Being a single parent is one of the hardest things you'll ever do. You must be both a mother and a father, which takes strength, patience, and love. However, some tips can make your life easier as a single parent:
1) Be honest with your feelings:
As a single parent, you must be honest with your feelings. You may cry more than usual, and it's okay if you do! It's also okay if you don't feel like crying- you can feel however you want.
It's essential for children when their parents show emotions openly and honestly because it teaches them that it's okay for them too. Children who grow up seeing their parents being open about their feelings grow up knowing how powerful those same emotions can be when appropriately expressed; they learn how important it is for people to say themselves honestly even when things get difficult or scary; they see from early on how much strength comes from having someone else by your side during tough times...and so much more!
2) Set boundaries for yourself:
As a single parent, setting boundaries for yourself and your children is essential. This means that you need to take care of your own needs first so that you don't overcompensate for the absence of their other parent by taking on too much responsibility or being too involved in their lives.
You can set boundaries by:
Setting clear time limits on when and where your child will be allowed access to electronic devices (phones/tablets) so they have time away from screens;
Making sure they know they can come to talk if they're feeling overwhelmed or confused about something without being judged.
We are teaching them how to handle money responsibly so they understand what it takes financially and emotionally when making decisions like buying things online through a debit card versus cash.
We are setting aside some "me" time every week where no one else is allowed at home except me!
3) Do not overcompensate:
Do not overcompensate.
Don't compare your child to other people's children or others' experiences.
Be kind and gentle with yourself as a parent, but also know when you need help from others--and don't be afraid to ask for it!
Be kind and gentle with your child but expect them to make mistakes. It's part of growing up!
4) Take care of yourself so you can better take care of your kids:
No question that being a single parent is tough. You're responsible for everything and have no one to turn to when things get tough. But it would be best if you took care of yourself to take care of your kids better.
Take care of yourself physically by getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly--even if it's just walking around the block every afternoon after work or going on weekend hikes with your children. It will help keep both their minds and bodies healthy!
And remember to take time for yourself away from all those responsibilities as well! Whether taking an hour out of each day to relax with a cupcake (or two), watching movies in bed while eating popcorn, or reading books at night instead of checking emails...whatever makes YOU happy will help make life easier for everyone involved!
5) Tell the truth to your child.
Children are very perceptive and will know if you're lying to them or trying to protect them from the truth. Kids should hear it from you than someone else, like another kid at school who may not have all the facts straight (or might even be spreading rumors).
Don't sugarcoat things for your kids.
Please don't lie about what happened or makeup stories about why things are happening in your life now; tell it like it is! It's okay if some parts are sad or scary; explain as best as possible so they understand what's going on around them, but don't leave out anything essential either--you don't want any surprises later down the road when they find out something else happened during this period that wasn't mentioned earlier on either side of things."
6) Do not compare your child to other people's children or others' experiences.
One of the most important things you can do is stop comparing your child to others. This is especially true if you compare their behavior or personality with another person's child. It can be easy for us as parents to look at other people's children and think they are better behaved, well-adjusted, and overall better off than our kids, but this isn't always the case.
Each family has their own unique set of circumstances that shape them into who they are today.Additionally, please don't compare your experience as a single parent with someone else's experiences either--it will only make things more stressful!
7) Single parenting is hard, but it is worth it.
Being a single parent is hard, but it's worth it. You will learn to be more self-sufficient and independent. You'll have to learn to do things you never thought possible, like ensuring your kid has clean clothes and food in their belly. But these skills will help you become a better parent for your child because they teach patience, resilience, and independence--all essential qualities for being a good parent at any age!
The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Millions of single parents are going through the same thing you are, and they can be your support system when things get tough. You will make mistakes along the way but also learn from them so that things will improve for you and your children next time!
xoxo
Erin
Time to Dish:
How is single parenting going for you?
What is the best thing about being a single parent?
What is the worst thing about being a single parent?
How do you feel about the experience so far?
Listen to DIVORCEE DISH TWO