- to be recognized as a capable parent. No more statements condemning single mothers, no more bemoaning the misfits of society we supposedly raise, no more demanding we find a husband to fix everything, no more assumptions that we're living off the government.

- to sleep in.

- to have someone take your child to get you a gift (instead of you buying your own). Or help your child make one and wrap it.

- to be told you're wonderful, you're valuable, you're capable.

- for someone else to do the dishes, laundry, cooking and all other chores. But do them right, so she doesn't have to redo them later.

- all the computer time she can stand, uninterrupted. (with a brand new computer using a DSL connection)

- To be treated like a normal person (okay, so I'm a bit unusual, but I'm still incredibly wonderful). This means no turning your back on us when you find out we have no husband. You didn't ask if we were divorced or widowed, not that it's anyone's business.
And yes, I did have a woman physically lift herself up from her seat and turn her back to me when I said, "I'm not married." She also ignored my daughter from that point on, so much for 'beautiful baby.' Just proves people with money can be losers too.

- a bubble bath, with the hours to enjoy it, worry free.

- anything chocolate, just for her.

- acceptance that we can be friends with men without any sexual connections or expectations.

- a man who loves her child as much as he loves her.

- an end to the questions such as how we got pregnant (shouldn't you know the ways already?!), where the 'father' is, do we regret it, don't we think it's wrong/sinful/abnormal, don't we want a man, aren't we worried our children will be damaged and incapable of loving relationships.

- 10 more hours in a day; 5 of those for just sleep.

- someone to help you carry in the grocery bags, unless they'll get it all themselves.

- for people to stop accusing us and/or assuming each and every one of us is a 'man-hater' or a lesbian. Sometimes mothers are just single. Anyway, what's wrong with being a 'man-hater'? Plenty of men hate women, at least women have good reasons to hate men.

- a restaurant and/or movie theater where kids are welcome. Plus, the guilt-free money to spend on this.

- an end to people, especially men, assuming we're tramps because we have children but no husband.

- the offer of an occasional babysitter.