Managing Single Parent Life

Once the divorce is done and the dust has settled, at least one parent must step up to single parent life and find ways to cope with what can be an incredibly complicated situation. If you are the custodial parent or share custody equally with your ex, your life will change completely, even as you work to keep things stable for your children.

Common Stress Factors

Single parents often have to deal with situations that create stress and anxiety not just for themselves, but also for their children. Issues like visitation and custody problems that aren’t fully settled by the family law attorney during or after the divorce can be overwhelming for many months or even years. Other stressors include conflicts between parents, spending less time with children, and financial burdens.

Reorganizing Your Routine

When you first become a single parent it’s a good time to step back and reassess your goals and plans. You may have to change some of your priorities and let go of things you used to enjoy or care about. When doing this, always put the well being of the children first. This will obviously include providing food, housing, clothing, and other necessities. You will probably have to readjust your schedule to accommodate the children’s school and medical needs.

Learn to Say No

Just because you are single again doesn’t mean you can go out and have fun with your friends like you did before you got married. Those days are over when you have children to take care of. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun, you just have to do it in a different way. Plan on engaging in special activities and events with your children on a regular basis. When you’re ready to date again, do it responsibly and use a babysitter the kids are comfortable with.

The End of Single Parent Life

Life as a single parent doesn’t last forever. You might reestablish a new relationship with someone who cares about you and your kids and soon get married again, relieving many of the burdens of a single parent. If not, well, eventually the kids will grow up and lead their own lives, providing you with grandchildren.

Single Parent Fact One

A single parent is any man or woman who is responsible for raising a child or children inside their home without a spouse or partner to assist with daily child-rearing responsibilities.

Single Parent Fact Two

Single parent households have increased dramatically since the 1960s. At the same time, there has been a breakdown of families, individual values, and church attendance. This trend is expected to continue for years to come.

Single Parent Fact Three

Children growing up in single-parent households are more likely to have behavioral problems around siblings or classmates, difficulties learning while at school, and psychological and emotional confusion that can last throughout their childhood years and even into adulthood.

IF YOU ARE A NEW SINGLE PARENT, HANG IN THERE. SEEK SUPPORT FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS.