Being a single parent is no walk in the park. Chances are good that things get a little overwhelming sometimes. However, it’s relieving to know that no one expects you to do everything alone. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it. In this article, I’ve assembled tips that single parents will find useful for parenting. So, lean back and enjoy!
Ask For Help
Most single parents experience frequent burnouts because they feel the need to shoulder an entire load of caring for their family alone. While single parenting will require that you step up to more responsibility, you can afford to lean on others as well. Ask for help where necessary and accept help when it’s offered to you. If someone offers to watch the kids for you while you go on dates, accept the help. Learning to trust others to help with your child or children is one healthy way to manage the stress of single parenting.
Create Disciplinary Boundaries and Stick To Them
If you’re a single parent, you’re probably familiar with the thought of desiring to overcompensate. But the fact that the other parent is absent from the child’s life doesn’t mean you should just let your child act however they want. Set clear boundaries and enforce them. Let your child know the consequences for their actions and reinforce good behavior with rewards. Don’t be afraid to discipline your child as a single parent for fear of crushing them. Appropriate discipline will aid healthy growth for your child.
Avoid Guilt Trips
As a single parent, you might feel guilty once in a while. Probably because you can’t afford something a child needs at the time or you can’t meet some other need of your child. However, living under the weight of guilt can be very unhealthy. Rather than mulling over the past and wishing things had been done differently, look out for the positive parts of your new life as a single mom and embrace them wholeheartedly. Avoid feeling guilty about the way you’re handling your kid(s) and disregard spiteful comments from people who downgrade your efforts.
You First
Every parent wants the best for their child and what this often means is that you think you have to prioritize the child’s needs over yours. However, you need to be healthy, cared for, and strong to give your child your best. So prioritize self-care, create a routine that allows you to take time outs and refresh.
Keep Your Adult Thoughts Away from Your Child
It’s not uncommon for single parents to feel the need to share and unburden others. However, it’s important to realize your kid is still a child and can’t accurately fill the role of a confidante. Resist the urge to offload adult concerns on your child. When you need support, be sure to talk to trusted loved ones or locate a single parents group close to you. It’s important to evaluate how much emotional load your kid bears from time to time and make the necessary adjustments.
Be Comfortable Saying ‘No'
Again, the need to overcompensate may cause you to think you have to give in to all your child’s demands. But the truth is that you don’t have to and you have to be comfortable saying no to your kid. If they want something you can’t afford, kindly tell them no. The same thing goes for unreasonable demands children often have. Don’t give in to every demand because you want them to feel loved and cared for.
Try a Sleepover Exchange
Juggling work, social and parenting demands can be a little tricky as a single parent, so you need support. No one says your social life has to shut down because you’re a single parent. An effective way to achieve your social goals is to arrange a sleepover exchange with other single moms. That way, you can get some free time to date or attend to other social needs that might arise. The idea is to take turns watching your kids with other single moms.
Sometimes, Follow Your Kid's Lead
Single parents can benefit a lot from letting their children step in to help bear some of the load and responsibilities once in a while. If your child wants to help sometimes, let them help. Being able to help you will boost their esteem and strengthen the bond you both share.
