Being A Single Parent

Quite frankly, being a single parent is not easy. You are solely responsible for your child’s upbringing and their welfare. Your child depends on you for support, both physically and emotionally. It can all easily overwhelm anyone, considering the extra stress and pressure that comes with you playing the roles of both mommy and dad. Sadly, many times being a single parent also results in the psychological torture that comes with trying very hard to play these two roles perfectly. Here are a few tips that you could use to be the best version of a single parent you can be:

ANGER

As fate would have it, not everything works out perfectly (few things actually do). Your relationship with your partner may not have ended at the best note, and you may find yourself desperately trying to move on and forget them as fast as you can. When you have a child, this may be a little more difficult. Your child may want to meet their other parent once in a while, and it is this interaction that may test your patience.

In such cases, you need to set aside your feelings of anger for your child’s sake. Understand that they need both their parents to grow.

LOVE YOUR CHILD

This may seem a little obvious but love goes beyond what most of us think. You should be prepared to go to any lengths to show your child that you love them and that you are doing the best you can to support them. Show them that you will always be there for them. Play with them, take them out shopping when you can and generally spend as much time as you can with them. This not only builds your relationship with them but also gives you the confidence you need to know that you have done your best.

FIND HELP

You may find yourself wanting to prove that you can do it all alone but in truth, you can’t. Don’t shy from asking others for help when you need it. You can join other parents in making a babysitting arrangement that works for all of you, or you can call on those you are close to for help even with finances. It can get tough especially immediately after splitting with your partner, but if you accept help that comes your way, it all gets much easier in no time.

ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF

As mentioned earlier, mental health is crucial, and you will need to stay sane to raise your children. When you feel like things are just getting out of hand, take a moment to appreciate yourself. Look at what you, as a single mom or dad, have achieved and be proud of yourself. Eat well and stay in good shape, and you will wake up every day ready to face it. Don’t feel guilty if anything does not work out. Give it your best and let things take their natural course.

In conclusion, do not let anyone discourage you. Help your child grow while you also make space for your own growth. Support them and be there for them when they need you, love yourself too, and you will be the best mommy or daddy you could ever be.