Parenthood is a huge challenge in itself for couples, but for single parents, it can be a whole different difficulty level. But that shouldn’t dissuade you, but it’s best to be prepared for the challenges of single parenthood. Whichever circumstances have led you to raise the child on your own shouldn’t be the focus; starting now, you’d want to have a holistic life wherein you’re able to successfully and happily raise your children on your own without burning yourself out. As such, let’s take a look at tips and reminders that can help you through single parenthood:
Never Compare Yourself to Others
Comparisons leave to frustration, and being frustrated can lead to burning out and bad decisions. If you’re a single parent, own it and don’t compare yourself to other parents or how the other kids are doing. Don’t feel bad for yourself or your kids, or start wishing things were more like with other parents. Instead, it’s best to accept the fact that you’re a single parent, and that you shouldn’t compare yourself to others nor should you spend any time wallowing and pondering; since you’re taking on a role of two people, you should focus your attention and efforts more on the task at hand, which is raising your kids to be happy and healthy.
Take Care of Yourself
Juggling work, kids, and home can leave you almost no time for yourself but make time. You can’t take care of your kids properly if you’re sick and burned out. So, it’s important that you also take care of yourself. Make time to do your annual checkup with the family doctor and your dentist, try to work out whenever you can (although housework, work, and child rearing may actually be workout enough) and give yourself some alone time. You don’t have to spend a vacation or spa day away from the kids to de-stress, but if your parents or relatives can take care of them for just a few hours or even just a weekend so you can relax and recharge, that would go a long way.
Child Support Can Be A Huge Help
One can’t deny the fact that, unless you were born in a well-off family, raising a child on your own can be a huge financial challenge. This is why many states have guidelines with regards to child support, as children have the right to receive financial aid from both parents, not just you, the one raising the children. Child support is basically a monthly payment by the parent who isn’t raising or has custody of the child as mandated by the court in order to support the child. Laws and guidelines differ per state, so if you’re living in Denver, it’s best to get a child support lawyer who’s aware of Colorado regulations and laws on the matter.
Get All the Help You Can Get
Never forget that there are people that can help you out and that being a ‘single parent’ doesn’t mean you have to do this all on your own. You have friends, family, and relatives, even your church group that can help you out. So don’t hesitate to ask help if you need it, and allow people to help you when they extend a hand. If your children are acting up for not having a father or mother figure and keep comparing themselves with other kids and you can’t seem to find out the right way to handle it, ask the help of friends, family, or even outside counsel from single parent support groups.
Conclusion
Single parenthood can be difficult and sometimes overwhelming, so it’s important to take these tips and advice at heart to help you through it. The main takeaway here is that you should always take care of yourself so you can take care of the kids, and to ask and allow help whenever you need it.
