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At times, it may seem like it takes a village to raise a child,
but for single parents, that village often feels like a party of
one. Single parenting poses challenges for even the most organized
mom or dad, and without an extra hand, it can seem like a daunting
task.
A moment alone may seem like only a dream when you have the role
of both mom and dad. According to Jessica Stebbins, a Florida-based
family therapist, it is crucial for single parents to focus on the
positives in their lives and the joy that a child brings.
It is essential to accept that life changes with a baby and come
to the conclusion that this is a positive thing, Stebbins said. To
that end, with resources and support systems in place, single
parents can find the perfect balance while raising a healthy
child.
Facing the Challenges Ahead
Whether you re nurturing an infant or a teenager, going it alone
can cause singleparents to experience not only a loss of freedom,
but also a lot of stress. A flood of feelings can be overwhelming
if you re not prepared.
A single parent may feel increased stress due to having to find
child care, workand care for her baby as well as feeling guilt for
not spending the time that she would like to with the baby,
Stebbins said. All of these factors could interfere
with creating a bond with the baby or cause the mother to feel
more guilt and put her at higher risk for postpartum blues or
depression.
Sleep deprivation can enhance the intensity of a single parent s
risk of depression or postpartum blues, says Carole Arsenault,
author of The Baby Nurse Bible. Thechallenges are often compounded
in a single-parent situation because he or she often does not have
the emotional or logistic support to smoothly get through midnight
feedings and soothing sessions, Arsenault said. As your child
grows, the emotional toll of battling the terrible twos or teenage
angst can also lead a single parent toward feelings of helplessness
without the support he or she needs.
With only one source of income, financial strain often causes
anxiety for single parents, too. While raising her children,
Jennifer Maggio, single mother and au
thor of Overwhelmed: The Life of a Single Mom, faced similar
challenges. Beyond providing a stable home for her children, Maggio
and many single parents are faced with the cost of child care,
teenage activity fees and school supplies while going it alone.
Not only does a single mother deal with the obvious challenges
of motherhood that include learning to care for an infant,
irregular sleep patterns and postnatalhormone adjustments, but the
struggle is much deeper, Maggio said. She does not have the luxury
of a spouse in whom she can share her concerns -- one who can offer
those necessary words of encouragement and a listening ear.
As children grow and get involved in sports, dance or music
lessons, all requiring transportation from one activity to the
next, Maggio says the balancing act c
an be demanding as a single parent. "It is necessary for every
parent to learn balance to effectively manage this new stage of
life, but with a single parent, it is critical."
Fun-Filled Activities on a Single-Parent BudgetJust because you
are supporting your family on a single income, it doesn t mean the
fun has to stop. With a little creative budgeting and planning, you
can foster memories that are both fun and free.
According to Nancy Butler, a Connecticut-based certified
financial planner, low-
