I'm A Working, Divorced Mother || Mayim Bialik

Hey, it’s Mayim, and, like many of you, I’m a divorced, working mom. I'm not going to "celebrity mom" it here and say my kids think our life is always amazing. They have a TON of complaints about the way things are with a divorced, working mom. Here are their top complaints and how I deal with those complaints. Can you relate? Tell me in the comments about your kids’ complaints and what makes it all worth it!
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You may know me as Amy Farrah Fowler from The Big Bang Theory, or from Blossom, but hopefully, these videos allow you to get to know me better as Mayim, too! Subscribe to my channel for video updates. I upload new videos every Thursday!
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About Mayim Bialik:
You ​might know me as Amy Farrah Fowler from The Big Bang Theory or from Blossom​ but there are so many other parts of me that you might not be aware of​!​​ I’m trained ​as a​ neuroscientist, ​I'm ​a passionate activist, an observant Jew, a​ perfectly imperfect​ mother, and ​I'm a complicated human being​ like many of you​. This is the place where I wear ​all of those hats - and none of them have a flower on them! ;)

[@MayimBialik]

So, I feel like I should tell you, my kids DEFINITELY have to clean. But sometimes it's not enough!! lol

[@generodriguez4418]

Mayim Bialik Good grief when i saw that fridge I was looking at my nephews fridge in Montana around spring time just a cleaner version Get some food in there! LOL

[@sarahhunter7636]

I love this video. My mam passed away aged 42 while i was pregnant with my little girl and now i realise how hard it was for her being a single mam raising 4 children. Dust comes and goes pickles are eaten and replaced but memories of our parents and being a parent forever stays. Thanks for this mayim its nice to see celebs speak the truth and show they are just humans and make errors just like us. I love the honesty we can all relate to on some level

[@generodriguez4418]

Sarah Hunter My condolences on your loss of your loved one Be good to yourself and your little one.

[@RadicalChad]

Love that shirt

[@HAlC-up4hm]

LOL. When my parents dishwasher broke my mom took the stance that they didn't need to get another because she had 4 dishwashers already (us kids). They finally got a new one last summer after about 9 years without one.

[@charlotte1924]

It's weird to see someone famous with real life flaws, it's kind of nice to know that no one is perfect.

[@MJ-uz9mh]

Dan Jones - omg how old are you, and you JUST realized this little fact, that no one is perfect???

[@charlotte1924]

I know that no one is perfect. I've just never heard a celebrity openly talk about their imperfections. What I meant was that I feel more connected to her as a person because I know something that is normally shared between close friends.

[@mrs5046]

It's a lie. She makes $500,000 an episode. You are right it is weird. She may miss her boys but she has major staff and support.

[@JustYaeWendt]

Hard to see her in the black mirror period.

[@kathykolenda7517]

My daughter was left a widow at 32. She had a 4yr old, a 6 yr old and an 8 yr old. They went without a lot, including a car for a while. They lost their home as there was no life insurance. She had to put them in daycare and go to work full time. It has been 10 years and they still struggle. But they have grown into the loveliest most caring children! Her house was never fully cleaned. They didn’t have the most balanced diet and didn’t go on vacations. Still don’t have a very reliable car but they were loved and they know it! So to all you single moms out there, give them plenty of love and it will turn out great!

[@Momma_Vanessa]

I was a divorced working mom of 3 for 10 years. It’s tough. I appreciate your transparency, Mayim. Any time my children smiled in their sleep all safe and sound made it worth it. The hours, tears, breakdowns, self arguing in my mind ect... All of it. Completely worth it!

[@MayimBialik]

Yes, totally!

[@janinelew2483]

I raised my daughter from age 2 to adulthood alone and I worked full time. She’s 20 now. She was always singing around the house, (still does) so I knew she was happy. I would always ask her what my mom grade was. I always got an “A”!

[@DevaNeeramanii]

Great vid. One thing though...If your kids are old enough to point out dust and crumbs on the floor...they are old enough to use a broom. Weekend house cleanings were a fact of (Caribbean) life for me growing up with my grandparents. By seven, I knew how to sweep, mop, dust and polish and as an adult, I keep a relatively clean and tidy home (like you, I don't always clean the house on a regular and frequent basis).

[@cinnamonflan1412]

Jordan James Yeah I was thinking the same thing, they can sweep the floor and wash dishes at that age. There is also things the kids can make themselves like PB and J and MAC and Cheese. My mom had me cooking in second grade. Well it’s whatever Mayim feels comfortable with, but I see a lot of benefits for all of them if the boys started learning how to prepare food and clean.

[@mariaeugeniarego6376]

Same here! My divorced working Mom had to deal with 3 kids, but we were responsible for housework and cooking - depending on the age... Now we're grown ups taking good care of our homes ourselves ;)

[@jgw5491]

I think a family cleaning time on a weekend is a good idea. Any work where everyone does it together is better. There is less whining and argument because EVERYONE is pitching in, even Mom, even the littlest, even the bigger kids. They might not be thrilled with it, but there is less competition over who is doing more, and there is less, "Aw, can't I do it later?" Because we're all doing it NOW.

[@JayNizzy]

Omg yes! I spent every damn Saturday morning dusting millions of stupid figurines and cleaning windows. Dishes also. Just a side note. As an adult now I can't stand figurines and decorations. 😑

[@loveystar78cloud46]

Thank you.

[@patrycjahenderson5829]

God I love you Mayim! I am literally crying! Parenting is simply an impossible job filled with the never ending feeling of inadequacy. The constant feeling that you are never giving enough to your children. Not enough time, attention, love, a clean house, the food they like (or that they will actually eat! And let’s not forget in the right bowl of the right shape size and colour that they will eat out of!) but when they utter those magic words, “I love you mama”, all those things don’t matter. Because all they will remember, is you. All they need is YOU! I love that you say the things that we all experience and feel and have in common. Thank you Mayim 😘

[@1BethMcBeth]

Several points to make in no particular order: a) You're truly an inspiration and someone that I feel I could bond with right away; although, our age differences would tend to have me leaning towards being your "Jewish Mother" LOL. b) I raised my children from 5 and 9 as a divorced Mom and, it isn't easy. No one said it is and, they are young adults today with their respective partners, lives and, I'm now grandma to one that brings a smile to my face everytime we speak, Skype and a photo is sent. THESE are the rewards of our efforts and one day, you too, will experience this even greater joy that comes from raising your children to adults. Did I make mistakes? You betcha! Do I have regrets and wish I had done things differently? Of course! But in the end, when they are healthy, safe and happy, we KNOW we can pat ourselves on the back and say, "I'm proud of what I have accomplished!" ✌ & ❤ P.S. Don't you at least STILL have a box of Matzah in the house (and a tub of vegan butter) until Passover ends?👀

[@marodriguez2681]

Crying happy tears. Everything you said is so true! Single mom here...single working mom...but at night when my daughter falls asleep on my chest i know that all the struggles of the day are worth it...and no matter how hard...for her i can do it again:-)

[@hollyfisher8811]

You are SO right, Mariana, that those quiet snuggle times are the BEST and make all the tough days completely WORTH it💕❣:)

[@ohrats731]

My parents divorced when I was little. I wanted to say, when a parent puts in a lot of effort and heart, we notice.... despite the mess ups 😂 They say love is blind, but if you ask me love sees through all the dirt and clouds and distractions ❤️

[@MayimBialik]

This is so sweet

[@ruthrodriguez5173]

awww! I always wonder if my kids would ever notice my hard work I'm glad you say that because that makes me feel that my hard work will be notice one day 😍

[@slime3726]

You're a great mum and your kids are very lucky to have you Mayim! As a 14 year old I can say that sometimes we might get annoying ;) We do appreciate you mums!

[@MayimBialik]

Go tell your mom right now!

[@slime3726]

I will when she gets home from work! also, NO WAY DID MAYIM BIALIK JUST RESPOND TO MY COMMENT!

[@cnshudspeth]

I've watch several of your videos and I love how open and honest you are. Being a working mom is something I struggle with regularly. See, I'm a truck driver so I'm gone a lot but just a few years ago I was a stay at home mom taking care of their every need immediately. They are older, 16 & 18 but they still tell me all the time how I'm screwing up as a mom. Ultimately I feel it is good for them to see me working, doing something I love, and still know that I love them so much. I call them everyday and when I'm home we spend time doing things together. I feel that this has actually created a better relationship because I value time with them so much more now. I still struggle with "am I being a good mom" or "am I screwing them up" but at the end of the day I know that I love them & they live me.

[@ecouturehandmades5166]

Even a 9 year old can sweep and run a vacuum, good golly, they can clean a toilet!! Its not child labor, its LIFE SKILLS! Put down the phone, shut off the computer & electronics and do some home upkeep. Know how to wire a lamp or fix a sink drain and faucet. Or become a middleman, which in the grand scheme of things, is pretty worthless.

[@jeremystewert4303]

G Morgan Heaven forbid a child clean a toilet or sweep a floor, fold towels or run a vacuum. The first time my daughter complained about dirt on the floor she would be scrubbing the baseboards.

[@tomwebber9377]

Humble and real. No wonder you're successful. My mom was one of the original divorced working moms from the 60's. She raised 3 of us, aged 4, 7 & 8 at the time of her divorce. We moved from L.A. to Portland in the early 70's. She worked and bought a house and kept us all together. It was a roller coaster and I don't know how she did it, but she did! Someone in here is going to say that because you're well-to-do it's not the same. You don't have to worry about buying food, paying rent or having the electricity shut off. The point is lost on those people because this is about your ability to show your flaws as a person doing what millions of other people do everyday and still managing to both drop the ball and pick it up and run with it again. You're wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

[@Peldyn]

No one can make their kids happy all the time. Just loving them and listening is enough. Me, I would hire a housekeeper in a heartbeat if I could afford it.

[@mvela9877]

Thank God my ex-husband is a better ex-husband than he was a husband. He made my life as a mother turn out to be a the greatest time of my life. He always made sure to give me enough money to raise my daughter and pay the bills; just so I wouldn't have to work much. That gave me time to dedicate more time with our daughter. He hated the fact that if I worked too much, I would have to send her to daycare. I was blessed! As a single MOM well, that's a different story 👩‍👧🤧. ❤️ LOVE, LAUGHTER, & COURAGE TO ALL THE SINGLE MOMS OUT THERE❤️

[@tinagingras1378]

One of the things I love about you is that you are a GREAT mom, a GREAT actress, and you are a relatable person. I love watching your vlogs, and seeing the personal side of your life ( I also love the Amy side of your life too). Thank you for letting us into your world.

[@brandiwhitney5386]

I love your honesty, a rare quality these days. My kids top complaints would be making them go to their dads and me always doing homework (I’m in college). But I do everything for them, those hugs of appreciation and when they cheer me on and tell me “ Mom, you’re doing a great job.” I love my babies (teenagers, still my babies).

[@leaannrose6616]

Thanks for this! I am also a divorced working mom with 2 boys (16 and 11). I am so glad you put this out there. Sometimes I feel like I'm NOT doing enough (cleaning, attending school functions, volunteering ). The hugs and I love you's do make it all worth it though. Thanks again.

[@donut_sax]

You reminded my of my life when I lived with my parents. They both work at home, and even if sometimes the fridge was empty, and they often begged me to shut up during a phone call, they were always at home. I knew it was just a matter of time, they were there for me in seconds. Also, they never closed the toilet door when I was very little, I ALWAYS stayed with them, all the time I wanted! Well sometimes that meant no privacy, but I could solve any problem at anytime. That was strange, but when I left to live on my own, I found out that it's beautiful, and now I am doing the same, even if I have no kids. My boyfriend and I work at home (or really close to home) and we are always ready to help each other. This is what family means to me. Thanks for sharing!

[@makeupbyamandakholt5315]

🙌🏼💜😭 your videos are always on point! I have a 3 year old and a newborn. Lately she gets frustrated when she doesn’t get her way and in those moments always “misses Granny”. But like you said, when we are cuddled up, the baby is quiet and she’s not frustrated because she’s 3 LOL that “ I love you Mom” are the BEST words to hear. Also, I don’t work out of the home and my house is also a mess, not perfectly clean, so to the mommas that do both - I give it up to you!

[@debrabros2650]

The "Mama, I love you" at 5 mins was so true for me as well my eyes teared up. The most important thing I feel is for my daughter to always know that she is wonderfully loved, I think everyone needs that.

[@Elgatoconbolso]

Definitely want to hear about the housekeeping topic!

[@lillybeth930]

That was beautiful Mayim! Brought tears to my eyes. I'm so amazed by you lifestyle choices such as doing your own cleaning and cloth diapers. When I have a baby one day, I also want to make these types of choices that are healthy for my child, myself, and the environment. You're an inspiration to all!

[@yvonnekingYRK]

I love your honesty. I'm a stay at home mom and I can pretty much say that I don't do the cooking, cleaning, laundry etc. the way I should or as often as I should. The house is kept "tidy" enough to avoid complaints but there's so much else they can complain about. My two boys are older now and slowly realizing how much time and effort it takes to do it all because they now have to help more. In any thing we do in life, we will never be able to please everyone or even ourselves all of the time; we have to be ok with less than perfect with ourselves and with eachother.

[@kirstw2763]

Good for you and your children are down to earth. I was brought up with a single working mum and it did me no harm. You have given your children values which is so important.

[@elizabethchurch9720]

My parents were known for saying "If you don't like what I cook don't eat."

[@rachellippetti9963]

I am a married mom who does not work outside of our home. My daughter occasionally objects to me paying too much attention to her; worrying too much about the cleanliness of the house or our fridge being too full. I laughed as I listened to you speak because I realized that it is not possible to always make our children happy or to always be satisfied with ourselves. We are doing the best we can. Thank you for the honesty to put out into the world. It is very appreciated.

[@vampirica89]

The ending made me bit teary eyed 😢 This is exactly how I felt growing up, with my mum working all the time. Your kids appreciate what you do for them.

[@princessme7333]

Being a single parent is probably one of the hardest jobs in the world. I've been doing it for the past 6 years I constantly struggle to keep everything in Balance. From making sure my kids are taken care of to paying bills and so on and so forth. Sometimes my housework is lacking and the dishes get piled up and the floor needs to be vacuumed and the bathrooms need to be cleaned. Luckily my kids are teenagers now so they can help out I never seem to have time to go to the grocery store and buy groceries that's probably one of my biggest frustrations that I just can't keep up with it all If I had a significant other then they could go run errands for me like that but being a single parent I have to do everything by myself so just the day-to-day activities like even taking out the trash or putting the dishes away or making sure there's a gallon of milk in the refrigerator, those are my frustrations but what makes it worthwhile are those little moments I have with my girls when they tell me they love me or tell me thank you for all the little things I do my youngest daughter told me the other day Mom you may not have found the right man in life but you have completely succeeded as a mother. It's moments like that that make it all worth it!!

[@bullardaa06]

I am a full time biology student and mom of 2 wonderful boys. They get mad when I am working on homework or my research paper is all over the table. And while I might currently be married, it isn't a good relationship (basically roommates). Sometimes we eat ramen for lunch 2 days in a row or we have cereal for dinner because I am too tired to cook. But the moments that make it amazing are when my oldest brings my Bluetooth speaker into the kitchen, while I am elbow deep in dirty dish water, and asks for a dance. The three of us have dance parties in the kitchen and usually end up in a fit of giggles on the floor. Those moments are the most precious to me. Mayim, thank you for being so open and sharing your life with us. You have made me more proud of being a "nerdy" mom and I really appreciate it!

[@annaeisenbraun92]

I had to smile at this video! I absolutely love the videos you post. It shows that no matter who you are or what you do, we all experience the same issues. One of the things my children complain about is wanting things their friends have. We are on a fixed budget and these 200.00 shoes or 400.00 toys are just not happening! Not only that, we do not believe this teaches our children the value of a dollar. They will complain about the normal things, such as having chores, doing homework, missing us because we both work, you know, normal kid things. However, you are very right. When they give me a hug, kiss me goodnight and say I love you to the moon and back, none of those things matter anymore. The frustration of the day just melts away!

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Enjoy the video thanks for sharing and I was a divorced & working mother but now I my son is 45. Those magic words was I love you Mom.

[@apocalypse_frau]

Our truths are similar, Mayim. My sons are ages nine and ten. We have two jars of pickles in the fridge, and endless conversations about why I should make the market runs solo; none of which I buy. Seeing them take pride in a job well done, whether it’s learning how to make a meal, unclogging a toilet, or academic success after a challenging homework lesson, is a simple reward that makes my single mom struggle a worthwhile journey.

[@karinadelagarza4068]

First of all, let me tell you that you are doing an amazing job! It’s not easy being a single parent! My mom raised my sister and I all on her own!!! I have no idea how she did it, especially under the circumstances of my parent’s divorce, but she managed it! I saw her cry, yell, and get frustrated and as the eldest of the two sisters, I was always there for her! I guess, I grew up faster than most kids! I had different priorities growing up! This made me stronger and more focused as an adult! That being said, I turned into a perfectionist around the house! Ugh! I can’t stand myself sometimes! I want my house to be clean and tidy! But, I’ve had to learn that it’s ok if one of my boys leaves a dirty cup in the sink. Leave their bed looking messing because they were lying on it reading a book or playing a video game. Leaving crumbs on the floor after eating. You know, little things like that!! It’s ok! Nobody is coming over to judge my house, but me! So, I have to let them feel comfortable in their own home, other wise, where else are the going to feel comfortable, right? One thing is true though, they do help wash dishes, clean their room, fix those damn Legos, mop and sweep the porch, pick up laundry and fold it after it dries, clean the table after lunch and dinner and they let me say, that they are happy kids. They enjoy helping around the house! Give them pride about their home! One thing, I believe, is universal, they HATE going to the market! But, I’m the adult and you have to go with me! Lol! In all, we are all doing the best we can and our kids are growing up happy and healthy! Your right, when they look at you and they say,” I love you, thank you”, or simply blow you a kiss from afar, it makes all the stress and worries about being the best and the perfect mom, go away! Good job to you Mayim!! Give yourself a pat on the back because your doing an amazing job!

[@lpct1963]

There should be a book on tips and strategies for working moms. My kids are now 26 and 22, but they survived. They learned to do laundry young (when the small basket was full, that was a load; everything got washed in cold water; all socks were the same; and nothing was bought that required ironing). “Mom, do I have to fold.” “Can you tell the difference between what is dirty and what is clean?” “Yes.” “Then I don’t care what you do with them, as long as they are put away!” I also used to hire a slightly older child to clean their rooms with them while I cleaned the rest of the house on occasion. They admired the older kid, enjoyed the attention and help, learned how to organize, and were proud of their rooms afterward. Those are just 2 things that worked for us. The most comforting thing I ever read was an article in a magazine that proposed that if a working mom was happy working, the kids were happy about mom working; but that if a mom was unhappy working, the kids were unhappy about mom working. I loved work, and I loved my kids. The end result was kids who “got” that working was something that made their mom both happy and a good mom ;) Keep up the good work!

[@michellezevenaar]

Love your honesty! I'm going to be a first time mom some time in the next few weeks and something I've already realised is I can't do everything I used to do anymore, going to the store already takes me more time and with a small human it's going to take even longer. So to make life easier I've desided to start ordering my groceries! I live in Europe so I'm not sure if the US also has this service but here I can order them online and then either have them delivered or pick them up from a pickup point at the grocery store. It saves the time of going through the store, and they are ordered in advance so I can pick the pickup or delivery date and time. So now my husband can pickup the order on his way home from work.

[@seriouslyreally5413]

My kids' frustration was all the driving. The picking up and dropping off to daycare, school and appointments, living in a car half your life so you never felt like you ever spent time stopped and DOING something. They are parents now themselves and know why it was. And what it isnt. Preschool age was especially hard, the biggest disruption. Never found the middle ground...

[@annareed7436]

I am a married WAHM of three kids (2 yo twins and a 1 yo), and this video was so encouraging to me too! It's so refreshing to feel like I'm chatting with another Momma who keeps it real. Thank you!

[@Parmesana]

I think that my son's biggest complaint would be that the filter between my brain and mouth..is often not working. Sometimes, things come out of my mouth that others only 'think'. I do not kiss butt, nor lie about things...and a lot of people cannot handle that. What makes for great memories is that we have a good meal and end up laughing..That always means the world to me...and hugs. I think it is important for children to know what their parents do in life that allows THEM to live the way that they do..a good work ethic...kind but firm speech...and that they can trust in you.

[@abbeiabs3325]

I have always been a single mom. My son is now grown and about to graduate from college and like you Mayim, I may not have done it all perfectly, but we got through life together. He grew up to be a smart, independent, responsible human being and he is someone I am very proud of. I am honored to be his mom! Growing up he would get frustrated with me for not having more money. We struggled but we got by. He was in many extracurricular activities such as travel baseball, football, marching band, and tennis and I made sure he was able to do everything he wanted. But we didn’t have a great house. He understands now the sacrifice. I wanted his childhood to be full of experience not materialistic things. He never wanted for those things either thanks in part to my parents but life is about experiences and memories we make. What made all the struggles and sacrifices worth while for me was seeing him enjoy every experience he had and seeing him go on to make his own. He joined the rowing crew in college because he grew up knowing he could do anything he set his mind to. He transferred from Georgia State University to Ohio State University and moved away from home without knowing a single person because he was raised with the self confidence to be fearless. That in itself makes everything worthwhile. People tell me what a great job I did raising him but honestly he made the job effortless. He was and is a good kid!

[@traceytaylor1367]

This really hit home for me, as a divorced working mummy to 4 children I always felt like I was letting my children down in some way, either I didn’t buy them enough stuff or our outings were boring, or I didn’t spend enough time with them there has always been something that I’m not doing correctly. Sometimes I just have to remind myself that they have a roof over their heads, beds to sleep in, clothes to wear and food to eat. Thank you for being so inspirational Mayim.

[@jennieriffel7864]

I’m not crying, you’re crying. My son is only 7 months old and can’t say I love you yet, but he says Mama and gives me hugs and when he does I swoon. I melt. All of the frustration and craziness of the day go away. I love your videos and I’m going to buy your book!

[@proudmarinemomma827]

I think my kids stayed frustrated with me...especially through the teen years. I was a divorced working nurse. I had insanely crazy hours at times. My ex was too busy playing house with someone else’s kids, so he wasn’t paying child support or in their lives at all. My kids wanted nothing to do with him, so there was added pressure on me to be mom and dad. I did good in many areas and failed in many. My kids are grown now and I’m still mom and dad. They love me and I love them to the moon and back. We survived and my kids are college educated....am so blessed.

[@SmokeyIsMyDog]

One thing that makes it ok and where I feel we bond the most is in laughing together - watching something that makes us all laugh is a way I feel super close to my kids :)

[@laurawatts1821]

My 16 year old swears up and down none of her friends have curfews or limits on their electronic devices, and no one else's parents care about their kids' grades. I'm not as consistent as I should be in any of these areas, but at least I have made an impression. A few weeks ago at the dinner table she told me one thing she is really going to miss when she leaves is my cooking. I've never considered myself a great cook, but we do make it a practice to eat as a family most nights. Her comment made me so happy. Your post reminded me that it doesn't have to be perfect to be good enough. We are all doing the best we can! I struggle a lot with the idea of being a good mom, and I have a wonderful, involved husband. God bless all the single parents!

[@elizabethchurch9720]

My kid's top frustration would probably be "Mama, you don't have money for toys."

[@SelphExploration]

My kids are grown, now. However, I was divorced/remarried and working when they were young. It is hard, yet when they become adults, as mine are now, you realize that the most important thing is that you were there for them. It will not matter that the house was dirty, or that you had to have pickles for breakfast a few times, it will matter that you loved them no matter what; it will matter that you were available when they need you most. My girls are all in their thirties now, and we are close. I love seeing them as moms and wives, and I am able to confirm that even if I wasn't perfect, I was what they needed. Thank you, so very much, for being real for us and sharing

[@COSO83]

I'm a working, devorced mother's son, and I have a brother. NOW I'm a working, married father and I can barely understand how difficult was for my mam to raise both of us ALONE! I love her so much

[@alimoore4213]

8% together... 🤪 I’m married and a working mom and I have crumbs on my floor too. Not ashamed! Love how real you kept this!

[@kanderson1128]

Just watched your video on when to have a kid and this one. Thank God. You gave voice to so many of my deepest self-criticisms and fears. I had no idea the simple act of someone saying it out loud in a numbered list could give me strength. As a step mom of four years looking to have her own human at 33, my life is an epic shame storm sometimes. And, I’ll own it, I’m often as much the orchestrater of the storm as anyone else is...

[@MJBiddy1]

As a single working mum of one 5-year-old boy i’ve made it a point to make sure that he can look after himself. When I was his age my dad had cancer for the first time and by the time I was 16 my mother had cancer twice, so I’m conscious of my son needing all the skills I can teach him right now. At 5 he already knows how to bake a cake make two or three meals enjoys hoovering loves doing the washing (he enjoys helping, is always supervised and thinks it’s a good game). He is more self sufficient than most of the teens I teach. I was too. If anything happens to me I want him to be ok. If nothing happens to me I want him to be ok when he moves to live by himself at 18. It’s not labour it’s shared care for our home and empowers him that this is his place too.

[@lenep.9488]

Even though I'm only a 15 year old girl, this video made me tear up a little, but when you said "I love you" I lost it😭❤ great video mayim❤

[@lynn2574]

I’m married, but a working mom with a chronic injury/pain issues, and elderly parents across the street to help. Things get busy. And when I’m hurting, I can get crabby. It bugs my daughter (age 10) that I don’t get to attend field trips, and some school functions. That I leave the house so early that I don’t have time to do her hair for school. But when we can just hang out - watch a movie together, or play Pokémon Go together - when she sees I’m still present and enjoying her company it’s worth it. It can be frustrating for her to deal with My mom’s Alzheimer’s and my dad’s dependence on me at times. But seeing her build memories with them is priceless. Seeing her show compassion to my mom over and over and over and over again she Mom forgets, is a blessing. When I see my daughter showing empathy and love for me and others, I am reminded that I’m doing something right.

[@megachick40]

My son's greatest frustration is my poor memory! I sometimes feel stretched so thin and my thoughts run in a million directions, so sometimes (ok...MOST times) I forget things.

[@PerryBuote]

1. Cool shirt 2. Keep going your kids have been raised well

[@secondchances418]

Love the raw honesty I am also a divorced full time working parent. The thing that takes my kids frustration away is going to the park and playing basketball together . There great kids though and I am fortunate I have amazing friends that help me when I need them

[@ohrats731]

Hahaha I hated going to the grocery store with my mom as a kid. Now I love going with her but she hates how much she ends up spending on fancy.... you guessed it: pickles. Lol best meal

[@MayimBialik]

lol love this!

[@carasmussen27]

my daughter hates going to the grocery store. She is old enough to stay home but I like it when she goes so I can teach her good grocery shopping habits, like checking labels and comparing prices etc. She is 12 now and thinks I am lame I am sure.

[@martinaf.2737]

Cathy Rasmussen I think it's great that you take her with you to "teach" her those things. I also went sometimes to the grocery store, when I was about 12, with my younger brother, when our parents couldn't make it and we needed a few things. And I don't know what it is with kids and grocery shopping, but I loved going to the market with my mom, but maybe I just wanted to spend time with her. I don't know:)

[@Joseph-mv2ld]

I'm a child of a single mum .... And she's working and studying at University for a new job. She's not very often at home, but I am proud of her. I never have seen my father. My father just ran away, when he knew my mum was pregnant. My mum is not very often at home, but she does everything for me. At 6:30 a.m. she's working till 3 p.m. But I just proud of her. There are many things, I don't like. I have to buy food sometimes, clean the house sometimes or washing dishes. But I am not mad at her. She is a better mum, than every father could be. Sorry, for my bad English. I am from Germany and I am 13.

[@jenniferforant852]

Hey, I'm a divorced working mom too. I'd say my 12 yr olds top complaint is having to share her time with me with my exhaustion at the end of the day, not to mention all the chores that still have to be done btw 5:30-10pm to keep the house in order and people fed.

[@susanpedersen4720]

Holy crap. Im inspired. My son is grown, 21. But he still resigns to a cuddle from me, yay. I must have done something right. Even though there are many parenting regrets. To hear from someone so successful that they dont have it all together all the time is beautiful. Thank you.

[@chiropteraclan]

Single, divorced mom who is also a teacher. My kid is now a sophomore in college. The biggest complaint was that I never stopped working and that I focused more on my students than her. And she was right. I don't know if anything really made that any better, honestly. I either let my own kid down, or I let my students (and their parents) down. I still struggle with that balance, even now my kiddo is away at college.

[@HMichele89]

Another divorced working mom here of a 13 and 19 year old. Had to laugh about the fridge, my youngest favorite thing to tell me “I’m hungry and there is nothing to eat.” Hey there’s cereal! So glad to hear someone else has the “not as clean as I would like” home. We/I have had my struggles over the past 8 years, but having their dad leave was the best thing for us.

[@euheniazhdanovich4545]

when I was a kid, there was no "mom, you should sweep more often", it was "if you don't like the mess, clean it. And in case if you OK with it, still clean it yourself, mommy's busy"

[@billmonthy]

Thank you so much. Not only am I not a working (outside of the house) and I am married. I still have dirty floors!. I homeschool my children 9 and 11. They are with me constantly. I also, grade my husbands papers, take care of those who need it, am the secretary of a youth organization, and a mom, who cleans her own house and cooks etc.... The kids both do chores, she does every dish in the house and keeps the laundry going, and he feeds the dogs and chickens and ducks, takes out trash and does the man things momma needs done. I think I would be more bothered by the state of my house if it did bother my kids, but they are not bothered as much as others. Yes, the floors are dirty, but my kids are happy. And at least for this season of my life that is okay.

[@melissaf1913]

Your best video yet. My kids hate 1) nutritious home cooked meals cuz takeout is so much better 2) when we do "life skills" as a family ( ie putting away clean laundry) 3) when I am away at work.

[@nataliekatewebster2945]

I am full time stay at home Mom. In theory, I should be able to keep the fridge stocked and the floors clean all of the time. But I don’t. This week, when I was making the grocery list, but daughter came and recited to me all of the things I had told her we were out of over the previous two days. And she’s 4. While I’m not perfect at those things, I do think I serve up really good afternoon picnics in the backyard and I come up with amazing names for our stuffed animals. Obviously, life isn’t just made up of those things. My heart melts when my kids stop doing something they enjoy, seeing their brother or sister and need, and help them instead. That’s when I think “winning!!!” until that is, I go open the fridge and say “who wants celery for the picnic?!”

[@cathym3708]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this. As a working mom, I feel like I’m a shitty housekeeper. And to hear someone else successful say that.... really helps me to feel that it’s all okay. My son said to me before he fell asleep “You’re the best mom ever.” He doesn’t care about the crumbs on the floor. It’s all okay.

[@abigailmontgomery1053]

I'm a student of cosmetology, and a mom of two. They don't like that I'm tired. A lot. Or that I practice hair styling on them (sometimes they like it...but not always). And they don't like that since I'm tired, they do more chores than they use to. But I'm alright with that. It's good for them to know how to do housework. The thing that makes it all better, even after a day of head-butting and arguing over who has to pick up the socks, is when they tell me they love me. Those really are the best words I've ever heard.

[@melissareid640]

I am a divorced disab!ed mom and I can't do it all my daughter says she hates my really bad cerebral palsy days.. When everything is extra painful and more obvious to others. And I try to laugh it off, but I am not a big fan myself.. Love the good days and I accomplish more and feel ok, staying vertical is nice. We always work it out and t their is still a lot I can do.💖 we are a team and sometimes one of us need more help of less. But we work hard though all of it no one is perfect. We can definitely be hopeful, helpful, thankful and remember to go forward in love.💖 I think you are super awesome!! Every joy to you.

[@lininomartino]

Me, too, except I was also a student. My son turned out really well, and I was so worried.

[@fraeulein_taja8996]

I think it's good for them and a learning lesson. My mom was a working mom too although my parents were not divorced at that time. My dad was a stay-at-home-dad but he never allowed me to go to the grocery store with him.

[@graciehp]

I am a married mom of 4 kids ranging from kindergarten into high school. The two younger ones still sleep with me which I love. I work two part time jobs for our family businesses. Sometimes I have slower weeks and I cook and shop and clean. Other weeks I am hardly home. And my best mom moments is when we laugh in the car together or while doing dishes. We cuddle on the couch or make a craft. My house always has crumbs, and laundry and dishes. But my kids are happy and loved, so I must be doing something right.

[@abigailriggs8864]

My mom is divorced mom of 6! She is fantastic and works so hard and I love her so much. She is amazing.

[@aliciasaunders4660]

I am a working divorced mom of two girls 14 and 12. Their biggest gripes are me not cooking as much as they want, that I don't go to as many of their school events that they want and how tired I am a lot. But it makes it all better when they just come up to me randomly wanting hugs, kisses and cuddles and the fact that they are safe. Thank you for your videos Mayim!

[@HinaSyed]

Thanks so much for your videos, stumbled upon it a few days ago and couldnt stop watching it. I can relate to many parts as I'm a divorced single mom myself of 3 children. I too try my best to be there in my kids lives as well as work, and get myself active involved in my community. Thanks so much for your videos. :) have an incredible week!

[@happyfrenchfries]

For point number 1, it is all about the freezer!!! Frozen fruit pieces= delicious smoothie, and croissants can be frozen then defrosted in the microwave :D

[@Lovesongcalls]

Getting used to our schedule in the morning I tend to be late and she hates it! The rushing is the one thing that we both hate but luckily I can change that!

[@AshleySmith-xc6je]

I was a SAHM for 5 years until this January when my husband and I split. The biggest complaint by far from my oldest is “I just want to spend time with you” our days start out super early and end late there just isn’t enough time in the day. Some days I cry myself to sleep with how much of a failure I feel like. Then it all vanishes when they crawl in to my bed with me in the middle of the night and snuggle in.

[@dawn8881]

My son loved naming the days of the week food he could expect every week. I have my children on Mondsys and Tuesdays, then every other Friday/weekend. He wanted Monday to be sphagetti (Spha-Monday), Taco Tuesday and we always have those meals. One Tuesday I didn’t have the ingredients and he was really disappointed, so we went to a Taco Bell instead. My daughter (13) loves the meals to be home cooked. So on the weekends, we try to cook for comfort. I struggle with keeping the fridge stocked too. Seeing good go to waste when they are gone, or sitting around on the counter makes me sad. I don’t mop as much as I should either. I do try to have their favorite snacks or try to have in-season sweets like pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins, or pumpkin swirl bread at the house now. Something unique that they can try or find as a new favorite.

[@fionasweetman9367]

I get frustrated and shout more than I should, I say "hang on a second" constantly, I look at my phone too much, I ask her to stop touching me (she often craves touch and helps to calm her but I get touched out) and probably the worst is I have misophonia so constantly struggle with noise. My daughter is autistic and does a lot of verbal stimming which I find really hard. At times I even end up wearing her ear defenders! Cuddles, kisses, hand holding and random unexpected "I love you"s or "you're beautiful" make it all better. ❤

[@WatchingDude]

1. Get some long shelf life food and cereal and you'll always have something to feed them until you can get to the market. 2. Get a Roomba or other automated vacuum, put toilet blocks that have bleach in them and when you flush it will keep things somewhat clean. 3. Work out some agreement with them and when you violate it they get some sort of compensation as a thank you for their understanding. Hope these suggestions help.

[@MariaFernanda-hh4me]

Kisses from Brazil, Mayim Bialik! 😁

[@anamoly8677]

I am a divorced mom, whom is back with her older 2 children's father. And I am Blessed to also be a stay at home...part time working momma. Wowza! I just saw your BREATH video....agggghhhhhhhhh....thank you! I am going to practice breathing and I already do mommy time outs :) I would have to say my kids biggest complaint is "mom you don't have to yell", to which I always answer "but you don't listen unless I yeellllll!!!!" So I am implementing breathing....agggghhhhhhhhh a stare off until noticed lol, instead of yelling. Love your face and I am growing from your insight. Thank you for being you!!!

[@markmurray1735]

I HEAR YOU SOOOO MUCH!! Even though I am not divorced, my wife does work long hard hours, so I can relate (my two boys are 13 & 10, and the crumb thing, dead on!). As long as at the end of the day, nobody is hurt, starving, has no clothes for the next day or are missing entirely, it’s been a good day😃

[@smileygirl1235]

I am not a divorced Mom yet I have some of the same problems. My kid’s top complaints: lack of food in the fridge, when I stub my toe and I become really mad at the inanimate object that (according to me) jumped out of nowhere! Or when I become inpatient in general.

[@dka54]

I'm a super busy mom who goes to school and still has to manage a home.Things are a bit messy and sparse most of the time.But what makes it better is that when i am there and we do have time, its fun and food is yummy and we have laundry.

[@anj81012]

hmm im not divorced, heck not even married and no kids yet I watch every single one of these videos of yours!!!! u r a good story teller and engaging and relatable

[@callid.2796]

You just spoke to my heart! I love that you put it out there, letting us all know that that "it isn't just me". Thank you

[@parismitasarma8083]

Me n my Li'l brother also grew up with a working mom.. i can call her single parent because our dad worked at a different district and it was difficult for him to visit us on weekends so he use to visit us once a month. Like your kids even me n my brother used to complain regarding empty fridge, etc, etc. to my mom.. as we grew up we realized that no one is perfect and we love our mom with all her flaws that makes her perfect.. lots and lots of respect to the single working moms. Kudos to you all..lots of love to you Mayim from India.

[@fashosjesuslove477]

I friggin love you. If it wasn't for my brain I don't know what I'd do. my oldest (only) son is adopted. I struggle most days. I must admit that it finallu has been getting better and still gets better. The thing that gets me through is when my sons A mom sends me photos. to see the joy and sincerity and fun is all I can ask for. (Now if I can get more more often)! Thanks for sharing this video. Love and peace!

[@cristyhuayamave9101]

Dear Mayim i am not a parent yet but i admire every single time you speak up about parenting and I learn a lot . Thank you for being conversation about children from their own perspective and needs. Adults need to listen more . A big hug from Ecuador . We need your awesome books in Spanish !!

[@bethhinton7115]

As a Momma to just one...I know what you mean...I went to work after our daughter turned 10 and that was so hard because she was used to me being at home but I had to ... the things I missed...the meals I didn't cook...those all take a back seat to my daughter saying I love you Momma...I would say her frustrations now are is that I have to remind myself that she's 18 now and give her some more growing room...Realizing that now that she's 18 but she will call me for anything and tell me anything...I so Love that...and I really really ENJOY your Video's....Keep ON!!

[@hollyfisher8811]

Plenty of "Probiotics" 😂🤣~ Gotta LUV words out of the "Mouth of Babes"😁:)

[@nickrusso86]

About #2 - you where talking about dirty floors. I don't have kids, but I just bought a Roomba robot vacuum (no I don't work for iRobot). It's not exactly a housekeeper, so it might be cheating a little. OMG! It is amazing. I have a single dog that sheds like a herd of woolly mammoths. My floors are now clean - all the time! I highly recommend you get one and take back some of that precious time.

[@tanyabarry5879]

Omg Mayim, I am a new first time mum of a 4 month old and this video melt my heart ☺️ I’m not divorced I’m not working (yet) But this video melted my heart 😍

[@jenniferkennedy6282]

I’m not a parent but I was a child once! My mum studied and worked while I was at school, while my parents were and are still togetherness dad travelled A LOT for work. I think the things that annoyed me most in my formative years was having to take the bus to school, or when my mum worked nights (she was a nurse) because even now I say good night to her before bed pretty much every night. But she’s a great mum and working made her a better more complete person. When we were young she didn’t work and she kind of lost her identity. So she is bomb and I love her. One day they will appreciate how hard you work.

[@Denelouwho]

I was/am a single, working mom, for my daughter's entire life. This means I didn't have the luxury of weeks off when my kid would go to stay elsewhere. That said, #1, my fridge always had food in it for the munchkin, and #2 my house was always 'relatively' clean. It could have been cleaner, to some standards, but it was never a health hazard. AND, it was often cluttered! #3, While I rarely brought work home, I was often energyless from a long, hard, day of working. This meant I often needed to dig deep to draw the energy needed to take care of my child, and have a good attitude while doing so. In truth, while there were issues with being a single parent, there were also some aspects that made my wonderful job easier. I didn't have another person to consider for child-rearing questions, etc. Then that also meant I was the sole source if finances. So much give and take. Fortunately while faced with many challenges, us single parents often do just fine. My daughter is now 39 years old, and living a happy , productive life, with my grand kitties! Good luck to you!!

[@brittanylynne7794]

Hi Mayim! First off, I loved you on TV and think your a very talented (and comical) actress! But I also love that you opened up your personal life to KZbin and share raw and honest moments in your life. You show that your human! And you show that in a world where divorce is all too common, you can still be wonderful coparents, as you've done with your kids. You are a solid lady and an inspiration to all. You're kids are very lucky to have you! God bless.🙂

[@kateebiscuit]

Thanks for basically being a normal person and being transparent about it. Nice to see.

[@sterling_max]

Home working Dad, mom at the office, my kids spent non school hours with me, and me trying attend a meeting while making lunch, and that Dad who is always running are one of their complains. That and the constant NO is another complaint. I was raised with almost zero authority push from my parents ( it was another time or I was such a well behaved boy) , but with my children I see a necessity to set limits which I know they are for their own good, but I feel sorry that they feel like I'm the grumpy dad, because I'm the totally opposite. Great content as always. Thanks Mayim. Oh, and now that I comment, no plans on releasing Girling Up in Spanish?