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For most of the last twenty five years, sometimes by choice, always by necessity, I've been a single parent.
It doesn't matter whether you are alone, or with someone, parenting can always be a frustrating, confusing and ultimately rewarding experience. It is the hardest thing you will ever have to do. Because there are always choices and decisions that have to be made-for the protection and safety of your child(ren), for the betterment of the family, for love.

But this is one universal truth. If you don't remember that you are a human being first and therefore subject to needs and mistakes, you will make it harder on yourself than it really needs to be.
You are a parent. Sometimes you will make mistakes. Forgive yourself. The child will still love you. They might be angry or upset at the time. But they will still love you. Fix the mistake if you can. Admit it was a mistake. Then get on with living and stop wallowing in guilt.
And remember that you are human and need human contact that doesn't necessarily gurgle and coo. Adult contact is an absolute must to preserve your self hood. Therefore, once a month, get yourself a babysitter and go out for a couple of hours. It is as good for your child as it is for you because it reassures them that, even though you aren't there at the time, you will always come back.
And build yourself a support network. Friends, family, other single parents that you know that you can talk to about your feelings, about problems, about anything.
Remember that we are out there. We may not be able to solve your problems for you. But at least we can listen.

Learn more about this author, Beverly Schloendorf.
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