There are many misconceptions about single parenting. Some people think it's as easy as one-two-three, and that you just need to put in the time and effort. But the truth is that single parenting can be difficult for a lot of reasons--and not just because there isn't a second parent around! In this blog post, I'm going to list 5 reasons why being a single mom (or dad) can be hard, even if you're doing everything right.
Being a Single Mom Is Hard
Single parenting can be hard because you're trying to do everything by yourself. You might feel overwhelmed, tired and stressed out because there's no one else around to help you with things like cooking dinner or getting the kids' clothes ready for school. The responsibility lies soley with you and it can be difficult to cope with.
Single parenting is also hard because people have a lot of misconceptions about how it should be done and what being a single parent means--you might feel judged if you're doing something wrong or questioned why you are choosing to do things your way. People think they know better than someone who's actually been through the experience of single parenting, so you might get a lot of unsolicited advice. The single mom struggle can be hard at times but you can do anything!
Single Parents Don't Always Get a Break
When both parents are around, they can take turns watching over the kids or going out and enjoying some "adult time" while someone else stays home with the children. But when you're a single parent, you never get to leave your responsibilities behind--you always have to be there for them.
One of the most difficult things I found when single parenting was once my daughter was in bed. It was good to put my daughter to bed and have time out, however once your child is in bed you cannot leave the house. You can't go for an evening walk, visit the gym or pop to the store. Single parents generally have to stay home once the kids are in bed and there is no leaving the house. Thats just the way it is.
There Is Often No Back up Plan
When you are a single parent there is often no back up plan. Even if you have a good friend or family member who can watch the kids for a couple of hours, in case something comes up and you need to leave. Your friends are often busy with their own lives so there may be no back up plan. When there is nobody else around it can get hard and some things such as socialising may seem like a thing of the past.
Single parenting can be difficult, but it doesn't mean you should give up on your goals or dreams! If you think single parenting might be for you, check out this post for more information: Tips For Single Parent .
You Are the Only Person There for Your Child
Another reason being a single mom can be difficult at times is because it feels like your whole life revolves around your child. Once you become a single parent, your life becomes all about your child and trying to make sure they are happy. You often times feel like the only person who can provide them with what is best for them because nobody else knows what's going on in their lives or how they're feeling.
Although parenting alone can be hard it also means you get to spend so much more time with your child, and that can be considered a blessing. You may be able to grow a super strong bond with your child, which can last a lifetime.
3 Benefits to Single Parenting
Being A Single Parent Is Not The End Of The World and there are many benefits of being a single mom. Three of these include:
- You can make all the parenting decisions that are in the best interest of your child.
- You will get to spend more time with your child.
- The love and affection you have for your child is all the more special because it doesn't come from two people, but one parent.
No Help With Discipline or Chores When Single Parenting
It can be difficult to discipline your child when there is no one else to back you up or help you with making decisions about what is best. You may feel like you are constantly making the same mistakes and have to keep repeating things over and over again because nothing seems to work.
If your child doesn't listen or does something wrong, sometimes there will be no one else around who can help with getting them back in line--you're on your own!
The same goes for chores. As a single Mom before I met my current husband and my daughter's step father, I had to do all the chores in the home. Cleaning and cooking, caring for a baby and trying to support the family financially all at once was difficult at times when my daughter was young and I remember the hardest of times. However it was those experiences that made me the strong person that i am today.
Single Parenting Can Be Hard Because of Money Troubles
Being a single mom or dad can be hard because it's difficult to make ends meet when there's only one income coming into the household. You have less money since half is going toward bills and essentials for the home. You have to scrimp and save in any way possible when there is only one income coming into the household. It's not easy but you can still parent well on one income.
Single Parenting Is Hard but Rewarding!
Being a single mom or a single dad can be very difficult, but it is also incredibly rewarding! Although you might feel like there's no support at times, there will be a great bond with your child and when you get to spend more time together it can feel so special.
Whatever stage of parenting you are at, whether single or not, it is always important to keep in mind that children learn from watching us as parents--we must make the right choices for our kids! Always do your best as a parent give your child positive praise and positively reinforce good behaviour whilst giving less attention to the not so good.
Conclusion
In this blog post I've talked about the many difficulties that come with being a single parent but it's not all doom and gloom! Just because you're doing everything on your own doesn't mean you won't be able to succeed. You've got this and whilst parenting on your own may be hard you've already come so far and you are one of those amazing learning to do it all on your own.
Parenting alone can be very challenging but in many ways rewarding. Don't let anything stop you from being the best parent that you can possibly be!
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