5 Tips to Successful Single Parenting

Single parenting has ups and downs just like any other position in life, but what are the tips to feeling successful?  I've given five and if you think of more, feel free to add them in the comments below.

Stop comparing yourself and stop focusing on the happy couples around you.  It's easy to get caught up in the feeling that everything would be easier if you just had a mate to share the chores, emotions and life's ups and downs as a parent. The reality is that there is not a perfect situation that will alleviate your feelings.  Even married couples encounter issues with raising their household, so keep it all in perspective.  Wishful thinking could lead to unhappiness and bitterness which you do not have time or capacity for.

Be kind to yourself.  You work hard and have a lot on your plate.  Be sure to take time to pamper yourself or just simply spend time doing something that you enjoy.  Beware of negative self-talk and create positive experiences you can enjoy.

Be part of a community. A strong community is vital to the success of your single parenting.  The support and sense of belonging that will come with a great community is the solution to the isolation that can be associated with single parenting.   Join a church, find a playgroup or join a bible study in your area. There are a lot of community boards with groups that meet for various reasons throughout the week.  See what groups may interest you and take a leap of faith by visiting.  You'll find that you are not alone in a big world full of single parents just like you.

Join forces with another single parent.  Having a friend who is also living the life of a single parent helps two people at the same time! Switch off caring for the kids so you both have a much needed break.  If possible have varying work schedules so that you can both take on the role of "daycare" and eliminate expense.  Some employers will let you job share, which means that two people share one job and switch off scheduling to allow for greater coverage at home and at work.  Having someone to lean on is mental lifesaver! Be sure that the leaning goes both ways.

Accept help.  Be careful not to let pride get in the way of accepting help. It's a common feeling to want to be "supermom" or "superdad" and do everything on your own but you will inevitably suffer from over-exhaustion.  This affects, not only you but your kids.  If people ask to have your family over for dinner, go.  If someone you trust offers to watch your kids to give you a break, let them.  Little helps can mean big differences in your life and in the way you engage your children as a parent.  God gave us other people for a reason.  Let them love on you and in due time you will be enabled to love on someone else who is in need of a blessing.

"The parent-child relationship is the first and most important social interaction a youngster will have, and the flaws and knots experienced there can often be seen later in life."
- Dr. James Dobson

"Be sure to take inventory on your behavior to make sure you are being the parent that you really want to be."
- Meg Meeker, MD