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Here you will find single parent support articles, and advice on how to find support as a single parent.

How to Raise a Teenage Boy as a Single Parent

How to Raise a Teenage Boy as a Single Parent

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It is very hard being a single parent to a teenage boy. Not only do you have to be kind, caring and nurturing, but also tough, hard and be able to stay in control.

Instructions

  • First and foremost, the most important thing that you can do as your little boy grows up, is to grow with him. Flexibility is the key tool! As your cute little angel turns into a testosterone filled adolescent – you too, will have a great deal of changing to do.
    In the early days, you are the boss; however, little by little, you need to give more and more responsibility. Your ultimate goal here is to become his friend; his confidante.
  • Boundaries are a big issue. All teenage boys will push these to the very limit. However, many young men that I have spoken to, have all agreed, that when looking back on their teenage years, boundaries set by their parent/s indicated that they were loved and cared for.
  • Always be attentive and sensitive to your son’s feelings. Boys find opening up extremely difficult. You will probably have to find new ways of talking to your son now. Be patient and do not nag. In addition, always tell your son that you are proud of him and that you love him, no matter how old. Furthermore, support your son in his choices and praise him when he begins to make these; remember, this is a big step in growing up.
  • As a single parent, it is very important to encourage your teenage son to have good relationships with other people. A grandparent, Uncle, Aunt or a neighbour. This gives your son somebody else to talk to and also provides other role models.
  • So often we feel that we have actually no impact whatsoever on our teen. However, we must remember that all the good values and morals that you have shown as he has been growing up, will not have gone to waste. Many parents find that some, if not all of these attitudes are emulated by their sons. There is no greater satisfaction than this.
  • Never allow things to get so far as a shouting match, or worse, violence. Remember, he will be probably taller and much bigger than you. If he strikes out too in a temper, he will regret this for years to come. if you feel the situation getting out of hand…..walk away! Explain that you will discuss the matter at another time, when you are both much calmer. I found that when I tried to talk to my son, I would end up sitting him down, turning the TV off and looking him in the eyes. Every time I did this, no matter what the subject, he would blow up like a fuse and an argument would commence. Since, I have found that he found this tactic too confrontational. Therefore, when I need to discuss matters with him now, I usually begin the conversation when we are in the car or washing up, etc. I seem to receive a better outcome.
  • It is paramount that you do not talk to your teen. However, it is important that you share conversations and actually listen to what he is telling you. Moreover, understanding that your son does have his own viewpoint and learning to accept and respect this, will add mutual respect to your relationship. Managing a teenage boy is “mission impossible”, although, living with one can be fun!
  • Finally, as previously stated, but I cannot reiterate this enough – set firm and clear boundaries…..yes teenage boys do need structure.

If a strategy does not work – change it!

Lighten up – take time out together. Ensure that you do something together, either every week or every month, such as going to the cinema, eating out, bowling or even a walk together. I find all sorts out from my son on these occasions. When I have asked, “why did you not tell me that before”, he would retort, “I dunno”.

Remember, life can be hard, what with work and commitments, we sometimes forget what it is like to have fun. So go ahead, grab your son and go have some fun!

Me-Time and Social Networking for Single Parents

Me-Time and Social Networking for Single Parents

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Single parenting can be very lonely. It seems that you are in a unique situation – all of your friends are either married or single without children. This puts a barrier between you and them. This is why many single parents are turning to online social networking. Networking sites are a place where you can meet others who are like you; who share your one-of-a-kind joys and sorrows. At these sites, you can read the latest news for single parents, take personality questionnaires, and get involved in a wide variety of interactive activities.

One popular site is I Heart Single Parents. This site can make you feel better as a single parent in many ways. For example, it is here that we learn Michael Jackson’s older brother is currently stuck in Africa and can’t go back to the U.S. as he has missed $90,000 in child support payments. He is thus prohibited from leaving the continent until he pays up. If you are having trouble collecting payments as a single mother, you will probably feel better knowing that if celebrities can be brought to justice, then so can your ex. You can also share your money issues and asset splitting troubles (now that he is comfortably living in Canada, enjoying a couple of Canadian credit cards while you are stuck repaying your joint debt burden in the USA).

To Read the entire article click here.

Are you a Single Parent Swimming Against the Current?

Are you a Single Parent Swimming Against the Current?

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When dealing with your child’s ‘other’ parent, threre is more than one single parent scenario. Some single parents have no contact with the ‘other’ parent and wonder why they don’t want to be a part of their child’s life. While other single parents have disruptive, controlling, abusive ‘other’ parents that they are trying to protect their child from. And all the scenarios in between.

But there is one group of single parents who make life harder than it has to be for everyone involved; especially their children. If your child’s other parent is involved in your child’s life and you two are still bickering, maybe the following article will help you gain some perspective on how little you’re gaining, and how much you are losing, by not putting your past behind you and co-parenting your child.

Parent With The Current

The phrase “single parent” is new for the twenty-first century. Men and women are designed to repopulate and raise their children together, not single-handed. More than offering our X and Y-chromosomes, men and women both bring valuable substance to the table of parenting. Both have their strengths and weaknesses that help develop a child to their full potential. To offer this to our children is priceless.

While this still exists in the twenty-first century, some of us aren’t that lucky. We are called “single parents”. Though unless our husband has died or has totally abandoned the children, we aren’t parenting alone. We just are no longer a two parent, one house family; we are a two-parent two-house family. Most of the arguments in the house are built around “Mom says I can do this” and “Dad says I can do that.” Life is hard for you and confusing to your children. When parenting “single,” we are not alone, but it does seem that we are most of the time because parenting this way is like swimming against a current. It takes all your strength and you can’t do it for long without consequences to both parents and children.

The “current” is the relationship you now have with your ex-spouse. That reflects on your parenting and your relationship with your children, which in turn affects their relationships with others.

We know one house two parents parenting has the best out come for children. We know single parenting does not. A new parenting phrase and way of life has to be created to combine the two.

-One house two parents’ -Two parents working together in the same house to raise children. The two parents stand united.
-Single parenting – Two parents not working together in two houses. Taking every opportunity to negate each other. Two sets of rules for the children because the parents are not united in child rearing.

There is another option.

5 Tips for Single Parents with Teenagers

5 Tips for Single Parents with Teenagers

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Single parents and teenagers – these two words bring to mind the most challenging phases of life. I know because I was raised by a single parent, and not so long ago I was a teenager. I remember the life challenges my own mother encountered as a single parent. Here are 5 tips to help you navigate the ever changing challenges of being a single parent:

Remember you are still a family

Regardless of the circumstances your family is still a family – even if it does not have two parents. There are many single parent families that are emotionally healthy. It is a matter of choice, not luck. They choose to make their families emotionally healthy, fun and one that is filled with positive memories.

Parent Tip #1: Think about the ideals that you want your family to be known for, and write them down. Perhaps make a door hanger or craft that contains symbols of these ideals to remind you of them.

Talk with your teen about their feelings

As you may know, your teen may also be experiencing feelings of loss. Regardless of the age and circumstances, your child may have feelings of sadness or anger or just feeling different than their peers. Allow your son/daughter to talk to about how they are feeling. This will also help the relationship you have with them. If you are concerned about your teenager’s adjustment to the divorce, then I suggest you find a qualified professional counselor to help your teenager.

Parent Tip #2: Look for teachable moments. Those special times when you know your teen is really listening to you, and is engaged, and take advantage of it. Teachable moments are a rarity, so seize the moment. Fina a qualified professional counselor for your teenager to talk with to help adjust to the divorce.

Stay involved

As best you can, continue to be involved in their lives. Show them you are still committed to them despite your stresses. Consistency in your behavior will shout louder than your words.

Parent Tip #3: Attend school functions. Find those things you both have to do anyways throughout the week and do them together. Eat meals together. Go for a morning or evening walk together.

Teach responsibility

Teenagers are usually begging for parents to give them their independence. One of the best ways to teach responsibility is to give them chores to do around the home. Address chores not as something you are nagging them to do, but an opportunity for your teenager to show he/she is responsible to handle more independence.



Parent Tip #4: Start with small responsibilities and then work into more independence with greater responsibilities. For example, you may begin with teaching them to do their own laundry before letting them drive your vehicle.

Live within your means

Parents often incur a great deal of financial debt in order to “care” for their teenagers. They want them to have the right kind of clothes, have their own cars and other “necessities” the teenager says they “need.” This approach is lose-lose for everyone. Teenagers are not taught about proper spending, and the parents’ credit card bills stack up as does their financial stress.

Parent Tip #5: Educate your child on healthy spending habits. If they are of employment age, have them work to earn money to pay for their own “necessities.” Likewise, educate yourself on healthy spending habits.

Single parenting may not be the ideal parenting circumstances. However, it can be done right with children that are happy, confident, and achievers. Each parent can play an essential role in their children’s well being. How about you? Are you struggling being a single parent? Take the reigns of being a single parent to make a difference in the life of your teenager! Do it now before your teenager becomes a young adult.

How to Travel to Jamaica as a Single Parent with Children

How to Travel to Jamaica as a Single Parent with Children

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Step 1

Plan your travel itinerary and book your flight and hotel reservations. Include visits to some of Jamaica’s child-friendly attractions, such as the Aquasol water park in Montego Bay or the 1,000-acre working Prospect Plantation, outside of Port Antonio. Include time on the island’s beaches as well, avoiding the nudist area of Negril’s Seven Mile Beach.

Step 2

Get passports in advance of your trip. Plan to visit the passport facility with your children’s other parent, bring the other parent’s notarized Statement of Consent to the facility or provide documentation noting you are the sole custodian of the children, as both of a child’s parents must consent to having a passport issued for the child, notes the U.S. Department of State.

Step 3

Visit your doctor to ensure you and your children are up to date on your vaccinations and have enough of your prescription medications to last the duration of your trip. Have your doctor write a note explaining that you, or your children, have been prescribed any medications that you plan on carrying into Jamaica with you to avoid having it confiscated, suggests the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Single Parent Support Groups

Single Parent Support Groups

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Being a single parent can be a strain on you financially as well as emotionally. The demands of being a single parent means that most single moms and dads limit or completely cut out any socializing. But not investing in friendships or relationships can be a bad idea, and can cause you to become isolated and depressed. Finding and getting involved in a single parent support group can really be worth the time and effort because the group can help you cope with single parenting issues. There are a variety of things that a single parent support group can offer you such as:

Activities – Many support groups have different types of activities that single parents can participate in. Group activities are a good way to meet others like yourself who have similar single parent issues and provide support. Enjoying a group activity can also help keep depression at bay and give you something fun to look forward to on a regular basis.

Conversation – Having an opportunity to talk with people who are in similar situations can be a relief. So often single parents feel they are being judged by others who don’t understand what being a single parent entails. You also have an opportunity to listen to and get advice from other single parents who have overcome some of the issues that you may be dealing with currently, and that can be very encouraging.

Learning – Many single parent support groups invite speakers to educate the group on various relevant topics, or provide useful information in other ways. Some of the useful topics covered might be learning how to talk to teens about touchy subjects such as sex, drugs, and alcohol. Or learning how to create a budget that works for the single parent; how to make their income go farther, or how to find ways to supplement their income. Being a single parent can be frustrating and confusing if you try to go it alone, and that’s where single parent support groups can help.

Find new interests – As a single parent you want to show your kids that you’re ‘okay’, and that means keeping some of your life for yourself; and living it! Getting involved in a single parent support group can be a great way to grow and enjoy life as you meet new people and develop interests. The truth is, the kids will appreciate and respect you more if you have some boundaries when it comes to carving out much needed ‘adult time’.

Support network opportunities – The people you will meet in single parent support groups will be more likely to want to be a part of your support network because they’re looking for support also. From something as simple as knowing people who can form a babysitting co-op with you to knowing people who can help you out with various things you’ll need in life.

Make new friends – If nothing else, a single parent support group will give you an opportunity to be around people like you who are going through similar issues. The potential for making new friends will be great. And who knows; maybe when you’re ready for a deeper relationship, it just might be the place you find it.

If doesn’t matter how you became a single parent, we all know that is can be challenging. Joining single parent support groups can really help give you that extra support that you and your family need. If your not sure where to find a single parent support group in your area, check out your local church websites or do a local search on your favorite search engine.