Being a Single Parent in 2020
Out of every four parents today, there’s a single mom or dad. Single parenting is real, and it could be due to different circumstances. Some parents are divorced while others are single parents by choice. Whichever the case, single parenting is usually more demanding and stressful.
It’s challenging to raise a child on your own. There’s more to parenting than just providing the basic needs. It could be your partner is supporting you financially, but sometimes you need moral support to sail through. But even then, life still has to move on. You have to learn how to cope with the challenges that come with it, and be the best mom or dad to the little one.
While single parenting might be daunting, you can turn it into an enjoyable experience. Of course, the first step is to accept that you’re alone and stop wishing someone were there to lend a hand. From here, you can do everything you can to make the little one happy!
Here are successful single parenting tips you should know about in 2020.
Get Baby Essentials Ready
If you’re a single mom with a newborn, things can get a little tough. From the wardrobe to the nursery, the little one needs quite a lot to be comfortable. You might not have the money to buy all at once, but you can keeping ticking items on the list as the nine-month journey comes to a close. For instance, best buy diaper bags, some onesies, rompers, and any other clothing piece the baby may need. While you may not be able to get all the items you need, you’ll be at 90%.
Additionally, don’t go for expensive stuff. Well, if your pocket is puffed up, you can spend as much as you want. However, you can save a few coins for some needs that may arise in the course of the journey. Also, when shopping for baby items, go for the essentials. It’s OK to get the little one whatever you come across, but save it for necessary items.
Answer Questions Genuinely
As a single parent, be prepared to answer tough questions. The little one knows that a family is complete when both parents are present, and there’s no doubt they may want to know the whereabouts of the other parent. It’s difficult to explain what happened in a language that the child will understand, but go ahead and tell them the truth. Of course, they may feel a little disturbed by what they heard, but it’s better for them to grow knowing the truth.
Even so, ensure they get the support they need to deal with difficult emotions. Some children struggle to accept the reality and this might affect their physical and mental health. If you feel it’s getting out of hands, seek the help of a counsellor. Let the little one go through the sessions, as this will help them to accept the situation. Additionally, spend more time with your child and engage them in activities that make them cheerful.
Stick to Daily Routines
Apart from dealing with the challenges that come with single parenthood, you might also be going through emotional turmoils. Even then, the little one still needs your care, and you have to do it right. Working with a simple daily routine to keep you on your toes. For moms, it’s somewhat easier to feed, clean, or take the baby to sleep at the proper time. However, for single dads, it’s a mystery. In this case, it’s essential to work with a daily routine.
You can schedule meals, chores, and set specific time to go to bed each day. Not only does this make parenting easy, but it teaches the child to be responsible and independent. It might take time before they adjust to the routine, but in the end, they learn what’s expected of them each day. Be there to remind them in case they forget a few things in between. Also, don’t complicate the schedules so that it’s easier for them to adapt.
Get Your Kids the Best Clothes
Children raised by single parents are usually very sensitive. The fact that one parent is missing, they’re already struggling to accept things as they are. Therefore, it’s your duty to ensure they feel like every other child who has both parents. Kids like showing off their outfits and what their parents bought them. While you may not be able to get them everything they want, try to get them the cloth pieces they choose. In most cases, they want to look like their friends and you don’t want to fail them.
You can go to a family friendly retailer to get similar pieces at affordable rates. If your child is old enough to make decisions, don’t leave them behind when you go shopping for clothes. Allow them to choose what they want. Even so, don’t spoil them. Just let them know you’re doing it because you love them.
Listen to Your Child
Single parents need to give a listening ear quite often. As young as the little one may be, it’s essential to have healthy conversations with them. This strengthens the bond between you two and they feel free to open up about their feelings. Of course, sometimes you need to discipline them a little bit, but be a friend and a parent to them. Remember, they’re struggling to adapt to the new way of life, and you can only offer maximum support to keep them going.
While single parenting is challenging, we have several single moms and dads who’ve made it. Don’t freak out when you realize you have to raise a child on your own. Gather some courage, and give your child the best!