Kim Kardashian opens up about the challenges and rewards of being a single mother

Navigating the journey of single motherhood is undeniably challenging, particularly for those who find themselves raising four children on their own. No wonder single motherhood comes with unique challenges for each mom. While idyllic portrayals on social media platforms may create the illusion of a carefree experience, the emotional realities of parenting without the support of a co-parent can be incredibly daunting. Kim Kardashian, the American socialite, opened up about parenting four children under the age of ten after her divorce.

Kardashian and Kanye West filed for divorce in February 2021, which was finalized in November 2022. She said on the May 22 podcast episode of "On Purpose with Jay Shetty," "It has been the most challenging thing. There are nights I cry myself to sleep. Like, what just happened?" However, she also shared the rewarding experiences of this time in her life.

The reality TV star is a mother to North West, Chicago West, Saint West and Psalm West who are nine, seven, five and four years old, respectively. She posted on Instagram writing about her conversation with Shetty, "I had an open and honest conversation on his podcast On Purpose out on Monday. I'm so grateful to Jay for providing such a safe space to share a more personal side of my life. We discussed the challenges of parenthood, navigating the highs and lows of life, how I get through the tougher days, and so much more."

"I really loved this one, as so much of my life has been dedicated to finding out what my true purpose is. You know, with all the moods and the personalities and sometimes they're fighting, and you know, there's no one there. Like, it's (up to) me to play good cop and bad cop."

She said during the episode that she is working on being "a little bit firmer" and the fact that nobody is ever ready to be a parent is true. "That's the only way I can describe it. It is the most rewarding job in the entire world. There is nothing that can prepare you," the "Keeping up with Kardashians" star added.

"I don't care how long you wait. I don't care what you're waiting for. You are never prepared. But you will figure it out, and it will make you so proud of yourself that you figured it out and that you got through the day." Despite the days when she doubts herself, she takes it "hour by hour to see if we are going to survive," and shared that parenting is "the thing that has taught me the most about myself."

"If a tantrum comes in, oh my God, your life is completely upside down. But it teaches you so much more about yourself than I think anyone, any parent, could have ever anticipated."

The founder of "SKIMS" tries to enjoy the "madness" of her four children. "Everyone says the days are long and the years are short, and that couldn't be like a more true statement. So, like, when you're in it, I mean, especially when they're babies and you're feeding, there's the madness going on. It's like full madness. It's the best chaos though."