According to a report released by the U.S. Census Bureau in August, 2007, there are approximately 13.6 million single parents in the United States, and those parents are responsible for raising 21.2 million children
When I first met Syreeta, she shared with me that she was a single mother. As we got to know each other better, I came to appreciate her strength, her compassion, her strong work ethics, and her faith. Syreeta and I eventually got married and we’re now blessed with a wonderful family.
You may be a single parent or you may not be. Regardless, you will definitely benefit from the following 4 insights. Feel free to share these insights because there’s tremendous power when you help others be their best.
1. Celebrate Who You Are!
Regardless of how you became a single mother – by choice, divorce, death, etc., it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you have been blessed to create life and now you have the opportunity to nurture, protect and care for a child.
Find the positive in being a single mother rather than focusing on the negative aspects of it. You have the power to define what it means to be a single mom from YOUR own perspective. Instead of allowing someone else to label you, determine your own measure of success as a parent.
2. Empower Your Children
You are the world to your children. Make the most of your time with them. Set the example by showing your children how much you value education. Schedule time to take them to the library and read books. Get involved with their school. Attend school events, PTA meetings, and teacher-parent sessions. Go to the museums. Have family time where the TV, radio and computer are turned off and allow your child to pick a topic to discuss.
Your children are watching you all the time. Reinforce these habits now and your children will grow up, understanding the importance of an education and the value of learning new things.
3. Network With Others For Support
Meet other parents at your child’s school. It’s likely that there are other single moms with children attending your child’s school. Exchange phone numbers so you can create a support network.
Many churches have youth programs, parent prayer groups, and family activities. Get involved with these activities because it’s definitely true that “It takes an entire village to raise a child.”
4. Make Time For You!
In the midst of all that is happening in our busy lives, do not forget about you! Mothers, in particular, tend to take care of everyone else, pouring so much into their children and making sure everyone around them is ok. And with all that mothers give, it’s easy to forget to take care of themselves. On a regular basis, do something nice and special for you because in order for you to bless others, you must first recharge your energy or else you may one day suffer from overload and stress. Remember this: For you to be able to water other people’s lives, you must continue to replenish your own well.
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