Single Parenting Issues - Part 1 of 4

Single Parenting Issues - Part 1 of 4Single Parenting Issues: Part 1 of 4 - The first part of this four-part series examines the obstacles that many single parents face in their quest to become a good parent. In the second part of this series, the writer will discuss issues concerning single parents' roles in the education of their children. Finally, in the third part of this series, the writer will explore the cost of being a single parent.Obstacles in Your Journey to Be a Good Parent: This is one of the most common obstacles facing single parents today. When many of them are not able to maintain their jobs, they often have to go back to work as a single parent. While this can be emotionally draining, it may actually be an obstacle that can help you become a better parent.Being a single parent often means sacrificing your free time. A single mother in New Jersey told me once that when she was pregnant with her first child, she was often so exhausted from the physical and emotional d emands of motherhood that she just had to go back to work even though she had been a stay-at-home mom for much of her adult life. She said that sometimes even on days when she felt like dropping everything and going out, she would not because her children would be frightened by her leaving the house.Although single fathers are usually the primary caretaker for his children, there are situations where a married mother has to get her husband to assume the responsibilities of a father. In these situations, the father needs to realize that his wife is the one who can take care of her children, and also that he needs to support his wife and children as a single parent. If the father does not take care of these things, then there is every chance that his marriage will suffer.Single parents who lose their jobs sometimes have difficulty finding enough income to maintain their lifestyle. Often, this will force them to postpone getting a new job. There are also times that they may need to ask their employer for a job transfer. The benefit is that this allows the single parent to continue to live at home with their children.Children's Needs: Many single parents may have to sacrifice their time with their children in order to keep up with their jobs. As mentioned earlier, the cost of being a single parent can be very expensive. If the children become ill or need medication, the cost of providing for these needs can become very expensive.Educational Costs: This may not be so much a cost as it is a challenge that parents face. For many children, they do not know how to read and write as well as some of their classmates. Therefore, they can often have trouble qualifying for special education programs. Some other cost that may arise is the cost of food, clothing, and other materials that the children need.You are not alone in your quest to become a better parent, but if you are a single parent, you may feel somewhat isolated and alone. This is a challenge that needs to be ove rcome and it can be done. The goal is to become a good parent, and to become a better parent, you will need the support of others who care about you.