Parenting with a partner can be daunting enough even under the best of conditions. When you are a single parent doing it alone, the challenges are multiplied. From finding a babysitter when you have to work to worrying about their education and all the worries and expenses in between, all on your own; single parenting is certainly not for the faint hearted. Whether you chose to single-handedly raise your family, or for other reasons you found yourself single, there are probably times you wish your situation was a lot different. Learning to accept your situation and sorting out those mixed feelings involved can be a great struggle.

The Reality of Being a Single Parent

Becoming a single parent can be both overwhelming and stressful as you ponder how to raise your children on your own without a partner by your side. Even if it is your choice to be a single parent and you go through great pains to be the best parent your children can have, it is difficult not to conjure up the image of a traditional family. While it may not really be your plan to bring up children on your own, unfortunate circumstances may have happened that inevitably changed your family life. Additionally, if your partner left or abandoned you, it is understandable to feel betrayed and to blame the other person.

Single parents faced with the task of child rearing without help face the difficulties of responsibility overload, which means having to make all the decisions and provide for everything the children need. At the same time, the demands of parenting, housework, and a job can be too overwhelming for a single parent who is required to meet both their own emotional needs as well as those of the children. One or a combination of these can result in behavioral and emotional health issues, including anxiety and depression. Research validates the fact that single parents are more likely to experience these kind of health concerns compared to those with a spouse.

The Overall Emotional Toll

The unique challenges in being a single parent can add up to a lot of pain. Juggling between raising children, doing household chores, earning income, and other things that a single parent performs without the help of a partner can be more than an overwhelming life. It is not surprising for single parents to experience emotional health issues.

What single parent is not challenged by all the difficulties there are to wrestle with in a given day? Often, there is the need to work two or more jobs to make ends meet, which can take a toll on both their family time and physical health. The difficult choice between wearing themselves out to support the home, and spending quality time with the children can be a source of stress for any single parent not earning enough to feed the family.

Single parents also must endure the stigma of their status, while continuing to worry about their children’s wellbeing. Other factors that may contribute to the waning emotional health of a single parent include unemployment, lack of social support, trauma of a family break-up, and possibly socioeconomic disadvantages. It is therefore important to maintain a healthy family climate to ensure that the emotional needs of the children are met.

No matter what the reasons for your current situation, becoming a single parent is a challenge that can give rise to negative feelings, such as anger, resentment, sadness, guilt, grief, and confusion. There is nothing that can prepare a single parent for the grief felt over the loss of a co-parent and partner. Similarly, the children are experiencing the loss of a parent. These feelings are often charged with a great deal of intensity in the initial year of transitioning into a single parent family. While many parents in this situation will do everything to achieve consistency, pushing oneself beyond the limit can result in an emotional burn out. Without surrendering to the situation, it can definitely be difficult to enjoy life or at least make the best of it.

The Rewards of Single Parenting

Being a single parent means facing significant difficulties, not to mention the financial hardships involved, especially when it comes to raising children alone. There is no question that your child/children miss the parent who is not living with them anymore. If you have children, you may question whether being married is a better situation, but what might that present? The possibility of a rushed or bad marriage? Being a single parent can be an infinitely better option and it can come with a lot of great things worth celebrating.

Single parenting can be very rewarding and create a unique environment for the parent and the child – a household filled with love where strong bonds are forged. This is not always how many people are inclined to think, but it can be a positive experience. In fact, there are some wonderful benefits to being a single parent.  For one, it is more advantageous for children to be spared from the negative effects of a destructive marriage and an unfriendly or dysfunctional family environment. . At their young age, children can learn to be more independent and responsible. They become mature for their age and begin to understand and support the single parent who struggles for their well being.

Achieving Success in Moving on as a Single Parent

It is a fact that being a married parent is stressful, but being a single parent is by far more stressful. Perhaps it is even the most difficult job in the world. If you are a single parent, it is your ultimate goal to assume the role with self-worth and courage to take every challenge life throws your way. It is important to keep your spirits up and to stay positive to face the changes during this shift.

It is expected to worry about creating a happy, healthy environment for your children to grow up in. Studies show that children raised by single parents generally do well when provided with a secure emotional base to thrive on. The fact that your children do not live with two biological parents does not change their essential needs for love, protection, encouragement, and support from at least one trusting, responsible parent.

Being a single parent does not necessarily mean you are on your own when it comes to all your difficulties. While it may alleviate your struggles if you reach out for support from family and friends, it is more beneficial to place yourself in an environment of supportive resources. There is no need to feel hopeless.

Help is available from a right fit professional independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Cameron, NC, on Hwy 87, near Linden Oaks. Individual counseling services offered by well-trained therapists will help you to address your negative feelings and assist you in how to successfully move on with life and provide a brighter future for you and your children.

If your children are also going through a difficult time, proactively addressing 21^st century parenting concerns may be another smart step to take. Your children may still be too young and may not be resilient enough to hurdle the hurtful and confusing time that they may be inclined to exhibit some emotional and behavioral health issues. Seeking early intervention with counseling can help them be well-adjusted, positive, productive children. Do not delay in getting the help you need. Call CCS – Cameron, NC, on Hwy 87, near Linden Oaks now to request an appointment.