Single parenting is different than when you have two parents to help raise a child. There is more stress on the parent and thus there is more stress that follows down to the child. While the aspects of parenting are the same, such as the parent having to make the money, disciplining the child, and yet still remaining their friend the single parent is going to have to be all of those things without support. When married couples are in parenting together there is a show of support between the parents as well as the children. When a child is disciplined by one parent there is a second parent to go cry to. When one parent seems unreasonable there is a second parent to try and see reason with. A single parent doesn’t have that support. They are all the child has and they have to fulfill both shoes.
Firs the parent has to make enough to support the family. This can be extremely difficult because often they have to work overtime or two jobs just to make a home for the child. The child can suffer from this as they are alone a lot more or with other individuals who may not pay the proper amount of attention. For a single parent it is often extremely important to establish a network. They need to have two or three individuals who can watch their child or children when they are at work. They also need to have a back up if one is unavailable. There is also the need for friends and discipline in this type of situation. Oftentimes children get into trouble because they are left alone, without the parent to be there to catch the improper behavior. It could be most helpful for a single parent to have a married couple that has children. This gives the child some stability with their friend and that friend’s parents. It can also give a father or mother figure to the child when one is missing. The more love a child can find in several places the happier they can be. Just because a single parent needs to work to make ends meet doesn’t mean they don’t love the child or that they are not there to help the child develop. It usually just means there is not support for the parent.
Most single parents find a rhythm for their lives and their children’s lives, but it can be a lot harder to be a friend as well as the disciplinarian when you have to constantly be both. The stress of having to see to adult things usually transfers on to the child, especially if the parent is always depressed, tired, or angry. It is important when you are a single parent that you take the time to assess your day, relax a little, and then be around your child. This can just be a few minutes of meditation in the car before you walk in the door. As long as you can explain your feelings, explain the day you have had, and ask for the child’s understanding while making the time you are with them all about them you will have a more successful relationship and parenting strategy. Make plans to do things with your child that they love, be there as much as possible, and show them how much you love them.