Meta desc
Single parenting is like riding a two-wheeler with only you in the driving seat. It’s your journey, and you must decide how it will be. It is time to rediscover yourself, make real connections, and improve your relationship with your kids. It’s also okay to remarry or give another relationship a chance. As the only parent, this is the time to work on your strengths, prioritise family well-being, and take charge. No matter your circumstances, this blog will assist you in your solo parenting journey.
Children in single-parent families look up to their caregivers as role models and rely on them for love, attention, and guidance. Your positive outlook on life will reflect in your children’s behaviour and actions. It would be best if you took the effort to make this journey worthy and memorable.
Some Tips on Parenting
You are a one-person show. You are enough, and you are doing the best you can. There are so many skills you have. You may be great at multitasking, attending to your child, or listening to them. Use these skills to create a fulfilling, happy day. Identify your real priorities and align them with your strengths.
If there are areas you need to improve or need help with, seek help without hesitation. We all need support, and as single parents, it’s more than what others would.
Communication is the Foundation
No relationship can thrive without communication. As the only parent in their life, your responsibility is to be able to connect with them at a deeper level. This genuine connection will define your relationship with the child and become the foundation of effective parenting for life. Remember, the goal is to be able to help the child reach out to you for everything and anything. Similarly, it will allow you to lay rules and boundaries, set expectations, and get them involved in daily tasks. The idea, however, is not to get them to empathise with you but to see you as a strong individual ready to take on the world.
Do you remember how you spent your holidays? Did you look forward to spending the summer with your cousins, visiting the native place or your grandparents’ house during festivals, or getting together for those yearly family gatherings or trips? We are sure you have many memories of that time and would only wish something better for your children.
But being a single parent changes that equation a lot. You may or may not have extended family support and would have to make do with your limited social circle. Remember, making memories is about the quality of moments. Please find ways for your kids to experience the joys of family bonds as they grow up. You should focus on celebrating special moments and festivals together, and as a family, you should all look forward to these.
We know that doing everything yourself takes work, and you can do it, too. Avoid burning yourself out by taking on too much. Take pride in what you have been able to achieve and manage. Seek help from loved ones—immediate family, members of extended family, close friends, and whoever is in your circle of trust. Sharing some responsibilities with someone you can trust will help take the guilt and extra pressure off you, leaving you happier, healthier, and more at peace.
Team Work and Responsibilities
There may be many reasons why you are parenting alone. Still, it would help if you acknowledged the responsibilities and challenges of the role. If you wish to be a role model for your child, you can start here by having a positive outlook on life, irrespective of the bitterness of your situation. As a single parent, you have so many responsibilities every single day. We know you are tirelessly working around the clock, and it will help you if you have a sound support system. You can have your family help you with some tasks, a helper to assist you with your daily chores, a trusted daycare for your children, etc. Involving kids in things suitable for their age can help remove that extra burden. Remember when we spoke about not shying away from seeking help?
Guilt-Free Outlook Towards Life
Often, single parents find themselves getting stuck in a cycle of guilt and shame. Understanding that it is not your fault and taking one step at a time will make you feel at ease. Letting go of those relatives or friendships that point fingers at you for being a single mother or father is a blessing in disguise for you and your child.
Treat Children as Children
While communication is the key to your relationship with the kids, please don’t rely on them for solutions. They are just children and probably haven’t even processed the gravity of your situation or emotions. It is okay to share, but if you discuss anything negative with them (age-appropriate), always end it positively. Life has a lot of negative and positive side to it. They do not need to grow up before their age. Let them enjoy their childhood as it was meant to be.
Self-Care
You can only care for others when you are physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. A happy you results in a blessed family, and you must do anything and everything in the limited time you get to pamper yourself. It could mean sleeping extra hours, catching up with friends, or watching a movie. While this list can be long, do what makes YOU happy.
Whether or not being a single parent was part of your life plan, you are on that boat now. You can let the waves decide your journey or take charge and sail the ship.
We know you may be experiencing challenges as a single parent. Still, you are the only one who can minimise the negatives, develop a positive outlook, and be the role model you have always imagined you could be. The pointers above will boost your morale and help your parenthood journey.
Lavina has a strong passion for human psychology and a deep desire to understand the unique challenges faced by parents. Her personal experience as a parent has inspired her to establish Rooting You. Her writing offers comfort and serves as a valuable resource for single parents navigating the challenges of raising children on their own.
