Parenthood is by far the toughest job in the world, but when you have to do it alone, the stakes are even higher.
Whether you lost your spouse to disease or an accident, or you opted for single parenting for various reasons, the challenges that your family will face from now on have exponentially increased, and so has the burden of your responsibilities as a parent.
Before worrying about anything else, remember that single parenting can be both a blessing and a nightmare, and that you need to develop the strength and frame of mind necessary to handle it efficiently and successfully.
All things considered, you can survive single parenting by taking it patiently step by step and by resorting to a few essential insights: · Find time for yourself It might seem impossible, but finding time for your needs and small pleasures, for pondering and meditating is vital to your own mental, physical and spiritual health.
Even if your daily schedule is hectic, you can always think of a better time management strategy that will help you prioritise, organize and multitask.
You need to understand that having a one hour refuge from all responsibilities, from incessant questions and problems, has beneficial effects on your inner strength, self-confidence and self-esteem in the long-run.
Also, remember that single parenting does not necessarily imply that you have to stop from pursuing your dreams and hopes, or that your personal life has to be put on hold indefinitely.
As a general rule, a well-rested, happy and personally accomplished parent is more successful in his/her endeavours than someone who is frustrated, burnt out or pessimistic all the time.
· Exercise mindfulness and being emotionally present for your children Unfortunately, the burdens of single parenting usually result in a lack of attention or in not being present with your mind, although you are present physically.
One way of dealing with this is by daily exercising mindfulness, which refers to self-regulating attention to the present experience of every moment.
It goes without saying that parents should always be emotionally available and present whenever they spend time with their children.
In this case, mindfulness helps you develop a better sense of connection with the people you care about and it ensures that you will enjoy every moment you have with your children.
· Remember that you are not alone in this Some single parents might not want to acknowledge that they need help due to feelings of guilt, but seeking and accepting support or advice is a sing of great inner strength and not a sign of weakness.
Having friends, close relatives, and even a formal support group you can turn to makes a real difference.
Also, family counselling or psychotherapy is an efficient way of solving and dealing with the unbearable difficulties of single parenting.
Whether you lost your spouse to disease or an accident, or you opted for single parenting for various reasons, the challenges that your family will face from now on have exponentially increased, and so has the burden of your responsibilities as a parent.
Before worrying about anything else, remember that single parenting can be both a blessing and a nightmare, and that you need to develop the strength and frame of mind necessary to handle it efficiently and successfully.
All things considered, you can survive single parenting by taking it patiently step by step and by resorting to a few essential insights: · Find time for yourself It might seem impossible, but finding time for your needs and small pleasures, for pondering and meditating is vital to your own mental, physical and spiritual health.
Even if your daily schedule is hectic, you can always think of a better time management strategy that will help you prioritise, organize and multitask.
You need to understand that having a one hour refuge from all responsibilities, from incessant questions and problems, has beneficial effects on your inner strength, self-confidence and self-esteem in the long-run.
Also, remember that single parenting does not necessarily imply that you have to stop from pursuing your dreams and hopes, or that your personal life has to be put on hold indefinitely.
As a general rule, a well-rested, happy and personally accomplished parent is more successful in his/her endeavours than someone who is frustrated, burnt out or pessimistic all the time.
· Exercise mindfulness and being emotionally present for your children Unfortunately, the burdens of single parenting usually result in a lack of attention or in not being present with your mind, although you are present physically.
One way of dealing with this is by daily exercising mindfulness, which refers to self-regulating attention to the present experience of every moment.
It goes without saying that parents should always be emotionally available and present whenever they spend time with their children.
In this case, mindfulness helps you develop a better sense of connection with the people you care about and it ensures that you will enjoy every moment you have with your children.
· Remember that you are not alone in this Some single parents might not want to acknowledge that they need help due to feelings of guilt, but seeking and accepting support or advice is a sing of great inner strength and not a sign of weakness.
Having friends, close relatives, and even a formal support group you can turn to makes a real difference.
Also, family counselling or psychotherapy is an efficient way of solving and dealing with the unbearable difficulties of single parenting.