As a single dad, it’s all too easy for me to see my parenting weaknesses. I’d already launched my oldest from home and into his first year of college when I became a single parent. Just when I should have been feeling at the top of my game, I was immersed in single-parent problems. I felt like a student all over again as I learned how to parent alone.
I’ve been schooled for sure. I understand the weariness of always being on the clock and always having to be the bad guy. I understand the weight of making every decision and the exhaustion from juggling house, kids, and finances. These years have been filled with adapting and adjusting. So today, I’m sharing 3 ways to overcome common single-parent problems.
Table of Contents
1. Problem: Chaos
Admittedly, with no other adult in the house for accountability, it’s easy to let routines slip. Sheer fatigue from handling everything alone or the change that comes from moving children between two homes can make keeping a routine hard.
Solution: Establish a routine.
Homes with routines provide stability and boundaries that children and teens need. Try creating routines for before and after school, dinner, and bedtime to cut down the potential for chaos.
2. Problem: Enforcing a Hard “No”
Sometimes, I just don’t want to be the bad guy again—especially when I’m already worn down from shouldering all decisions and all parenting.
Solution: Develop a spine.
As a single parent, I’ve had to dig deep to make sure each no and yes is firm. Sticking to the rules you’ve established and decisions you’ve made helps your child know the boundaries and provides a stable home.
3. Problem: Grieving Children
Children in a single-parent home are almost always dealing with some level of grief because of separation, divorce, or death.
Solution: Listen and love well.
“You can’t fix your children’s grief but you can listen, love, and provide a safe place for them.”
