Challenges of Single Parenting

Parenting is a serious and challenging job, even when you are doing it with a co-parent. As a single parent, it is likely that every challenge feels as if it is in your “court”. From changing diapers and feeding the baby to taking them to school and providing everything they need, solo-parenting is tough and can feel lonely.

Unfortunately, there are things in life that you have little control over. When you run out of options, the bravest thing to do is to face the challenge and make the best out of the situation. During the low points in your life, you can choose to be a brave single parent, but that does not mean you must be alone. You deserve support, therapy can help.

The Challenges of Single Parenting

Single parenting is like a rollercoaster ride that never takes a break – staying awake as you nurse your child with temperature running over 100 degrees, doing the laundry until midnight, while planning the meals, the grocery, and of course the tasks at the workplace. While many people know the challenges of a single parent, only those who are actually doing the job understand what it is like to be on 24/7. 

There are many challenges, some may include:

  • Budgeting and Finances. Raising children is expensive. This can cause you to be defensive, insofar as your source of income is concerned, and maybe even becoming overly worried about losing your job too. Having to budget and consider finances can create a great deal of anxiety and stress. 
  • Maintaining a social life. As a single parent everything seems to fall on you. You may know that having supports and a social life is important, but the idea may be overwhelming and exhausting.
  • Feeling alone in making tough decisions. As a single parent you may be the only one making decisions about your children. “Darned if you do, darned if you don’t!” you may begin to think. This can be overwhelming.

There can be many other challenges, it is important that you identify yours and validate your experience. Being a single parent is tough, you deserve support.  

 

Embracing the Challenges with Counseling

There is no question that single parenthood is extremely challenging, but it is not a completely fruitless endeavor. Being a single parent gives you the opportunity to be an incredibly empowered single parent who can face challenges and overcome them with confidence. It can open a pathway for many possibilities and a potentially enriching experience. Having a single parent can also benefit the children, saving them from the distressing effects of an unhappy marriage that lead to an unhealthy or damaging family environment.

The road may be rough and full of challenges, but you can overcome all these with confidence if you will allow yourself to reach out for support when you need it. Carolina Counseling Services – Cameron, NC contracts with skilled, licensed therapists who can help. You deserve support as you navigate through parenthood. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment. 

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