together
Two best friends have found the perfect solution to handling the challenges of being single parents - they moved in together!
Two single moms are redefining the meaning of co-parenting.
The term is typically reserved for couples who have separated and are raising their children in two different homes.
Sadly, not all co-parenting relationships are positive experiences; some are downright volatile.
Best friends Cheyanne and Shannon seem to have found a solution that works for them. The women went viral online after revealing they moved in together after splitting from their partners.
They are both divorced and have six children between them.
Shannon recently shared a video showing their living arrangement. The footage showed children running in a big backyard and the moms cleaning the house.
"Two moms who decided it was easier to coparent with each other than their ex-husbands," Shannon wrote.
The mom of four added, "Life is easier with a village."
Shannon highlighted some of the benefits of co-parenting with her best friend.
"We both very much like men, but two women splitting house and kid chores has proven easier than with men."
The video has been watched more than nine million times on TikTok, with thousands of people sharing their thoughts on the arrangement.
"This is better than a lavender marriage in my book!" one woman wrote.
A second said, "Lavender marriages/friendships are making a comeback!"
Many people loved the idea, noting that splitting chores, childcare and bills is a win for single parents.
Some even suggested making it easier for moms to find co-parenting roommates.
"OK, hear me out - a 'dating' app, but for moms who are looking for other moms to co-parent with!" a TikToker shared.
"Can we start a gated community like this? I would come!" another added.
A woman also revealed that her mom and her friends did something similar when she was a child.
"My mom and two of her girlfriends did this when I was little, and they all got divorced at the same time. It was three of them and eight of us kids. Best childhood memories I have!"
Some joked that "every wife needs a wife".
Shannon revealed in a separate post that she wasn't the one who left her marriage but is making the best of being a single mom.
"It might be hard, but you can do it, mamas."
@shannonnjune Life is easier with a village!!! #coparenting #bestfriend #momsoftiktok #singlemom #momof4 ♬ I'm Good (Blue) - Cupido
Before you rush off to move in with your bestie and fellow single mom, it is essential to note that such an arrangement has pros and cons.
Yes, splitting bills and chores with someone else will help ease the burden of being a single parent, but hanging out with your friend and living with them are two different ball games.
Here are some things to take into consideration:
- Will all the kids get along?
- How will bills be split, and what happens when someone falls behind?
- Can you both set and agree to clear house rules, such as bedtime, noise, and having guests over?
- Is this a permanent arrangement or a temporary one?
The arrangement is not for everyone. There are also other ways you can help single parents.
In a separate post, Shannon suggested that women visit their single mom friends to help them catch up with household chores.
Hear, hear to that!
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Main image credit: iStock