How To Cope...

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As a Newly Single Parent

Statistics from the US Census Bureau suggested that nine per cent of the US population were single parents in 2006 and this figure is likely to have risen since then. Being a single parent is hard enough at the best of times, but this is even more so if you suddenly find yourself becoming a single parent after previously being part of a two-parent family. This can be a big strain on both yourself and any children who are caught in the crossfire.

Finding Your Confidence Again

Becoming a single parent is a nerve-wracking and frightening experience, especially if it coincides with a relationship breakdown. This can have a knock-on effect on your self-esteem. It is not uncommon for those who have recently become single parents to experience anxiety, depression or panic attacks due to the big change in status and lifestyle that often accompanies new single parenthood. Finding your confidence again will not necessarily be an easy process, but it is extremely vital if you are going to successfully pick up the pieces for yourself and your family.

Set Up a Good Support Network

Having people that you can rely on is essential for single parenthood, especially as you no longer have a live-in partner to lighten the load. Your extended support network can consist of family and friends who are happy to help out with childcare and will provide support for yourself and your children in the absence of the traditional two-parent family unit. As much as possible, try to ensure that your support network features people that your child is familiar with so that he or she will not experience any further distress as a result of being left in the company of virtual strangers while you are out.

One of the biggest challenges facing single parents is the fact that it is not possible to "clock off" at the end of the working day, as there is housework and childcare to be done on top of the regular working day. This is one of the most prominent reasons for setting up a good support network, as the highly unequal work-life balance that many single parents find themselves trapped in can quickly become overwhelming otherwise. Sharing the burden with others can go a long way towards easing your dual workload.

Focus on the Positives

Although being a single parent may seem as though it has no advantages, there are some positives to the situation. For example, you are in control of the decisions that need to be made in the household and do not have to share this responsibility with anyone else. The fact that you do not need to rely on another person can be exhilarating, but it can also be highly stressful as there is no-one else to share the responsibility and blame.

Take Advantage of Available Benefits

As a single parent with a maximum of one household income, you may be entitled to certain financial benefits to top up your income and help you meet your outgoings. This can involve financial assistance for heating and housing costs, and even private health insurance. This may not amount to that much but it is better than nothing, especially if you are struggling financially. Many single parents do not even realize that their income could qualify them for financial help and so do not bother claiming benefits that they are entitled.

Getting Support From Fellow Single Parents

It can be helpful to meet up with people who are in a similar situation to yourself for support purposes. Depending on the type of town in which you live, you may be able to find groups that are specifically targeted at single parents. This constitutes emotional support that may be lacking in your support network of family and friends, as fellow single parents will be able to empathize with your situation as they are going through the same thing.


By SallyA