Being a single parent is not always easy. Many single parents worry about whether they will be able to cope. Having to play the role of both parents can be very stressful at times.
Fortunately, even with all the struggles single parents encounter along the way, most find their hard work and dedication pays off. Being a single parent can have many benefits for both you and your child.
The following are five of the best things about being a single parent.
No More Arguing About Who Can or Needs to Do What.
In a marriage, it is quite common to see parents arguing about what roles they play, who does what or what they can and cannot afford to do. As a single parent, not having to deal with daily arguments and fights about simple actions can alleviate a lot of your stress, as well as provide comfort and a sense of security to your children.
While your children may not be happy about being unable to do or have as much as when you and your ex were married, you’re likely to find your kids will quickly pick up on how to place value on what they want the most.
Your Authority Does Not Get Undermined.
When you are married, you and your spouse have to agree on what is in your child’s best interests. As a single parent, you get to make unilateral choices, so your authority will not get undermined. Even if your spouse has partial custody, you will still be able to work out basic rules and guidelines as part of your custody agreement to make sure each of you has his or her own individual role to play. Your kids will soon learn what you say goes, and that’s just the way it is.
Your Priorities Change.
As soon as you become a single parent, your priorities change. You no longer have to divide your attention between trying to make your marriage work and caring for the needs of your children. Now that you are a single parent, your priority becomes you and your children. You can focus on what matters most to them.
You can focus on positive actions such as getting them to eat well, exercise and participate in other activities so they stay happy and healthy. More importantly, you’ll have time to listen to their problems, give them assistance and advice, or just be there when they need you most.
You Get to Spend More One-on-One Time with Your Kids.
One of the greatest aspects of being a single parent is you get to spend more one-on-one time with your kids. When you are married it seems like all activities have to be done with both parents. Sometimes children like to spend more time with one than the other.
Children (or adults) never like feeling ignored, but when parents are arguing or fighting, this is often what happens. When it’s just you, you will be able to spend quality one-on-one time with your children doing activities you all enjoy.
You Can Finally Get a Little Time to Yourself.
Although you may not realize it at first, you are bound to get a little time to yourself once you become a single parent – time you did not have when you were married. Your free time when your children go to visit or stay with your ex gives you new opportunities. While they are enjoying a little one-on-one time with their other parent, you can spend some time doing the activities you’ve been longing to do.
One of the benefits of being a single parent is that having some “me time” is an ideal way to alleviate day-to-day stress and help you feel better able to give your children 100 percent.
If you encounter any difficulty coping or dealing with being a single parent, various organizations throughout North Carolina have resources available to help you succeed.
