Oftentimes, single parent families are considered incomplete and problems are expected from these families as a default. Children from single parent families are also assumed to be at a disadvantage because of a lack of a father or a mother. That is not always true, and you, as a single parent, can show the world that a single-parent family can be as effective, if not better, than a two-parent family.
There are certain “rules” that successful single parents follow and we have listed some of them below. You can use these to help you become the successful parent whom you want to be too!
1) Accepting Responsibility
Successful single parents accept the responsibilities, challenges and difficulties that they face as a single parent. They do not exaggerate or ignore their problems, but seek solutions instead. They acknowledge the sacrifice of personal time, a restrictive social life, sole responsibility of meeting all the children’s needs and money issues without self-pity or resentment.
2) Commitment to the Family
Successful single parents make their family the utmost priority in their lives. They focus on the needs of the children and enjoy spending time with their children. They spend time, money and energy for the sake of the children and never neglect their children. They are supportive and patient, helping their children to cope with the divorce as well as teaching their children discipline. They encourage individuality and independence, are consistent in their teachings and use logic and structure to provide a secure environment.
3) Keeping Open Communication
Successful single parents encourage open communication in the family. They are the role model for their children when it comes to clear and open expressions of thoughts and feelings so as to foster honest and trusting relationship in the family. They build upon the different personalities in the family and focus on building an inclusive family so that everyone benefits.
4) Managing Home Needs
Successful single parents manage the home needs the best way they can. They are dependable and provide financially for the family. They are well-organised and have a schedule which suits every family member. He or she will also rope the children in to care for the house so that everyone has a fair part to play in caring for the family.
5) Maintaining traditions and routines
During a divorce, traditions and routines are usually off the racks, hence a successful single parent is quick to revert to traditions and routines in order to retain a little bit of the old lifestyle as a stabilising force. Children might object to an exact replicate of the traditions, so successful single parents will do it with a slight twist to the original traditions.
6) Self-care
Self-care is very important to successful single parents because it help the parent to refocus their energy on themselves. Self-care does not need to take a long time; a long hot shower or a relaxing hour in front of the television can do the trick.
7) Having a Positive Mindset
Maintain a positive mindset is the key to ensure success in single parenthood. There will be a lot of challenges, difficulties and problems as a single parent. Therefore, it is important for single parents to keep a positive attitude towards parenting and life in general. Successful single parents see positive aspects in stressful situations and feel a sense of achievement despite the doubts.
Your strength and positivity will spill over to your family if you practise the above pointers and once you see the changes in your family, you will thank yourself for it.
