Single parenting is common and accepted in today's society. Raising a child on your own can be quite stressful, since you might have the sole responsibility for all aspects of day-to-day child care. If you are tied up with other things and are distracted, it may be hard for you to be emotionally supportive or consistently discipline your child, which may show up as behavioural problems in your child.
These challenges appear in a sequence, sometimes in combination or even alone. A single parent must seek out options where they can find a solution to deal with such challenges as they can easily lead to anxiety and depression.
Here are some tips to help you cope with day to day challenges:
-Set reasonable limits and develop a routine because a predictable routine structures your day and helps give your child a sense of security.
-Prioritize family time on a regular basis, this helps to reinforce emotional connection with your child.
-Share the child care chores with others.
-Lose the guilt and don't blame yourself or spoil your child to try to make up for being a single parent.
-Remember to praise your child, it's important to let them know that you recognize their efforts.
-Collaborate with your kids to accomplish the things that need to get done.
-Take care of yourself, stay positive and encourage activities that keep you and your child occupied.
-Give yourself breaks by arranging for your kids to be with a grandparent for a few hours. -Learn to enjoy life and model that for your kids.
-You are not ready for a new relationship until you have closed the doors on the past relationship. Accept the fact that no human being is perfect. You need to give up the idea of having a perfect bank account, ideal body, bubbling personality for someone to love you.
-Accept yourself for who you are and all the good qualities that you have to offer. Have realistic expectations and focus on success.
-Lastly, deal with your own stress in an appropriate way, and make sure you are not releasing your anxiety and frustrations by being their peer instead of their parent.
Remember that your child will love you and will offer you his or her respect and forgiveness when there is adequate foundation for him/ her to feel secured and cared for.Being a single parent can be challenging, but by showing your love and support for your child, you can lessen the stress of single parenting and help your child thrive!