For Bernie Sinclaire, parenting in New York City is a dream come true. She shares her life with her best friend, Anabelle Gonzalez, and their combined children. This living arrangement, often called a “mommune,” allows them to share both the joys and responsibilities of raising kids.
Sinclaire, who has two sons—Marcos, 9, and Nico, 4—lives with Gonzalez and her daughter Sophia, 7. Together, they create a supportive environment that feels like a fairytale, requiring no “Prince Charming.”
The idea came about when both moms ended their previous relationships. As teachers in the Bronx, they quickly discovered the benefits of living together. “It’s easier than living with a man,” joked Sinclaire. They chose to team up instead of navigating single parenthood alone, focusing on honesty about the challenges they face.
Their Manhattan apartment is cozy and designed for family fun. The kids, who think of each other as siblings, enjoy a playful, close-knit atmosphere they call the “kidsune.” Sinclaire noted, “They bicker like siblings and love being together.”
Living in a dual-income household makes a big difference. With rising living costs, many single parents are struggling. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 10.9 million single-parent families with children under 18, and about 80% of those are led by mothers. The price tag for raising a child in the U.S. has hit $300,000, making collective living arrangements not just practical but essential for many.
This trend isn’t limited to New York. Similar communities are popping up across the country. For instance, Kristin Batykefer and Tessa Gilder from Jacksonville, Florida, formed their own mommune after their divorces. They’re vocal about the positive impact their arrangement has had on their lives.
On social media, more moms are sharing their experiences. Shannon and Cheyanne from Nevada showcased their life as coparents, emphasizing how much easier it is with another mother. One of their TikTok posts gained over 9.5 million views, emphasizing the joy of shared responsibilities.
Despite the positive feedback, some critics question their lifestyle, suggesting it’s a negative reaction to past relationships. Sinclaire responds by highlighting the benefits of their arrangement: “Less work, more ‘me’ time, and no default parent.”
For Sinclaire and Gonzalez, their partnership isn’t just about sharing tasks. It’s about friendship and support. They challenge societal expectations, proving that motherhood can thrive in various forms, especially when rooted in sisterhood. “We said yes to sharing the load, which allows us to focus on our kids and ourselves,” Sinclaire emphasizes.
This innovative approach to parenting is reshaping what families can look like and inspiring others to rethink traditional roles. As this community grows, it showcases a new, empowering chapter in the narrative of modern family life.
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