Being raised by a single parent is special but far from easy. I grew up in a single-parent household along with my younger brother. As a single mother, my mom did everything in her power to make sure my brother and I were happy and gave us the best life possible. As a child, I never once felt unsupported in any way, despite having a single mom.
If you are a single parent reading this today, I want to let you know that your child/children can be just as happy and mentally healthy as children raised by two biological parents. You’ll be surprised to know that your child’s family structure isn’t the most crucial factor in determining their life’s success. All your child needs to be happy is love, attention, support, and stability. And YOU, a single parent, CAN provide these things!
Here are some ways to best Support Your little One as a Single Parent:
Show Love
The love and affection you show your child is everything. How you express love to your child can also vary and may be a reflection of both of each other’s love languages. As a child, I remember when my mom would cook my and my brother’s favorite meal or watch a movie with us after a long day at work. Those were just a few of the ways she would show her love for us. My mom always made our time special and that meant a lot.
Don’t Neglect self-Care
Being a single parent is hard work, and depending on your specific life circumstances, it can be easy to become burned out. So before that burnout sets in, take some time for yourself. Don’t let that parent guilt stop you. Your self-care is vital to becoming the best parent for your child. In an article published in Very Well Family by Jennifer Wolf, Wolf writes, “Self-care helps you build up the energy, stamina, and inner strength you need to do this job well.”
Give Them Your Attention
Children crave your attention. As a single parent, you are likely to be very busy, and for this reason, it’s vital to make your time count with your kid(s). It’s quality over quantity. During one-on-one time with your little one, make sure all your devices are put away to limit any distractions and fully engage with them. At the end of the day your attention will boost your child’s confidence and self-esteem.
Create a Routine
Routines are essential to a child’s development and make them feel safe. Not only is a routine beneficial to them, but it also helps you as a single parent stay focused and less stressed about the simple day to day tasks that become overwhelming. When I was growing up, my mom always kept us in a routine. It made me feel safe and stable, and that’s all I really needed as a child.
Acknowledge Your Child’s Feelings
There are several reasons why one might be a single parent, whether it’s divorce or a loss of a spouse. Divorce, death, and anything in between can be difficult for your child to comprehend. Due to their lack of understanding, your child might express big feelings, and so with that, remember to listen to them and support them through those emotions. Remind them that what they feel at any given moment is valid, and there’s no reason to hide how they feel.
