In this post we will be looking at tips to be a successful single mother.
INTRODUCTION.
Today, it’s common to talk about single-parent family problems and their disadvantages to children. This can lead some single parents to think there is little they can do to have a successful family. That’s not so. Not all children growing up in single-parent families experience negative consequences, just as not all overweight people have heart attacks. More importantly, focusing on the weaknesses and problems doesn’t help single parents and their children become strong. The Family: A Proclamation to the World states that adaptations in family life become necessary when disability, death, or other circumstances (such as divorce) make such adaptations necessary. God loves us and will bless us in these circumstances. While it isn’t easy, single parent families can adapt and be strong families.
Acceptance of Responsibility: Successful single parents accept the responsibilities and challenges of single parenting. They neither minimize nor exaggerate problems but seek solutions. They acknowledge the difficulties (such as a lack of personal time, a restricted social life, sole responsibility for meeting multiple needs, and financial stress) without self-pity or bitterness.
Commitment to Family: Successful single parents make the family their highest priority. They focus on being the best possible single parent, which often means putting the needs of the child first. They genuinely like and enjoy children, sacrificing time, money, and energy for the sake of the children. They try to be supportive and patient and help children cope. Like other effective parents, they are consistent and not highly punitive. This discipline style gives children choices, uses natural and logical consequences, and provides structure.
Open Communication: Successful single parents foster open communication. These parents encourage clear and open expression of thoughts and feelings in the family as a key to developing honest and trusting relationships. They foster individuality within a supportive family unit. These parents strive to accomplish this individuality and independence by each member having individual interests and building individual skills.
Successful Home Management: Successful single parents manage the family needs well. They strive to be well organized and dependable, and they work hard to coordinate schedules. They take pride in their ability to financially provide for the family, although finances still remain a struggle. One single mother effectively organized her children to help with chores. She typed out the jobs for the day on 3 x 5-inch cards and expected a report before dinner.
Care of Self: Successful single parents take care of themselves. Despite lack of time, these parents recognize that caring for themselves is important. They attempt to do so through physical, spiritual, emotional, and social means. They are connected to others on whom they can call on for practical and emotional support. One single mother who managed a home-based business found time to get away on a vacation occasionally or go dancing with friends.
Maintain Traditions and Relationships: Successful single-parent families maintain traditions, whether bedtime rituals, special family times together, or holiday celebrations. A tradition is any event with special meaning to a family. When a family has been disrupted, maintaining traditions becomes a stabilizing force, something that can be depended on. If the other parent is living, successful single parents encourage the child’s involvement with the nonresidential parent, as long as the other parent doesn’t present some danger to the child. When possible, the other parent shares responsibility for the children. Regardless of where the children live, they receive economic and emotional support from both parents.