Parenting is the hardest job in the world, but it can also be the most rewarding. The following are some tips on how to make a successful go of it, and not lose your mind in the process:
Support is Out There, So Find It
You may be a single parent, but you're definitely not alone. Statistics tell us that there are currently 14 million single parents in the United States. Find a local support group by getting to know other single parents at your child's school. Or, check out single parent support groups in your community by researching local newspapers or websites. Search out the single parents in your church or place of employment. There are many others who are raising a child alone, so why not help each other?
Save Money, Time and Your Child's Health
Fast food may be fast and inexpensive, but it's certainly not beneficial in the long run. Eating healthy for your family doesn't have to mean money; it just means a little organization. Rinse and cut all fruits and veggies as soon as you get home from the grocery store. Throw a mixture of each into small Tupperware containers, so that your kids can grab them as a quick after-school snack. Invest in a crock-pot, so that dinner can be cooking while you are at work, and ready when everyone gets home. Your children will have more energy when they're eating right, and your wallet won't be any lighter for it.
Stability is Key
A stable routine is crucial for children of single parents. Set an established dinner time, and let your child participate by setting the table. Go to a matinee once a month with your child, or find a TV show that the whole family enjoys and watch it together. Every evening before dinner, go over homework together or take a neighborhood stroll. Have a picnic at a local park after church on Sundays. Not only will your children look forward to these things during the week, they will also remember them forever.
Take Time Out for Yourself
We all know that children learn best by example. You wouldn't want your children to neglect themselves, so why should you neglect yourself, including your physical and mental health? Take care of your needs by getting regular exercise, and an annual physical. Strive to get at least 8 hours of sleep most nights, eat healthy and drink lots of water. To relieve stress, find a person whom you can trust, and to whom you can express yourself openly and honestly. As the window to your child's world, you want to keep yourself as clean and bright as possible.
Keep Loneliness at Bay
As a single parent, it is understandable to feel alone at times. To combat feelings of loneliness, start a new project, such as redecorating a bathroom or fixing up an old car. Pick up the phone and reconnect with an old friend with whom you've wanted to catch up. Join a group of your children's friends and their parents for dinner at the local pizza place. When you start feeling low, redirect your thoughts to the things for which you are grateful (such as your child's toothy grin). Keeping busy in these ways will help you to keep your spirits up.
