What can I do to make single parenting easier?

Answer 1

It's the hardest most unrecognized job in the world. Just do the very best you can for the kid with great dignity, respect and affection for him/her and youself. The rewards come later, much later but worth all the effort.

Answer 2

I have been single with mine since they were 5, 3 and 2 weeks. They are now 17, 15 & 12 and doing fine.
1. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Most people want to help out, they just dont know what you need.
2. Don't stress too much about the house. Tomorrow the kids will be a day older and the time is gone - the dust however will still be there.
3. Maintain a sense of humour. The highlight of my week for many years was taking out the garbage. I would get dressed up, heels and lippy for the occasion - the kids thought it was a hoot.
4. Be gentle with yourself. If you get to the end of the day, the kids are happy and healthy and you know where the next meal is coming from you are winning.
5. Encourage the kids to get in and help - make it a team feeling -all for one and one for all. I even use to refer to my guys as either the 3 muscateers or 3 stooges depending on what they were doing.
6. Keep you chin up. You will get through this and have a really tight family unit from the experience to enjoy forever

Answer 3

I'm a single parent of a 14 year old daughter and I've been a single parent since she was 3 and we have always done things together like movies and the park but as she has gotten older there is no time for mom anymore.

Answer 4

NEVER GET REMARRIED. Just read some of the step parent questions out there, nuff said. Other then that, I'd say you need support. Try to move in with family, or have any family move in with you to have a stay at home family member for you children, If not, daycare is a option for single parents, just make sure your spending as much quality time with your little ones as possible. That's where not getting into a relationship is KEY, use that time with your children, they want that 100000x more then a new step mom, or dad.

Good Luck

Answer 5

Try joining Parents Without Partners. This is a great support group that has get-togethers and meetings designed to help you get through those "times" when life is a true challenge, whether it is dealing with the children, or dealing with grief over a certain situation or holiday. In any case, it's always fun to get into a group of similarly-situated people. The parties are fun for the kids, too.

Answer 6

have a great schedule and stick to it 7 days a week , i dont mean a work schedule i mean a kids schedule and laws of the land i have a 5 year old that helps grocery shop laundry fold laundry and put away laundry mostly her stuff but still she even washes and dries dishes not like an adult she does need some help but still she helps and i pay her like choirs every sunday is a super clean day condition hair cut nails clean ears etc etc oh and i tell her to pick up her toys and stuff in the living room before bed time

Answer 7

Well I like everyone else's answers, so I'll try to add something different.

I'm a single mom, and definitely get stressed but.... I see the advantages of being a single parent. I enjoy not having to compromise with a husband. I like being able to do things my way. And my kids dad (who doesn't do enough in my opinion) takes them every Saturday (sometimes full-day, sometimes just half-day); but you know, I don't know too many married moms that get the luxury of a whole day to themself every week. My friend, a single mom also, gets every other weekend all to herself. I know married mothers, that have never gone away in all the years since they had kids.

Answer 8

Be thankful you dont have have a husband or bf that irrittates the living **** out you!
I do and I do not enjoy life.
You get to make all the decisions without getting anyones approval, you dont have to ask if you can buy certain things or clothes, you have privacy (no man around) and you can do whatever you want!

Answer 9

Be consistent. Pick a form of discipline and stick with it. Even if it doesn't seem to be working, stick with it. Don't let their tricks fool you, head banging, bitting themselves till they bruise, holding their breath, etc are ploys to get you attention, ignore them. By not giving the action attention the only "reaction" you'll get from them is them finally giving up.
Pick your battles. Ask yourself if it is going to matter in another 20 years...if not don't stress over it. Think about whether it is more important that your child get to the bus stop on time for the bus to school or to stand in the doorway arguing over the way he/she is dressed as the school bus passes your house. If the school feels your child is dressed inappropriatly you will get a phone call to come get your child and have your child change their clothes (In all 12 years of my child's lower education I never got such a phone call).
Decide which is more important, spending time with your kids or a spotless house. Think about that "will it matter in 20 years" theme. My daughter has told me that while our house was more often than not cluttered and unkempt. What meant the most to her was that I actually spent time with her, we colored, made tents, played in the snow, went on "nature" walks...now 21 years later that means more to her than the house being tidy.

Answer 10

find someone else who has children and become friends with them. it helps if you both can vent during the day even if shes not a single parent. It also gives your child sometime to play with other children...goodluck to you sweetie it can be hard but its all worth it in the end!