| It cannot be denied that single parenting is a | | | | and discord as well as an increase in the solidarity |
| tough job. No matter what circumstances have | | | | of the family. There is also a greater consistency |
| thrown you into the world of single parenting, the | | | | in the enforcement of rules for the children. |
| road that you are traveling is a rough one. | | | | 2. Since a single parent does not have to worry |
| There are many struggles that a single parent | | | | about giving into the demands of another adult, he |
| may face. You must know how to balance your | | | | or she will be able to be more flexible in planning |
| work, housework, visitation schedules, childcare | | | | time with the children. |
| and your children's activities. You also have to set | | | | 3. Single-parent families may come to depend |
| aside some free time for yourself. | | | | upon each other more and work together to |
| Usually, one of the biggest struggles that single | | | | solve problems about daily living. When you get |
| parents face is financial ones. This is true | | | | the children involved, they are much more willing |
| especially for a custodial parent. To add to this, | | | | to help carry out any decisions that have been |
| delinquent child support is on the rise. To top it all | | | | made. |
| off, the children need attention, guidance, quality | | | | 4. Single parenting can help make one strong and |
| time and just every day care. All of this may | | | | develop more character. Challenges turn into |
| seem to be overwhelming. | | | | opportunities for growth. |
| The single-parent family is faced with many | | | | 5. Children of single-parent families may broaden |
| problems and pressures that the nuclear family is | | | | their experiences because they are influenced by |
| shielded from. Some of these are: | | | | each parent individually. |
| - Visitation as well as custody arrangements | | | | 6. There are extensions of the single-parent |
| - The effect that continued conflict between the | | | | community that can provide support. Single |
| parents may have on the children | | | | parents do not have to feel cut off or isolated. |
| - There is a decrease in the amount of time that | | | | There are different support groups that are |
| children and parents can see each other. | | | | available such as Parents without Partners. |
| - Effects that divorce has on a child's school | | | | 7. If the children are able to contribute to the |
| performance and interaction with peers | | | | household, they may feel more valued and |
| - Disruptions that reach into the extended family | | | | needed. When both parents are in a family, they |
| - Negative reactions that a child may have when | | | | usually distribute the major responsibilities |
| a parent begins dating again | | | | between them. However, in a single-parent family, |
| Although the single parent is faced with many | | | | every child has to do his or her own share which |
| challenges, if a parent is willing to work hard they | | | | is a vital part in daily living. |
| may reap some benefits from their situation. Here | | | | So, as you can see, there are both disadvantages |
| are some of the possible benefits of being a single | | | | as well as advantages in being a single parent. |
| parent: | | | | With hard work, guidance and support, you can |
| 1. There can be a reduction of hostility, tension | | | | become a model single parent. |