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\"I feel like the mental image of a single mother is so incredibly negative and we need to challenge that,\" Rodgers told \"GMA.\"

\"I want [people] to think about what's behind the scenes and I want them to know that what you're seeing is a very small piece to a very large puzzle,\" she added.

In her piece, Rodgers reveals the hidden hardships single mothers may face like maxing out credit cards to buy gifts, choosing a job over taking care of a sick child and falling asleep alone on the couch because her bed \"just feels too empty.\"

\"That woman, the one you silently judge, she has been through more hell than you can ever imagine,\" Rodgers wrote.

Rodgers also challenged the expectations people may have of mothers versus fathers, she explained -- like if a dad sends kids to school in unmatched clothing some may say, \"Well, he tried,\" Rodgers said.

\"But God forbid a single mother forgets to dress their child up for spirit week with fancy braids and coordinating outfits to boot. \"Does she care at all?\" \"She must not be well\" \"Those poor children,\" she wrote.

\"PHOTO:
Ashley Rodgers
PHOTO: Ashley Rodgers, a writer and a full-time employee at a Missouri school district, wrote a piece for the popular blog Scary Mommy titled, "This Is What A Single Mom Really Feels Like."
>

Rodgers said that being a single parent means being in charge of the home, the bills, grocery shopping, disciplining the kids and so much more.

\"You have your hands in so many different baskets. You don't have the time to just 'parent,'\" she said.

Rodgers said she's received positive feedback from her opinion piece and hopes she's empowered single parents to find happiness within themselves.

\"PHOTO:
Ashley Rodgers
PHOTO: Ashley Rodgers, a writer and a full-time employee at a Missouri school district, wrote a piece for the popular blog Scary Mommy titled, "This Is What A Single Mom Really Feels Like." Rodgers is a single mother to four children.
>

\"Do things for yourselves too and be openly honest to your kids,\" she said. \"If you're having a tough day and you yell, apologize to them.\"

\"By showing our kids grace we're granting grace to ourselves,\" Rodgers added. \"We are just one person. There's only so much that one person can do.\"

Editor's note: This story was originally published on Jan. 6, 2021.

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