Raising a child as a single parent is a challenge most cannot fully appreciate. It requires self-sacrifice and a commitment that most would never wish to undertake. For those parents who do it, they should be highly commended and supported.
But being successful at it is hard. There are no manuals or roadmaps for your particular child, and too often, it is all about trial and error. With this said, there are some things you can do to make your job less stressful and isolating. Read on to discover some great advice for single parents.
Don’t Speak Negatively About the Other Parent.
If you had a messy breakup or divorce with the child’s other parent, you might be harboring feelings of anger. And, those feelings might be justified. Perhaps this person did some things to you that were not appropriate to you or your child, and you had to call family lawyers in Sydney.
Too often, parents in this situation that are raising a child will speak ill of the other parent to that child. This is a really bad decision. It can cause your child to have negative feelings toward the other parent that are not justified. Kids have different factors that cause them to reach emotional conclusions, and often they vary wildly from our own. Fight any urges to speak negatively about your child’s other parent. If your child asks you questions about this person, find some pleasant things to say or graciously tell your child that you do not want to have the conversation at this time.
As your child gets older, he or she might insist on this conversation and might want to set up a closer relationship with the other parent, or the child might have a close relationship but feel uncomfortable because of your negative feelings. Do your best to make things as simple and comfortable for your child and you. Stay neutral and pleasant, even though you may not feel that way. In the long run, it will work out better for everyone.
Involve Your Immediate and Extended Family in Raising Your Child
Two parents raising a child under the best circumstances is difficult today. A single parent raising a child is extraordinarily challenging today. You have to try and be a mother and a father, always be there when your child has a problem, attend all events and important functions, and live your own life. When you think about making all of this work, it is amazing that single parents get it done.
However, a single parent should never go It Alone. Raising a child is complicated and perilous, and you don’t get a chance to do it over if you don’t do a good job the first time. A child needs a variety of people and personality styles in his or her life in order to be best prepared for life. Although, as a single parent, you might not have a significant other who is able or willing to share the responsibilities, you likely have family members who can help fill in what is missing.
If you are a single mother, involve your father, brothers, and male cousins in your child’s life. If you are a single dad, bring your mom, your sisters, and female cousins directly into your child’s world. In addition to having family around to give you a break at times, they will also help to make your child more well-rounded and outgoing. Also, there will be times when your child might not feel comfortable speaking to you about certain things and having someone close to you can counsel your child is a fantastic commodity.
You should be cautious about who you select and make sure that whoever it is, respects, and even reflects your values and approach to life. Most of all, they should love you and your child unconditionally and want the best for you.
