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6 Single Parenting Tips

“Could you use some single parenting tips?”

Being a single parent can be very stressful at times. You carry the responsibility usually handled by two parents. There is often only one source of income for the household. The Ex spouse may be increasing the stress.

One of the things that really bug me is that when a single dad does a good with his kids, he gets glorious praise as if he is doing an absolute magnificent thing. But when a single mother does a good job, she often gets no recognition. People think… Oh, it’s expected. Anyway, that is just one of my pet peeves… and I am a single dad.

Here are some single parenting tips that I hope you find useful:

1. Don’t Forget About You - The first rule regarding single parenting is that no person is an island. In order to stay on top of your single parenting journey and retain your happiness and a sense of fulfillment, do something surprising: Put yourself first…At least sometimes.

I am not saying to ignore your responsibilities but for your own health, as well as your children’s happiness (yes--we mean it!), it’s crucial that you set aside some time, on a regular basis, just for you.

2. Don’t Do It All Yourself - Don’t be a hero! Ask for help. Have a friend come over and watch the baby while you nap on your day off or simply out for coffee (bring your laptop and play for a while).

3. Don’t Let the Kids Play You – All too often children of single parents will try to pull the sympathy card or compare what they have to do at home to what they GET to do at the other parent’s house. Don’t fall for it.

Make sure they understand that when orders are given, they are expected to be obeyed.

When you have little time or energy to patiently explain things, show children how to do something or follow up with them.

4. Don’t Trash Talk the Ex – No matter how bad the divorce was, or currently is going, bad mouthing your ex only creates divided loyalties, resentment, anxiety and stress in children.

This may be one of the hardest of these single parenting tips to follow. I do not trash talk my ex but I know many other single parents that do.

5. The Young One is Not the Oldest One’s Child – While it is okay to have older siblings help with the young ones on occasion, it should not be a regular thing.

Remember that older kids are still kids and should be able to enjoy their teenage years. They should not feel like they are missing out on life because they have to stay home all the time and take care of their baby brother or sister… That is the parent’s job.

6. Make Friends with Other Single Parents – Being a single parent can be very stressful. Making friends with other single parents can form a support network. You will be able to share advice or just be there to listen when one of the friends needs a sounding board.

This kind of a support network often helps alleviate some of the stress. Help each other, listen to each other, and support each other.

I hope you have enjoyed my Top 6 Single Parenting Tips.

Article Source: http://www.dummiesguideto.com

Jonnie Blaylock is a single father that has learned a lot about parenting over the years through experience and research. He shares his ideas about Single Parenting

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