Being a single parent is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. It’s hard enough looking after a family with a spouse, let alone on your own. So, I thought it was about time I provided all you single parents with some of my advice:
(Photo via: https://goo.gl/8g9ylz)
Tell Your Children About The Situation
Sometimes, you’re a single parent from the moment your child is born. Other times, you could have a partner but things don’t work out, and you split up. Either way, there’ll come a time when your child starts asking questions. They’ll wonder why they don’t have two parents, and you’re going to have to explain things. For me, you have to tell your children about the situation. You can’t lie to them and try to keep them in the dark. Explaining things can help them understand why things are the way that they are. And, it can bring you closer as a family.
Stay In Contact With Your Ex-Partner
I think it’s really important that you try and stay in contact with your ex-partner. You don’t have to be best friends, but it helps if you’re on talking terms. I understand that many single parents are the product of a divorce. And, lots of divorces don’t end in a good way. However, you need to try and extend the olive branch, for your children’s sake. Trust me; they’ll find life a lot easier and better if their parents are speaking. Otherwise, you may rely on them as your means of communication. Both of you will tell your child to pass a message on to their mother/father. It can be horrible putting them in a situation like this. My advice is to do all you can to be on speaking terms at the very least. You can text or email one another; you don’t even have to meet face to face.
(Picture from Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/8rZ1wP)
Remember That You’re Not Alone
A lot of single parents fall into the mental trap of thinking they’re alone. They want to try and do everything by themselves; it’s a natural reaction to being a single parent. Especially if you’re a single mother and the father left before the baby was born. You can feel abandoned and get the mentality that you have to do it all. But, I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone. You’ll have loads of people supporting you and trying to help. I bet your family is more than willing to lend a helping hand and look after your children when you’re busy. Similarly, you may find that the father is eager to be part of your child’s life. Which is why you need to heed my advice above and stay in contact with them! Let them see your child and look after them on weekends or set a schedule, so they get the child at certain times. Whatever you decide, don’t do it all on your own!
Single parenting is hard, but you can make things easier for yourself. With my advice, you’ll find it’s much easier to cope, and you’ll become a better parent too.
