Single Parent Tips

From LoveToKnow Baby

Following are some single parent tips.

Successful single parenting is challenging and rewarding. If you are divorced, hopefully, you aren't having to parent completely on your own. If you are a widow or widower, then you may need to cultivate a good support system of friends and family. Whatever your situation, keep reading for some excellent tips on single parenting.

Single Parent Tips: Responsibility

If you are a single parent, then you know just how much responsibility parenting entails. You may be the only person responsible for feeding and clothing your child, and keeping him warm and dry. At the same time, you have to continue to look after yourself. After all, your child needs you to remain healthy and well!

All that responsibility can be overwhelming at times, though. Let your child help with some of the responsibility of day to day chores. While you might be able to do it more quickly than the time it takes to teach your child, the time you spend showing your child how to be responsible will be well worth the effort! Take a look at the following tips:

Find age-appropriate chores that your little one can do. They can be as simple as emptying the garbage, making the bed, or putting away the utensils.
Encourage your child to take care of her own belongings. Let her be responsible for cleaning her room, making her bed, organizing her toys, etc. This will give her a sense of ownership and pride.
Let your child help you when possible. If you need to weed your flower beds, have your child help. It's ok to let her feel needed as long as that need is small. Don't put a burden on her, however. Let her be a child!

Single Parent Tips: Independence

While it is great to be self-sufficient and take pride in taking care of yourself, too much pride can shut others out who want to help you. There may be times when you need a back-up plan, such as when you are sick or have to work late. Be sure you have a strong support system around you. If family members live too far away, cultivate friendships that you can trust. Other single parents can become great friends because you can help each other out.

Look for single parent organizations such as Parents Without Partners and Web MD. The Big Brothers/Big Sisters Organization is a great way to find a mentor for your child and some much needed extra time for you.

Single Parent Tips: Stay Organized

Because you don't have the help of a parenting partner, it is even more important that you stay organized and on top of things! You'll feel better, and you'll find that your life will run more smoothly if you follow at least some of the following suggestions.

Keep a schedule of your activities and your child's activities in a prominent place in your home and at your workplace.
Do as much as you can to eliminate that morning rush. Pick out your clothes, and let your child do the same for the next day. Make lunches. Lay purses, keys, backpacks, etc. near the day, so you don't have to scramble around looking for them.
Make a budget, and do your best to stick to it. Yes, money may be tight, but if you budget, you can see where your extra money is going.
Keep on top of your chores. Do a little every day, instead of all at once.

Single Parent Tips: Reserve Some "Me" Time

Finally, be sure to reserve some "me" time for yourself. This can be as simple as taking a long bubble bath, reading a magazine, or simply sitting on your patio enjoying a cup of coffee. If you're too stressed, you can't be a good parent. Take care of yourself, so that you are better able to care for your child.