Being a single parent is no less than a challenge. Responsibility, protectiveness and societal pressure doubles. But everybody faces challenges in their lives, and it’s how you overcome these hurdles that define who you are. Reasons for being a single parent can be several, from divorce, annulment, fight, teenage pregnancy to the death of a spouse. Sometimes these things are in your control, and sometimes they aren’t. Parenting in itself is a challenge, and when the tag of a single parent comes along, expectations are set too high and time is less. You have to earn in order to make a livelihood, and provide a good life to your kid and also take out time to spend with them so that they don't feel abandoned. Above all, it’s your job to make them realize that you can manage this on your own and they don’t have to worry about anything.
Living a single parent life can be draining at times as the number of hours in a day are limited, and the needs of your kids are to be paid a heed as well. The possibility of a one parent staying at home and looking after the kids is ruled out. Most of the things are not in your control, and it sure can be a task to make them good human beings and financially independent before anything else.
To overcome the challenges of being a single parent is far from easy and multiple. Being a single dad is more difficult than being a single mother, which some people think and this fact holds true to some extent. Read more on single mothers here.
It is considered that the kids are more bounded towards their maternal roots and being with their dads after an annulment can be tough on the kids. Paying a close heed to their daily needs, helping them get through high school or getting actively involved in their daily interests, especially after returning from work are not usually the kind of things that dads usually excel in.
Don’t live under any kind of guilt or blame yourself for how things turned out to be. Besides, everybody faces challenges in their life. If your kids ask you about the situation, talk to them and explain the circumstances in a way that will not scar them and make them understand that it is not a bad thing either. You can only make their life better by first working on yourself and getting your life together on a track.
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If you feel like the burden might be too much, don’t give in and rather talk to a friend or a professional to clear your head. Look at the brighter side and give life a chance to unfold the opportunities it has in store for you. Sometimes marriage doesn’t work and kids being an outcome of a failed relationship, suffer the most. Let them feel that they can still live the life every normal family does. Do understand that seeking a professional help on the matter is not a bad thing, ever.
Remember to take out time for your kids every day and ask them about their day or their future plans. Don’t make them distant and engage in meaningful fun conversations from time to time. If you have a date but your kid also has a game that day, always make your kids your priority. They may need you more than you think they do or can express and especially with the absence of one parent, make sure you focus on your kid’s needs before yours.
Focus not on the labels that the society puts on you but on creating a better life for your kids. Create a desirable life for your kids, so that they are assured of your presence. Focus on the positive side rather than drowning in the sea of guilt and not being able to provide a two-parent life to them. Understand that some things are not in your control and so you must focus on the things that you can work and improve upon for the sake of your kids!
With the absence of one parent, getting overprotective is bound to happen, so don’t blame yourself for performing your duty at the end of the day. With the upcoming age of social media, children are exposed to so many evils that they are unaware of. Being a parent, it is your job to take a note of all the activities that they engage in and undergo strict guidelines.
If you have recently undergone a divorce or your wife has decided to stay separate from you and the kids, take time to realize that all things take time. From your kids accepting the situation to you handling the whole house on your shoulders and taking care of their every need, you have to think positively and give yourself a little time to make way for the new things. If you are still young and happy to date again, then you should. It’ll only improve things on the personal front.
Focus on your health and make sure you don’t succumb to your hectic work schedule and spend every waking fulfilling just to assume your duty towards your kid’s wishes. Hit the gym and exercise regularly and make yourself emotionally, physically and psychologically healthy. Find time for yourself and work on your own goals as well.
Dating again after a strained relationship is not a bad thing and in fact, it can improve things. If your kids like the person as well, then it’s a win-win situation for you! Getting into a relationship after getting out of a failed marriage can be tough and hard on your kids as well. But there is no reason for you to not give it a try. If you are single and ready to mingle after all, then there are a lot of dating sites on the internet that can help you find a partner according to your common likes and someone who even lives nearby to you.
After getting married and having kids, your life generally tends to revolve around your kids. Overcome this challenge of being a single dad and still take out time for your kids. Make sure you spend quality time with your kids as a friend and make them feel like home. Go out for movies, games, outings, and vacations and create a new life for yourself as well as your kids!
Being a single dad is hands down a more difficult job than being a single mother. The challenges to face are plenty, but to overcome those challenges is not an impossible task after all. If you liked what you read, leave a comment below!
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