Challenges of Single Motherhood

There is no feeling in the world that compares to that of being a parent, particularly for the first time. However, the privilege of parenthood is filled with significant challenges at every stage of our child’s development. For the single parent, the challenges are even more profound. Not only are you the rock of the family, but you have to guide, protect and take care of your child’s every need. You must also nurture your child and provide the best possible environment for his/her development.

Essentially, the way you raise and care for your child determines whether he or she grows up to be a confident winner or a damaged loser.

Realities of Single Motherhood

In two-parent families, the challenge of raising the child is shared as both parents can participate in nurturing the child emotionally and taking care of the child. For the single mother, the challenges are even more profound. Not only are you the rock of the family, but you have to guide, protect and take care of your child’s every need. You must also be both mother and father to the child and take care of the child’s emotional needs. This obviously involves a lot of sacrifices because juggling a high profile or multiple jobs while being the rock of a family is no easy feat.

However, as a single parent you do not have to sacrifice your personal and professional life. Now more than ever before, you have many viable options which will allow you to create a great life for you and your child.

If you are a newly single mother, you may want to think about working from home. This is the best way to be able to care for your children while also providing them with a stable income. This will help you to create better hours for yourself so that you can spend the most time at home with your child as possible. By staying at home, you will also be able to save expenses on child care services.

The challenges of a single parent do not end simply with finding a good job or developing a successful business and being home for your child. You must also be proactive in your child’s life. Sitting in front of a computer and on the phone all day will not help to bridge your relationship with your child. Also, a single parent faces the ultimate challenge of single mothers: dating.

Despite these challenges, a single mother is more than capable of succeeding and leading a fuller and more independent life. The primary responsibility for raising the child is yours alone, and you will be in charge of all the decisions that surround you which you may not have been able to do with a partner. This is at times a great joy, at times a great burden, and always a great responsibility.

As a single mother, you need to take control of your life for the well being of your child and yourself.