Single parents are parents that care for their children without assistance from others in the home, though legal definitions may vary according to local laws of different states. Single parenting may be a result of different factors, though often it is an option taken by the parent as in the case of adoption, artificial insemination, surrogate motherhood or pre-marital pregnancy.



A Big Challenge

Single parenting can often be very challenging and single parents as well as their children often face stigma, violence and social problems. In addition, children of single parents often need to take on more responsibilities that also include looking after themselves. Also, single parenting means discussing things with the children such as financial or family decisions, which in other families, are only discussed among parents.

Often, single parenting is a result of it being the best or only option and despite media hype; it need not always be bad news. It requires sorting out the difficult issues of money, childcare as well as the relationship that the single parent is in with the other parent of the child. Single parenting, contrary to popular opinion, is often a joy as it brings the parent closer to the child as well as gives more control to parent the child according to one parent's vision.

Nevertheless, single parenting involves understanding the other parent's legal and financial responsibilities, clarifying custody as well as visitation rights, and in this regard, it pays to have the roles clearly defined legally so as to protect the child better. The single parent should also clarify his or her needs for support and should not be afraid to ask for help.

Single parenting also means setting up daily rituals and regular routines and being consistent and dependable. To make single parenting easier, it is necessary to forgive the other parent and not hold any grudge against one who is absent. Not having a lot of money need not be a big drawback as there is always the child close at hand; and material comforts and monetary wealth are but poor substitutes for the love and time that single parenting affords while taking care of the child. Single parenting also means giving as much time and devotion as is reasonably possible without setting impossible goals. Also, families do not need to be only biological, because the single parent can and should surround himself and the child with friends that are trustworthy and who care about both of you.

It is also necessary to take responsibility for your own life by realizing that you are solely responsible for an innocent life too. It means not letting the child down or holding him accountable for the actions over which he never had any control.