A Must-Read Guide to Single Parenthood
Few groups of people are more deserving of recognition than single parents. Being a single mom or dad means raising a child on your own and welcoming both the joys and the responsibilities. It is most definitely not an easy thing to accomplish, but it can be done successfully with the right resources and support.
If you’re on your way to becoming a single parent, trust that raising a happy, healthy child on your own is possible. It is even becoming an increasingly popular option across the nation and worldwide!
Even if you aren’t expecting but are simply curious about the process, we could all serve to be a little more considerate and knowledgeable about single parents. Below is a comprehensive guide to single parenthood and some valuable resources to help.
Pros of Single Parenthood
The freedom to bring up a child your own way
Single parents have the freedom to teach their children what they think is important in life. They do not have to compromise or adapt values with another parent.
More time for yourself
Being a single parent can be stressful and exhausting. However, not having to focus on a partner’s needs on top of one’s own provides the time to concentrate on more personal growth.
A singular set of rules
A child’s home life is controlled by one style of discipline and rule-making. This is a great benefit of being a single parent as there is no need to compromise. One parent sets the behavioral standard.
Cons of Single Parenthood
Stigma and criticisms
As a society, there is undeniable collective stigma and stereotypes against single parents. Although we are constantly striving for better, single parents must be prepared to deal with unfair judgments based on common stereotypes and predispositions.
A huge workload on one pair of shoulders
Because single-parent households lack the typical dual-income that comes from two parents, there is a particular challenge to provide adequately for the child. As a result, single parents face heavy pressure to provide, which may cause stress.
A confused child
Children of single parents will notice other families with co-parents. This may make them feel confused and different from their peers. They may feel as though they lack something because they do not have another parent to look up to and learn from.
Guidance For Single Moms and Dads
Keep your child in the know
Explain your non-traditional family type to children openly and honestly. Explore the differences and similarities between different families. Emphasize that there is no one correct way to grow up and that each family has a special set of circumstances.
Try to have this conversation as early as the child’s comprehension abilities allow. The earlier these concepts are understood, the better chance that child lives a confident, normal life within this family dynamic.
Perfection cannot be in the picture
Single parents should take comfort in the fact that their children will make mistakes along the way. In fact, they should! The same applies to mom or dad. Life can be harder on your own- parents can learn from their children just as much as they teach them.
Help is around the corner
Asking for assistance is a sign of strength. Assistance from organizations or from other single parents can help you learn new ways to deal with particular challenges and become a better parent in the process.
Embrace Grace is an organization that offers countless different resources for single, pregnant women who are unsure about their next steps. Among a variety of options, the organization helps connect single parents with support groups across the country. Simply enter a zip code in the search, and local support becomes easily accessible.
Proper health practices
Well-being is a difficult responsibility to keep up with amongst the million others facing single parents. However, eating well, sleeping right, and exercising directly impact successful parenting.
Takeaways
Ultimately, It’s a difficult job to be a single parent- a job you can never really quit. But it also is a unique experience with beautiful rewards.
Single parents must remember that they are not the only ones out there. There are many other single parents who can provide support. Help is available. You can do this!
Those who are not single parents must avoid contributing to negative social stigma and criticisms. Instead, extend a helping hand wherever possible and live with compassion.
