by Rita Kimbro

Created on: August 06, 2009

Single parents: Tips for dealing with frustration

When you are a single parent, frustration is part of the job. Dealing with the frustration can be as difficult or simple as you make it. While raising my daughter alone there were often times I became frustrated. I realize now, a lot of the frustration was because I did not accept the fact that parenting is meant to be a two person job. There are many reasons for the necessity of being a single parent but what ever the reason it is not the ideal parenting situation. The following suggestions for dealing with the frustrations that sometimes come with single parenting are learned from trial and error.

Finances can be a great source of frustration; the best way to deal with it is know your limitations. Provide your child's needs and some wants when possible, if you become consumed with providing their wants or even keeping up with other parents you will find yourself in a constant state of frustration. Taking on multiple jobs will be counter productive because you will sacrifice time with your child as well as make the time spent with your child stressful. Budget and plan for special events, don't wait until the expense is so overwhelming that you become frustrated trying to meet the financial responsibility. Don't make promises to your child that are unrealistic or try to make up for broken promises made by the other parent.

Loneliness can also be a source of frustration; you are a parent but you are also single. Don't neglect yourself and become consumed with being a parent. Couples take a break from their children to have time for themselves you will need adult companionship too. Set aside time to spend time with friends or by yourself doing things you enjoy. No matter how much you love your child he or she is not your friend and can not ease your frustration about being alone. If you don't make time for yourself the frustration will be shown in unhealthy ways and your child will feel like he or she is the cause of your frustration. Your child also needs to have time with their peers away from you.

The final source of frustration can be dealing with the circumstances that exist with the other parent. If you are widowed morn your spouse, divorced deal with the breakup, abandoned deal with the rejection or if you are single parenting by choice own your decision. The child is not responsible for your situation so deal with your relationship issues separate from parenting your child. So many times unresolved issues can cause frustrations when dealing with your child.

These are only a few of the sources of frustration that come with being a single parent, but I found them to be the most frustrating for me.

Learn more about this author, Rita Kimbro.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.