Are you a single parent? Do you feel overwhelmed, tired all the time, and a tad under-appreciated? If you answered “Yes,” not to worry – you’re not alone.
Parenting, especially without a partner, is never easy. There is no training or instruction manual available. A single parent has no one to share the joy and tears with. The responsibilities fall on one set of shoulders: yours. It’s up to you to teach your child right from wrong, how to stay safe, and how to lead a happy, healthy, and productive life, not to mention you’re responsible for providing for them.
Parenting is hard; it can be painful and unrewarding at times. What about when your teenage daughter yells, “I hate you – you’re mean!” because you told her she couldn’t stay out past 10:00 PM? This is when you need to be strong, in order to handle the position of both mother and father.
I know you hope your children will have lots of laughter and fewer tears while growing up – it’s only natural. So, when you’re having a bad moment, remind yourself of the laughter. Regardless of how hopeless a situation may seem, keep in mind that your children know you love them.
When your children are young, they may not understand the act of discipline, but when they grow up, they’ll see the reasoning behind the lessons you taught and the commitment you gave them. This is when you’ll know that you contributed to your children’s successes by being a responsible single parent.
Just because you’re a single parent doesn’t mean you should give up hope. Even as a single parent, you can stay strong.
If you’re facing family issues and need the assistance of an experienced family law attorney, contact one of our knowledgeable attorneys at Holstrom, Block & Parke for help and advice.
Dayn Holstrom is a partner at Holstrom, Block & Parke
