Help! I am a Single Parent

Shocked & unprepared, I entered the world of widowhood and single parenthood. My world was black. How can I raise my three children alone?

Grieving, crawling, grasping for fresh air, I started to accept the reality of being a single mom. And looking back, all I can see is the grace of God. I would like to share some tips for single parents that I came across yesterday. There is not such thing as a perfect parent or a perfect single parent but there is the grace of God and his willingness to be involved in raising our children


Tips for Single Parents

1. When girls become teens, single dads need to stay connected emotionally and talk about the things their daughter wants to talk about…getting involved in their world.

2. If you're a dad raising a daughter or a mom raising a son, the child may need a same-gender mentor in his/her life. Pray for divine connections for a mentor for them.

3. Let the child know that God will make up for the other parent not being there.

4. If you're a single parent because of a broken marriage, and you're even partly responsible for the divorce, don't carry around the guilt. Go to God for forgiveness. Otherwise, it could negatively affect your child.

5. You don't have to try to pay your children back for the loss that they feel that they have. Trust God to give you grace to give the child what he/she needs.

6. Be careful not to give them too much freedom or buy them every single thing they want. Don't let the other parent's absence cause you to withhold discipline.

7. Supervise your children and stay involved in their life.

8. Do things together instead of just sitting them in front of the TV or computer. If you feel like you don't have a lot of time to spend with them because of things you have to do around the house, include them in these tasks.

9. Find a support group of people, either from your church or a couple of friends, who can act as a sounding board for you when you need encouragement or help.

10. It's important to have dual parent friends as well. Don't just have single parent friends.

11. Make taking care of yourself a priority—eat properly, exercise, sleep properly. It's not a selfish thing: If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to take care of anyone else.

12. Balance work and family life by continually straightening out your priorities. This builds emotional support for the child.

13. Have more realistic expectations of yourself: you can't expect to be the ideal homemaker, cook, housekeeper, etc.

14. You don't have to make decisions by yourself. God is with you! Learn to follow your heart and believe that you're up to the task in front of you. And don't be afraid to make mistakes.

15. And most of all, remember: You don't have to be both parents – God will make up for what's missing!

“Tips for Single Parents” is taken from Joyce’s Enjoying Everyday Life, featuring special guest Dr. Linda Mintle.


My favorite is #15:
I don't have to be both parents -God will make up for what's missing! Amen.
When you feel overwhelmed, look up and remember that His grace is more than enough for you. You are never alone.

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)


xoxo,

Felecia