How to Single Parent a Teen

Being a single parent to a teen is tough. Even in homes where there are two parents, it can be rough. While you can not fill the shoes of the missing parent, you can single parent a teen:

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Explain the rules to your teen and be firm in enforcing them.

2. Keep the lines of communication open with your teen. No matter how busy you are, take time each day to connect with your teen.

3. Do something fun and relaxing with your child every couple of weeks. While money may be tight, there are cheap and even free things that you and your teen can do together. Examples of this include taking a picnic, going for a hike or walk, hanging out at home and watching movies and eating pizza and popcorn and even enjoying free museums and entertainment in your community.

4. Make sure your teen doesn’t feel that she is responsible for your happiness. Many teens feel very anxious and worried about their parent and take the weight of the world on their shoulders. Make sure your teen knows that you are the adult and she is the teen

5. Understand that it is normal for a teen of a single parent to take their anger out on the parent that is present. Don’t take everything your teen says in anger or pain seriously. Step back and try to see things from her perspective.

6. Build a support system around your family. Extended family, friends and neighbors can be soft places for both you and your child to fall when things get a little hectic or emotional on the home front.

7. Try to always model appropriate behavior for your teenager. It is perfectly fine if your teen sees that you are having a bad day. Yet, she also needs to see that you handle your stress and frustration in a healthy manner.

8. Make sure your home is a safe and secure environment for your teen. Never get so caught up in the job of single parenting that you don’t see red flags.

9. Take every opportunity to tell and show your teen that you love her.