What is the Family Life for a Single Parent?

Being a single parent is both challenging and fulfilling.

Parenting is a challenging endeavor. Single parenting is twice as challenging, but can also be twice as fulfilling. The custodial parent bears the responsibility of nurturing, disciplining and providing basic necessities. You'll also discover that you have more strength than you ever realized. You'll be forced to make decisions alone that you never wanted to make; but you can have a happy, healthy, thriving family life by following some basic parenting tips.

Commitment

In order to be a good parent, you have to be committed. This is especially true for single parents because the brunt of the responsibility falls on your shoulders. Your family is your number one priority which usually means putting the needs of your children first.

As a parent you commit to spending time, money and energy to provide physically and emotionally for your children. Helping your children cope with family changes, providing structure and discipline is important.

Home Management

When you are the only parent in your household, organization is crucial. It can also be challenging to achieve since you are the primary breadwinner. If you must work to provide groceries, clothes, housing, utilities and other living necessities.

Many single parent families include all members of the family in being responsible for maintaining the household. One way of accomplishing this is to set up an assigned daily list of household chores for everyone. Even smaller children can be responsible for things like picking up and putting away the toys in their room.

Responsibility

Single parents have a lot of responsibility when raising children alone. The responsibility of providing for your children's needs, making sure they attend school, help with homework and taxi them around to different activities.

Relationships and Traditions

Many families are rooted in daily rituals, routines and special traditions. It's important for everyone to keep those going, especially if the family unit has changed because of divorce or death. Rituals and traditions can be a comforting reminder of stability.

Try to keep rituals like bedtime stories, dinner together every night, weekend fun at the bowling alley or any other regular activity you always enjoyed as a family going strong. Holiday traditions are also important to maintain. If possible, try to involve the other parent in holiday planning.

Self-Care

Responsible single parents sacrifice a lot in order to give their children a warm stable home. That often includes time for self. But successful parents know that it's important to also take care of yourself. Daily exercise helps keep you healthy and reduces stress. Maintaining relationships with family and friends is also essential. It's okay to periodically spend time alone with your friends. Many parents also rely on spiritual guidance through their church, synagogue or other religious community for support.

References

• Real Families Real Answers