Tia Mowry Addresses Backlash After Calling Herself a “Single Mom”

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Tia Mowry is setting the record straight about her parenting journey. 

In their ongoing shared parenting role, she and her ex-husband Cory Hardrict (who finalized their divorce in 2023) are raising their two children – 14-year-old Cree and 7-year-old Cairo. The actress from “Seventeen Again” addressed the criticism she faced when referring to herself as a “single mom.

Tia posted on Instagram on July 22, expressing that family structures can vary but still be filled with love, reliability, and happiness. She shared her personal experience as a single mother, emphasizing that it doesn’t necessarily mean she’s managing everything on her own without the father being involved in their lives at all times. She acknowledged the challenges faced by this archetype and expressed empathy towards those who find themselves in similar situations.

Yet, the 47-year-old was eager to shed light on a previously unnoticed aspect of her life that she’s still adjusting to. It’s worth noting that they had been married for 14 years prior to her announcing their separation in 2022 with the Brotherly Love actor.

In her own words, she stated, “In my personal life, I live alone without a partner. I stand as the sole caregiver in our household. I recall the initial nights following the transformation of my life.” The Sister, Sister actress added this.

Indeed, Tia acknowledged that she experienced both “feelings of guilt” and “embarrassment” concerning the impact of the divorce on Cree and Cairo. However, amidst these mixed sentiments, she was resolute in understanding that her and Cory’s feelings would always come first.

The actor emphasized that it’s not solely about being a ‘single mom.’ Instead, it’s important to embrace various family structures as normal. Just because parents aren’t in a relationship doesn’t mean the family is damaged. It simply takes on a unique shape. Parents should put aside their personal feelings towards each other and focus on being there for their children. Their relationship status doesn’t change their role as parents.

Seven months ago, Tia shared an open account about navigating the ups and downs of sharing custody during holiday seasons with her two children. Now, her latest update is honest and transparent.

In her Instagram post from December, she openly acknowledged that as a single mom, she sometimes feels the burden because our family isn’t like others. However, she went on to say that’s perfectly fine. Being unique doesn’t make us any less than anyone else. What truly matters is preserving traditions for my kids, as it doesn’t change the fact that we are still a family.

Keep reading to see more of Tia’s most honest confessions…

In their ongoing co-parenting arrangement after their divorce in 2023, Tia Mowry and Cory Hardrict are raising their children, 14-year-old Cree and 7-year-old Cairo. In response to criticism for referring to herself as a “single mom,” Tia shared on her Instagram post dated July 22 that she wants to emphasize the diversity of family structures and the love, stability, and joy they can still hold. She explained that while being a ‘single mom’ often connotes a woman doing it all alone without the father present, she acknowledges its difficulties and empathizes. However, Tia clarified that in her case, being single means she is the only parent at home, taking care of everyone in the household on a daily basis.

Following the conclusion of her divorce with Cory Hardrict in April 2023, Tia Mowry pondered over her freshly single chapter.
“I entered this world accompanied by a twin,” she stated during the premiere of her reality show Tia Mowry: My Next Act, which aired in October 2024, alluding to sister Tamera Mowry, “and immediately after that I embarked on a 22-year relationship. So, I’ve never been single before, and it’s been quite the journey.”
Tia and Cory first crossed paths in 1999 while working on the film Hollywood Horror. Initially, their bond was platonic, but it later evolved into a romantic one. Tia recollected, “Cory was my first everything.”
“I met Cory when I turned 20,” she added on her We TV series, “and I lost my virginity at 25. There, I admitted it.” She continued, “And then we got married! Boom!

In the year 2008, Tia and Cory got married. They then became parents to a son named Cree in 2011, followed by a daughter named Cairo in 2018.

However, in 2022, the pair parted ways. Tia attributed “unresolvable disagreements” as the cause of their separation in her divorce petition. Later, she shared her realization that the marriage between her and Cory had ended.

In a recent episode of Today, the Sister, Sister star expressed that it was when she truly began to prioritize her own happiness that she realized women often focus too much on others’ well-being. She emphasized the importance of self-love and personal growth, stating that as one learns to appreciate oneself, recognizing one’s value and worth, a profound transformation occurs. Though it’s challenging, she believes this journey is incredibly valuable in the end.

After openly acknowledging the issues in her marriage, Tia decided to be truthful not only with herself but also with the public. In her series, Tia Mowry: My Next Act, she explained that she grew weary of living a life that wasn’t authentic and hiding behind a facade of perfection when things weren’t as they seemed.

In the interview with HelloBeautiful in June 2023, Tia shared that another factor influencing her decision was considering how it would impact her children, Cree and Cairo. She explained that she wanted them to see her standing firm on truth, as this could serve as a valuable lesson for them since making the decision wasn’t easy. It was one of the hardest choices she had ever made in her life. By seeing their mother persevere and pursue her truth, they can learn that even when faced with challenges or doubts, they too can follow their own path.

She commented, ‘I hope my kids will follow that path.’ For me, the greatest present I can offer them is freedom – freedom from living a life others expect of them or what they believe they should be. I wish for them to understand that it’s alright to have difficult days. I want them to learn that it’s acceptable to pursue happiness. I want them to realize that it’s okay to live authentically.

Despite spending years together on-screen, Tia Mowry mentioned in a September sneak peek of “Tia Mowry: My Next Act” that being apart from her sister Tamera has been particularly tough following their divorce. She often misses the times when she could easily reach out to her sister and talk things over, but at this point in time, that’s not an option for them.

In simpler terms, Tia expressed, “Since we reside in different cities, we have our separate families, aspirations, and necessities. However, I want to emphasize that this does not mean we are not close; it’s just a matter of distance.

It came as a surprise when Tia announced her return to reality TV, even though fans had known before Tamera did. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight in May 2024, Tamera shared that she found out about it along with the rest of the world. When asked if she might make an appearance on Tia’s new series, Tamera mentioned that Tia hadn’t asked her, implying that she wouldn’t be a part of it. Despite this, Tamera seemed okay with not being involved in Tia’s show, stating that “This is her story,” and expressing respect for Tia’s decision to keep her own narrative. In turn, Tia downplayed the idea that giving Tamera a heads-up about the reality show was necessary, telling the Associated Press on October 11, 2024, that it’s normal not to share every detail with others and that they each live their separate lives.

Previously, they have discussed their highs and lows in the past. On their reality show titled “Tia & Tamera,” which aired from 2011 to 2013, they participated in counseling sessions aimed at improving their communication skills. According to Tamera, during an episode of “The Real” in 2019, their differences made communication challenging. “Being so different, we needed to develop a method of communicating that benefited us both positively,” she explained. “I’m well-known for my sensitivity, while my sister is assertive and self-reliant. We had to learn how to communicate effectively with each other.

As an identical twin, it was inevitable that people would draw comparisons between me and my sister Tia. It’s just how our brains work when we see twins, naturally looking for differences: ‘Oh, this one has a fuller face, this one is thinner, that’s how we can tell them apart.’ One has a mole, one has a more bubbly personality, one is a little bit more shy.’

At first, these comparisons were just part of the package, but as I grew older and entered college and television, they started to affect me personally. They became toxic, and a simple Google search will reveal some of the harmful comparisons out there.

However, my mother’s words always stuck with me: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Even though we share the same DNA as twins, God made each of us unique. We may have similarities, but we each possess different gifts, and that’s perfectly okay.

Tamera Mancusco (her married name) has shared insights into her relationship with spouse Adam Housley, much like Tia Mowry disclosed about her time with Cory. Although she’s described him as “the love of my life,” their union, just like any couple’s, encounters peaks and valleys.

In an interview with TopMob News in May 2024, Tamera, who tied the knot with Adam in 2011, expressed surprise at reaching their thirteenth anniversary: “Thirteen years, I can’t believe it,” she said. “It seems like it’s gone by quickly. I often say, ‘You’ll have your ups and downs.’ Our marriage isn’t flawless, but I still appreciate him. I admire who he is as a person. And rather than drifting apart, we are growing together.”

Moreover, they keep each other informed about their feelings.

Every so often, you might want to inquire, “Are you content?” Tamera, who co-parents Aden and Ariah with Adam, went on. “What can we do to maintain our happiness?”, she asked, because it’s not just about being married for a long time, but about being happily married for a long time.

Tamera Mowry-Housley, from “Twitches”, shared during an episode of “The Jennifer Hudson Show” in 2022 that she values maintaining a happy marriage by setting sex goals. She believes it’s important for women to openly discuss this aspect. When asked about the specifics of these goals, Tamera revealed in her memoir “You Should Sit Down for This” that she dreams of having intimate moments in various locations, such as on the rooftop of a skyscraper, during rainy car rides, and in every room throughout her house.

She shared with the publication, “I aim to break free from traditional assumptions.” She continued, “Embrace your identity, enjoy your intimacy, and cherish it! It doesn’t matter if you’ve been married for many years; it doesn’t mean your love life has to diminish.

Looking back on my first four years on The Real, I must admit it was one of the most challenging periods in my life. The long commute, the relentless grind, and the scrutiny from the public weighed heavily on me. I struggled with anxiety so intense that it would often lead to panic attacks, and I’d end up vomiting in my dressing room. To cope, I turned to alcohol more than I should have.

However, there were also many moments of joy during those seven years. Friendships forged there will stay with me forever. The people I’ve had the privilege to interview have enriched my life immeasurably. As I step down from co-hosting in 2020, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride. We achieved so much during our tenure, including two well-deserved NAACP Image Awards and a Daytime Emmy. It’s been an honor to be part of such a dynamic team.

There’s been speculation about whether the popular ’90s show “Sister, Sister” could be rebooted, given the trend of reviving shows from that era. However, Tia and Tamera Mowry have mentioned that the process isn’t straightforward. In a 2017 episode of “The Real“, Tia stated, “My sister and I have been trying for quite some time now, but we can only do so much.” While fans might still harbor hopes for a revival, Tamera clarified in May 2024 to “Us Weekly ” that it’s not going to happen.

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2025-07-23 17:17