Single parent households are more common than ever before. Raising a child is never easy, but when you're doing it by yourself it's that much harder. Single parents face special challenges that two-parent households are lucky enough to be spared.
A single parent has one hundred percent of the responsibility for all aspects of daily child care. Single parents usually are trying to hold down a job at the same time, so the pressures can become enormous. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by all of the added pressure, stress and fatigue, it might result in a relaxation of some of your normal child-rearing rules, and that could lead to some behavioral problems with your child. One of the most common issues that single parents report is the feeling of being socially isolated. Except for being at work, they may have few opportunities to interact with people their own age. Most are also worried that the lack of a male or female role model for their child is going to have a negative impact. To keep the stress levels at a minimum, child rearing experts say that single parents should take every opportunity they get to praise their child, and let him or her know they've got your unconditional love and support. Make sure you set aside time every day to spend with your child, and use it to read or play, or just sit with them. Beth Manville Perkasie PA grew up in a two-parent home in Perkasie PA, but is now a single mother living in Seattle. She is a lawyer in private practice. She spends as much time as possible with her seven-year-old daughter Josie, and the two enjoy many activities together, especially horseback riding. Comments are closed.
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