How can I be a single parent and still be “me”? with Danusia Malina-Derben

Single & Mighty: Build a great life after divorce or separation

Today, we talk to Danusia Malina-Derben, a solo mum with a jaw-dropping list of accomplishments. She's also one of the most supportive women you could ever talk to... someone you'd just love to sit down with for a really long late-night chat.

We just couldn't wait to share this one with you.

Danusia became a single parent during a pregnancy with triplets. She made the bold decision to get out of a dangerous situation and lead life on her own terms -- and did she ever.

After earning her PhD while parenting young children, Danusia is now a sought-after consultant, working with some of the world’s biggest brands. She’s an author, speaker, and inspiration to women worldwide.

She’s a solo parent of 10 kids (seven of whom are now grown). And she knows what it is to raise neurodivergent, gifted children with additional needs.

“I'm the kind of single parent that has 24/7 responsibility.”

Danusia tells us, “I want to stress the incredible opportunities that being a single parent brings. It's tough, of course, but being untethered to demands and constraints of someone else can be wonderful. I have been able to accomplish so much because I'm a solo parent.”

“I was able to do this NOT because I'm superwoman but because I've an army of staff. But how do we realise our own potential while holding space for our children as they grow into themselves?” It’s a tough road sometimes, but growing into our own potential is worth it.

Danusia is host of the acclaimed School for Mothers Podcast that challenges old narratives and practices that limit the potential of individual mothers as their own people. Watch for her new podcast project, Parents Who Think.

Danusia’s written two culture-changing books:

NOISE: A Manifesto Modernising Motherhood
and then, SPUNK: A Manifesto Modernising Fatherhood.

We can’t wait to see what’s next for Danusia!

Get links to resources and background details at singleandmighty.com
Join the community: follow Single & Mighty on Instagram | LinkedIn
Get Single & Mighty by Email for behind-the-scenes content, community events, and episode highlights.

--

Show Markers:

• (00:02:14 - 00:05:21): Danusia discusses her path to becoming a single parent, emphasizing the choice for her and her children's safety. "I got to being a single parent by making a choice...about the safety of my children."
• (00:05:21 - 00:07:38): She talks about the empowerment and autonomy found in being a single parent. "I've actively stayed single...it is an act of rebellion. As women, it's a revolutionary act to choose to be single."
• (00:07:50 - 00:09:58): Danusia values the autonomy of being single, enabling her to make decisions without needing approval from a partner. "Autonomy. I do not have to refer to anybody...I don’t have to explain myself."
• (00:17:00 - 00:19:31): She discusses societal pressures and expectations placed on women, particularly single mothers. "We are...seen as dangerous women when we are not tethered to a man."
• (00:31:00 - 00:32:45): Danusia encourages single parents to pursue their passions and create fulfilling lives regardless of their relationship status. "It's about choosing your own needs...settling isn’t worth it at any cost."
• (00:32:45 - 00:34:56): Danusia talks about her books, "Noise" and "Spunk," which explore modern motherhood and fatherhood, challenging traditional narratives. "Noise...is the underpinning myths about what it takes to be a mother and to be yourself still."