Tia Mowry is addressing the criticism she’s received for identifying as a single mom.
In a series of videos and messages shared on social media, the actress and mom of two opened up about her experience and why the title shouldn’t come with stigma.
“Sometimes I wonder why saying “I’m a single mom” sparks so much backlash,” she wrote in one clip. “Family can look different than what we imagine and still be full of love, stability, and joy. This is my truth, and I want to share it.”
Mowry shares son, Cree Taylor Hardrict, 14, and daughter, Cairo Tiahna Hardrict, 7, with ex-husband Cory Hardrict. The former couple finalized their divorce in 2023 after 14 years of marriage.
“Being a single mom doesn’t always mean a mom doing it all alone without the father present in their kids’ lives at all,” she explained. “I recognize that archetype is extremely difficult, and I truly empathize. But what often gets overlooked is the nuance of what being a single mom can actually mean.”
“For me and my household, I am single. I don’t have a partner, so I’m holding it down for everyone at home. I’m the only parent present day to day.”
The Sister, Sister alum reflected on the “first nights after my world shifted”. She remembered crying, feeling guilt and shame, and wondering, “Are we still a family?” Looking back, she said she now knows they always were.
Her message wasn’t just about her own experience. It was about changing the larger narrative around families that don’t fit the traditional mold.
“It’s not even about being a single mom. It’s about recognizing that we need to normalize different family dynamics. Just because parents aren’t together doesn’t mean the family is broken. It just looks different.”
Over footage of her children, Mowry emphasized that “the kids are the priority,” encouraging parents to set aside personal differences to support their children fully.
In another clip, she shared what she believes truly causes harm in co-parenting situations.
“What makes things toxic or broken is when kids feel the divide. When they feel like they have to choose between parents.”
To help maintain a sense of unity, Mowry said her family makes it a point to show up for important moments like “birthdays, holidays, graduations, and celebrating together.”
She added, “I’m not saying divorce or separation is always the answer. But even when parents live together, it doesn’t guarantee a healthy home. Kids want their parents to be happy, no matter the situation. If parents thrive, kids thrive.”
Mowry closed with a powerful message for all families who don’t fit into the traditional mold.
“What I want you to take from this: being a single mom isn’t one way or one story. There are so many nuances. This message isn’t just for single moms. It’s for single dads, LGBTQ+ parents, and all families outside the perfect social norm.Happy, healthy families come in many forms. Different doesn’t mean broken. We are family, regardless.”
