Single parenting is tough both for the child and the lone parent. Let us have a look at some single parenting tips for walking the fine line of single parenting with an ease. Being a single parent has become more usual and acceptable in our society today. About a couple of decades ago it was something that was frowned upon. Today people have come to accept and appreciate single parents. There are a number of support facilities available today which help the single parent to raise their family alone. The reasons for a person being a single parent usually are: a) Death of a spouse b) Divorce c) Teenage pregnancy d) Through adoption e) By choice out of wedlock Families headed by single woman parent are particularly vulnerable. This is because despite economic and social development the social status and position of a woman is always considered to be weaker than that of a man. Hence, single mothers have to face the challenge of gender bias in getting employment and at the same time cope with raising a family all alone. In addition to economic realities, children living with single parents often have behavioural issues, disadvantages in terms of psychological functioning and poor academic performance. Being a single parent is undoubtedly challenging. However, by taking little extra efforts single parents can ensure that their children lead normal lives like any other children. Raising a well developed, balanced child can be a great achievement for most parents single or otherwise. In this articleParenting SkillsDisciplineRespectBehave Normally Tips for Single Parents Here are a few single parenting tips which parents can make use of to ensure that their children lead a normal life. a) Parenting Skills - Just like any other parent, single moms and dads too must do everything they can to learn about new parenting skills. It may be worthwhile to read books on parenting, joining online forums and interact with parents who may have children of the same age. Being a good parent requires a little bit of extra effort which anyone can put in if they really want to. b) Discipline - Single parents out of guilt often let things slip into comfortable, but unhealthy pattern. This is absolutely not acceptable. The absence of a parent can never be made up by giving in to the unrealistic demands of a child. It is necessary to inculcate simple values in children right from the beginning. Children must learn to be respectful towards elders, help around in the house in case of need and follow household rules like any other member of the family. In case this is not happening irrespective of how young the children are, they should be made to understand the need to imbibe values and follow rules. c) Respect - Irrespective of the kind of relationship the separated parents share with one another, it is wrong to speak about the parent who is absent with disrespect in front of the children. At times single parenting can be really frustrating but it is wrong to vent out frustration by blaming the ex-spouse. Instead single parents must remember to discuss their frustrations, concerns and worries with their friends or adult family members.d) Behave Normally - Although a child may find it difficult to explain the absence of one parent, single parents must make an effort to run the families as normally as possible. Family outings, dinners and parties are things that all children enjoy. Hence, it is important to make time for these and behave as normally as possible for the benefit of the children It is a misconception that children of single parents by default will become irresponsible and unbalanced adults. In fact by setting a perfect model of self- respect and establishing a support system for the family, single parents can raise children well without much difficulty.
Single parenting is tough both for the child and the lone parent. Let us have a look at some single parenting tips for walking the fine line of single parenting with an ease. Being a single parent has become more usual and acceptable in our society today. About a couple of decades ago it was something that was frowned upon. Today people have come to accept and appreciate single parents. There are a number of support facilities available today which help the single parent to raise their family alone.
The reasons for a person being a single parent usually are:
a) Death of a spouse
b) Divorce
c) Teenage pregnancy
d) Through adoption
e) By choice out of wedlock
Families headed by single woman parent are particularly vulnerable. This is because despite economic and social development the social status and position of a woman is always considered to be weaker than that of a man. Hence, single mothers have to face the challenge of gender bias in getting employment and at the same time cope with raising a family all alone.
In addition to economic realities, children living with single parents often have behavioural issues, disadvantages in terms of psychological functioning and poor academic performance.
Being a single parent is undoubtedly challenging. However, by taking little extra efforts single parents can ensure that their children lead normal lives like any other children. Raising a well developed, balanced child can be a great achievement for most parents single or otherwise.
Tips for Single Parents
Here are a few single parenting tips which parents can make use of to ensure that their children lead a normal life.
a) Parenting Skills -
Just like any other parent, single moms and dads too must do everything they can to learn about new parenting skills. It may be worthwhile to read books on
parenting, joining online forums and interact with parents who may have children of the same age. Being a good parent requires a little bit of extra effort which anyone can put in if they really want to.
b) Discipline -
Single parents out of guilt often let things slip into comfortable, but unhealthy pattern. This is absolutely not acceptable. The absence of a parent can never be made up by giving in to the unrealistic demands of a child. It is necessary to inculcate simple values in children right from the beginning.
Children must learn to be respectful towards elders, help around in the house in case of need and follow household rules like any other member of the family. In case this is not happening irrespective of how young the children are, they should be made to understand the need to imbibe values and follow rules.
c) Respect -
Irrespective of the kind of relationship the separated parents share with one another, it is wrong to speak about the parent who is absent with disrespect in front of the children. At times single parenting can be really frustrating but it is wrong to vent out frustration by blaming the ex-spouse. Instead single parents must remember to discuss their frustrations, concerns and worries with their friends or adult family members.
d) Behave Normally -
Although a child may find it difficult to explain the absence of one parent, single parents must make an effort to run the families as normally as possible. Family outings, dinners and parties are things that all children enjoy. Hence, it is important to make time for these and behave as normally as possible for the benefit of the children
It is a misconception that children of single parents by default will become irresponsible and unbalanced adults. In fact by setting a perfect model of self- respect and establishing a support system for the family, single parents can raise children well without much difficulty.
