Today there are more single-parent families than ever before. Although single parenting comes with challenges, by doing your best (as all parents do), you will raise a happy, healthy child.
Did you know?
Currently, over 11 million parents are raising children under the age of 18 on their own with most parents being single mothers. Single parenthood comes with unique challenges. Whether you’re raising your child with a partner, parenting has many difficult aspects.
6 essential parenting tips for single parents who want to raise happy, healthy kids.
Be kind to yourself: First, in order to learn how to be a good parent, you need to take care of yourself. You need to be at your best for yourself and your child, so make time to go out with friends. Get plenty of sleep. Make sure you and your child eat well. Continue to nurture your adult needs through, for example, work, volunteering, hobbies, joining a group, being part of a religious or spiritual community, and having time to relax.
Spend time together: Single parents can face many financial challenges. You may even feel guilty from time to time for not providing everything your child wants. However, children do not want expensive gifts or extravagant activities. All they want is your love, affection, and some quality time with you. Quality time can include playtime, helping with homework, watching tv, or even going on a walk. Research shows that 20 minutes of quality time improve the parent-child relationship and your child’s self-esteem. These moments will create memory-making experiences that they will never forget.
Show Absolute Love: Compliment your child. Show your absolute love and support to him or her no matter what the circumstances are. This creates a special bond and love between you two. Showing your child praise, attention and affection help them with development, and it improves their outlook on relationships.
Set A Routine: Setting a routine for your child is extremely important. Scheduling and structure only make things better for children since they know exactly how things will be. It's important to have firm bedtimes for your children and a routine that includes everything from what they eat for breakfast to what they watch on TV. But make sure you don't force your child to follow these schedules religiously. The only purpose of routines is to keep you and your child in balance.
Be a role model: Parental influence is the most important factor in a child's development. You will indirectly influence your children by how you take care of yourself.
Have a backup plan for emergencies: Have someone lined up, like a family member or close friend who is willing and able to help out on short notice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Join parenting groups or show up to community functions.
Being a single parent is a challenging but rewarding experience if you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. Don’t channel immense pressure to provide the perfect childhood for your kids. Aim for a balanced life and not perfection.
It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from your experiences. Nurture your kids with love and compassion, and they’ll grow up to be healthy and successful individuals.
Implement these single parenting tips to overcome the barriers of raising a child alone
Resource Lists
https://www.womenscentrecalgary.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Parenting.pdf
http://www.singlemoms.org/financial-assistance-in-alberta/
Books
Boundaries with Kids.
Parenting on Your Own by Lynda Hunter
Single Parenting That Works by Dr. Kevin Leman
When Parenting Isn’t Perfect by Jim Daly
12 Huge Mistakes Parents Can Avoid by Tim Elmore
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk.
The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers by Gary Chapman
Boundaries in Dating: How Healthy Choices Grow Healthy Relationships.
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