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If there’s a single group of people who are underappreciated more than any other, it has to be single parents. While everyone knows being a parent is hard, being a single parent tends to be even harder. Not only do you have to play the roles of both parents, but you’re financially responsible for a set of bills that are often paid by two incomes.
Here are six of the most common single-parent struggles, along with tips and strategies on how to overcome them:
Make sure you do what you can to cut your other monthly expenses as well. Clip coupons and shop the sales at your local grocery store, get an all-in-one phone, cable, and high-speed Internet plan, and try shopping Goodwill stores for your household needs. Believe it or not, Goodwill isn’t just about used clothing. Stores donate brand new items to the Goodwill center and you can get some really helpful household items for very little money. Even inexpensive computers for young children can be found there.
2.) Finding competent childcare. Many single parents are at the mercy of the childcare opportunities available in their area. No one wants to leave her child in a childcare center that is anything but the best. The problem is that the best is also usually the most expensive. Call the different childcare centers in your area and compare charges and services offered. Ask each one for references and check to see if there are any financial assistance opportunities available, like reduced-price lunches.
3.) Gender issues. A single mom may have a hard time teaching her sons about the things a dad would normally cover, and a single father may have a hard time discussing female issues with his daughters. If there isn’t a parental figure for your child to discuss gender-related issues with, you should enlist the help of a favorite aunt or uncle or a close family friend to act as a "surrogate parent" for your child. It may be easier for your child to open up to this other significant adult.
4.) The world on your shoulders. When there’s only one parent in the household, all of the family responsibilities lay on that person’s shoulders. Cleaning the house, cooking meals, keeping up the yard, paying the bills, keeping an eye on the kids, and all of the other parental responsibilities are the sole responsibility of that parent. It’s easy to see that every single parent needs a break every so often. Make sure you take a break to revive yourself and re-energize. Even if it’s just sending the kids to a sitter for a few hours, take that time to catch up on your reading, watch a favorite movie or just relax to soothing music.
