Being a single parent comes with a few roadblocks like financial strangulation, loneliness, unwanted questions from the so-called society and emotional stress, says Vivek Sharma
Raising a child independently even if one has support from the family is a challenge that requires a lot of mental toughness and positive attitude towards life. Few of the biggest roadblocks are financial strangulation, loneliness, unwanted questions from the so-called society and emotional stress. The situation is just like a coin which has two disparate faces — one, the parent feels quite confident while raising their child on their own, making choices and living a life on his/her own terms. Whereas the other side brings excruciating pain of loneliness, dejection, anxiety and uncertainty.
There are different reasons why a person becomes a single-parent. They may choose this lifestyle. The challenges faced by him/her vary according to their circumstances. Here are few good practices which can be helpful if you are a single-parent.
Be financially independent
This is one topic which appears in almost every relationship with or without a spouse. It’s better to have your own source of income irrespective of your family background, alimony or anything else. Being financially independent gives you and your child the freedom to live life your way. Nowadays, there are lots of options as a career to choose like being a blogger, teacher, freelance from home and what not.
Dealing with emotional stress
All human beings need support — whether it’s someone to watch the kids while you run out to do errands or simply someone to talk to when you feel overwhelmed. The absence of such person abruptly or unwillingly creates a lot of trouble. You can ask friends and family members for help or could join a single-parent support group, or, if finances allow, hire a trusted sitter to help out with the kids or someone to assist with housework.
Raising a child independently even if one has support from the family is a challenge that requires a lot of mental toughness and positive attitude towards life. Few of the biggest roadblocks are financial strangulation, loneliness, unwanted questions from the so-called society and emotional stress. The situation is just like a coin which has two disparate faces — one, the parent feels quite confident while raising their child on their own, making choices and living a life on his/her own terms. Whereas the other side brings excruciating pain of loneliness, dejection, anxiety and uncertainty.
There are different reasons why a person becomes a single-parent. They may choose this lifestyle. The challenges faced by him/her vary according to their circumstances. Here are few good practices which can be helpful if you are a single-parent.
Be financially independent
This is one topic which appears in almost every relationship with or without a spouse. It’s better to have your own source of income irrespective of your family background, alimony or anything else. Being financially independent gives you and your child the freedom to live life your way. Nowadays, there are lots of options as a career to choose like being a blogger, teacher, freelance from home and what not.
Dealing with emotional stress
All human beings need support — whether it’s someone to watch the kids while you run out to do errands or simply someone to talk to when you feel overwhelmed. The absence of such person abruptly or unwillingly creates a lot of trouble. You can ask friends and family members for help or could join a single-parent support group, or, if finances allow, hire a trusted sitter to help out with the kids or someone to assist with housework.
Stress management
Come out of your comfort zone. We have a tendency of not meeting people, crying in loneliness and pretending to be happy in front of others. Just be yourself, no need to punish yourself for something which was beyond your control. Look at things the way they are. Do not procrastinate or blow-up things out of proportion as it doesn’t lead anyone anywhere. Life is like a big hard disk which captures every single event that happens in our lives. The only way to move on in life is to create more pleasant events rather than focusing on forgetting pre-recorded ones.
Managing questions asked to the child
Sometimes, we can’t choose people around us, but we can certainly choose whom to associate with and to avoid. People who can’t break you will try to influence your child negatively by asking uncomfortable questions. The best way to handle this is to tell the truth to your child. Questions will come up about the changes in your family, or about the absence of one parent. Answer your child’s questions in an open, honest and age-appropriate way. Make sure that your child gets the help and support he/she needs to deal with difficult emotions.Come out of your comfort zone. We have a tendency of not meeting people, crying in loneliness and pretending to be happy in front of others. Just be yourself, no need to punish yourself for something which was beyond your control. Look at things the way they are. Do not procrastinate or blow-up things out of proportion as it doesn’t lead anyone anywhere. Life is like a big hard disk which captures every single event that happens in our lives. The only way to move on in life is to create more pleasant events rather than focusing on forgetting pre-recorded ones.
Managing questions asked to the child
Sometimes, we can’t choose people around us, but we can certainly choose whom to associate with and to avoid. People who can’t break you will try to influence your child negatively by asking uncomfortable questions. The best way to handle this is to tell the truth to your child. Questions will come up about the changes in your family, or about the absence of one parent. Answer your child’s questions in an open, honest and age-appropriate way. Make sure that your child gets the help and support he/she needs to deal with difficult emotions.