Single Parent Help

Single parenting can be stressful at times, but the rewards can also be wonderful! If you are a single parent, you may feel as if you are on your own. You don't have to be, however. There is help available. Keep reading, and find out how you can be an even better single parent!

Words of Wisdom

Does being a single parent mean there isn't any time left for you? Do you have any "me" time during the day? If you answered no to either of these questions, think about the following points.

1. Nobody else is going to look after you, so look after yourself!
2. Sure, your child is the most important person in your life, but if you are overwhelmed and stressed from not having any time or hobbies for yourself, will that make you a better parent? Probably not!
3. Just because you are a parent, doesn't mean that you can't have interests of your own!
4. It's ok to do something for yourself!

Practical Single Parent Help

Ok, now that you've read the words of wisdom, it's time to be practical. Although you are most certainly doing a great job , you could always use a little single parent help, right?

1. Build a good support system of friends and family that you can depend on to listen to you and to love your child.
2. Make friends with other single parents. Nobody else can understand what your life is like quite as well as another single parent.
3. Stay active in your child's education. Be sure you join parent-teacher organizations, such as PTO and PTA.
4. Even if you are stressed, don't use your child as a sounding board. You are the parent, and he is the child. He deserves to have a childhood. Don't make him your confidante!
5. If you and your ex aren't on the best of terms, try to rise above the situation as best you can. Make sure your child comes first. Take the high road! Above all, don't talk about your ex to your child.
6. Don't interfere in the your child's relationship with his other parent unless you feel there is a problem. Even though you might feel a few pangs of jealousy, realize that your child needs both parents in her life.
7. Check out the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Organization

Money Matters

If you are a single parent, then you are in charge of the money! If money is tight, you may have to look for creative ways to pinch pennies and, at the same time, try to look for ways to have fun with your child.

1. The first step you'll need to take is to create a budget that you can live with. List all of your expenses and your income and work from there.
2. If you haven't already done so, you should seriously consider taking out some sort of disability insurance. If you are the sole provider for your family, you need to be covered in case you had to be off work due to an illness or injury. For more information, you might want to check out the following website: disability insurance.
3. Be careful with credit cards. The money is easy to get, but you have to pay it back...with interest!
4. Look for free ways to have fun with your child. Check out local parks, free museum and art shows, or take a walk around the block. Go fishing, bike riding, and hiking. Get to know your neighbors, and help organize a block party! There's lots of ways to have fun without spending a fortune.
5. Get involved in a local church.
6. Volunteer with your child.

Public Assistance

There are some places you can look to for advice,single parent help, and assistance, depending upon your situation. Check out the following organizations and websites for help.

1. Department of Social Services (Do a search for your state's website.)
2. Department of Public Health (Do a search for your state's website.)
3. County Coop Extension Agency (Do a search for your state's website.)
4. Employment Security Commission (Do a search for your state's website.)
5. Consumer Credit Counseling Services
6. Social Security Administration

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