Single Mother Besties Tell All On How Living In A ‘Mommune’ Give Them The Support They Need

Jan 22, 2025

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Raising children is challenging, even with two parents in the picture. So, imagine how difficult it is to raise a child all on your own. 

According to the US Census Bureau, this is the case for 10.9 million single parents in the US, around 80% of whom are mothers. This number highlights the growing need for strong support systems.

And this is precisely what single mom Kristin Batykefer found in a shared living arrangement, which she called a “mommune.”

After Batykefer divorced, she was given the chance to live somewhere that offered her help and warmth. 

That place came in the form of Cleta and Ben, an empty-nest couple who offered Batykefer and her 4-year-old daughter a place to stay indefinitely.

Soon after, Batykefer’s lifelong friend, Tessa Gilder, also went through a divorce, so Cleta and Ben opened their home to Gilder and her two young children as well. 

Not to mention that with inflation, the mommune option became more appealing as it gave the two women more financial security after their divorces.

Batykefer’s TikTok video about her experience sparked interest, and although it has since been deleted, she later explained the term “mommune” on Good Morning America in January 2023.

She explained that it was “a play on mother and community. It’s a community of moms living together under one roof … helping each other raise children together.”

Gilder also spoke about her thought process: “At first, I was just like, ‘No, I’m not. I can’t move back to Florida. Like, that’s insane. I’m in Colorado.’” 

Moving meant she had to leave behind her successful salon business, and the thought was “really scary.”

Although Gilder initially struggled to decide, the idea of living in a supportive community began to appeal to her.

For both women, the “mommune” became a practical and transformative way to navigate the challenges of single motherhood, offering emotional and logistical support.

Gilder told GMA:

“I just felt like I would have that support and that family unit and that village that everybody talks about, like, it takes a village (to raise a child).”

Batykefer also said:

“We just love and support each other.”

At the mommune, Cleta and Ben, longtime family friends of Batykefer, help care for the children while everyone pitches in with chores, cooking, and other responsibilities.

However, this unconventional living arrangement comes with its own challenges.

Gilder said:

“There (are) two 4-year-olds running around and then a 1-year-old baby crying at the same time, and it just can be a lot.” 

She continued:

“We all are aware that it’s absolute chaos. But also, we’re OK and we’re grounded and we just help each other ride the roller coaster without it getting too hectic and overstimulating.”

According to Gilder, the mommune reminded her that “there are good people in this world.”

She said:

“In the midst of feeling so alone and so hurt in my situation, I was reminded that there are good people in this world and they just continuously, every day, show up that way.” 

Gilder also expressed her good fortune:

“I feel very fortunate to know them.”

Batykefer interjected:

“Now I’m like, ‘Oh, I don’t ever want to give this up for anything ever again.” 

The two women also expressed that they would continue to embrace the “mommune” lifestyle, even if they decide to move out of Cleta and Ben’s home.

This way of living offers single mothers like Batykefer and Gilder much-needed support. Could the concept of a “mommune” be the future for single mothers, or is it simply too unorthodox for many to accept? Pass it on to the moms in your life, and let us know your views!