by Deborah Coshun

Created on: April 05, 2009

Single Parenting can be fun! Don't let anyone fool you in to believing that it is just total drudgery and pressure. Sure financially things are tough because you're bringing in the only income since the child support is either so insignificant or not received at all. The Upside is that you don't have to answer to anyone else when making your decisions.

As a single parent you are doing it all so it doesn't leave a lot of free time for you. You spend most of your time working, cooking, cleaning and taking time with your child. This work load is particuarly stressful when the child is a baby and you add changing diapers, preparing bottles, or just getting the diaper bag ready for trips! However, the other choice would be to still be with the father of the child that made your life so sad you chose to go it on your own. Stress over work is much easier to deal with than the stress caused by sadness and anger in a bad relationship.

The first years are the toughest because you have little money and not only are you trying to manage a household on your own, you're also learning to be a single mom. It's hard to find time for yourself when you have a baby and you have to do everything for them. Most of the time babysitters are too expensive or you don't know them well enough to leave your child in their care while you take some time for yourself. If you get too overwhelmed, turn to your close friends or family for help and ask if they can take care of your baby so you can have a couple of hours to yourself. It's also a good idea to ask these same people who they get to watch their children for them when they go out, etc. You can also work up an arrangement that you will watch their children when they need a sitter, if they will do the same for you; this arrangement saves you money plus leaves you more secure that your child is safe care.

To be sure my child was always safe, I never let my dates pick me up from my home until I got to know them well enough to feel she would be in no harm. It also made dating much easier for me because I was able to leave a date anytime I wanted to when it became uncomfortable. I always drove my car to where we were going to go for the evening so I had the ability to leave at anytime. You may think this was crazy but when I read all the crazy things happening to kids today I'm glad I took this extra precaution while my daughter was at home. Your child is always your primary concern; their safety is your first responsibility. It was also important

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>