The challenges that single parenting today are much the same as they were decades ago, but the difference is that parents today are finding new ways of solving old problems to better their lives and that of their children. For example, the lingering problem of financial hardship has been a challenge of one-parent homes for many years, but thanks to many new and innovative programs, these households are getting the financial assistance they need to thrive. Below you will find other common struggles that those who are single parenting today face, and how they are taking steps to deal with these hurdles.
Being Both Mommy and Daddy
Another age-old challenge of single parenting is the feeling of needing to be both the mom and the dad in the household. As time goes on though, it is becoming increasingly clear that children with one-parent homes would benefit more from their parents acknowledging that they can’t do it all and devoting all of their strength to being either the best mother or father that they can be alone. Through counseling and other domestic programs, families are learning to be happy with the way they are. A great fact of single parenting today is that parents no longer have to struggle to fulfill both ends of the parenting spectrum to have well-adjusted children.
Keeping Up With the Rat Race
It seems like single parents have to work twice as hard to give their children the same way of life as other two-parent families. This leads to longer work hours, and a greater financial strain as individuals struggle to pay for child care. Luckily, there are many assistance programs for single parenting today, which can help to pay the fees that would easily drain a single parent of their paycheck. In addition, many companies are now willing to allow their employees to work from home whenever possible, which helps to alleviate some of the strain from these one-parent homes as well.
Being Judged
Whether we like it or not, being judged is just a simple fact of single parenting today. Although it would be nice to believe that all of the persecution and looking down on single parents is over, the truth is that it isn’t. Regardless of the circumstance, single parents will always be looked down on for accepting the help that they deserve and need. Counseling can help you overcome these feelings, however, and simply understanding that those individuals who persecute you have no idea of your true circumstance and have no right to judge you may help as well.
No one ever said that being a single parent would be easy. Many challenges accompany single parenting today, but many things can be done to overcome these obstacles and make a better life for you and your child. The most important thing to remember is that you must do what is best for your child and your family, and despite what others think you must remain strong and focus on the future ahead of you.