Being a single parenting is hugely rewarding. Sure, a lot of people think it is not ideal but life has a way of throwing “non-ideal” situations at us. We can either complain about them or figure out a way to make them work. I choose the latter. This may surprise you but, there are actually several benefits of single parenting for the child.
I have grown immensely as person, and as a father, because of being a single parent. Your priorities change and your life is not, and can not be, structured solely around yourself. I am ok with that. You find a way to have balance and have a life but you just find new and unique ways to live that life. You may not have as much freedom or as much spontaneity as you want but the rewards far, far outweigh any complaints.
I also think that the single parent set up can compliment and enhance a child in great ways. It can help them grow and become stronger and more capable because they are, from an early age, seeing first hand the effort and the life that you are making and living. With the right attitude, parents can make the single parent household hugely beneficial to a child. In fact, here are six benefits of single parenting for the child if you make the most of the situation.
Advantages Of Single Parenting
Here are six way that children develop well with a single parent lifestyle…
1 – Children from single parenting households learn forgiveness young.
They learn it toward a parent who might be absent and they also learn it by watching you forgive your spouse/other parent. They learn that resentment, hatred, anger, and distrust are not healthy emotions. No matter what the parenting situation might be, kids ultimately need to learn to forgive and move on – letting go of the past and working toward a bright future.
2 – They are extremely close with the single parent.
You and your child (children) have supported each other through the years and had plenty of family time. You have had a tight, loving, special relationship, and can confide in, as well as support, each another with just about anything. When my mom passed away last year, I cried on the shoulder of my (then) seven year old son many nights and he was amazing support, even at that young age.
3 – They learn about hard work early.
Single parents do all of the work that typically falls on the shoulders of two people. While raising children, single parents bring in most (if not all) of the household income, cook, clean, help with homework, run errands, play, shop, fix problems, fix boo-boo’s, fix toys, fix everything… and hopefully still have a social life. Single parents work hard to raise children alone. So, with any luck, children see all of this and remember the lessons so they never become lazy, entitled, or unappreciative. My son has been raised watching me do it all and I feel certain that the good and bad times are forming a strong base for him and his life.
4 – They are more independent.
Another of the benefits of single parenting for the child is that they often learn to become more independent more quickly. I am an only child, my son is an only child, even his mom is an only child. We are all strong and leaders by nature. In our house, it is just the two of us guys and we are both fiercely independent and strong! Without two parents in the mix, children often have more freedom and must be more independent. Sometimes they need to make breakfast on their own, or motivate themselves for homework, or find creative ways to play and pass time. A child tends to be a quick learner, and a great leader, because they must be.
5 – They are more optimistic (surprise).
If a child has learned to deal with, and work with, the absence of a second parent, they know that it is not necessarily a bad thing. In the case of my ex and I, we a get along great and show our son that a positive result can absolutely come out of a negative situation. He sees that optimism and a good attitude can work wonders when trying to deal with the bad things in life – and that anything is possible even when it starts from a negative place (i.e. divorce).
6 – They learn that acceptance is good.
Many people think the “normal” family, is one with two parents – and most often two opposite sex parents. Guess what? This is 2016 and that is just not always the case. Kids from single parent homes (or non traditional homes) learn that there is no “right or normal” way to be a great family. They don’t feel like they come from a broken or dysfunctional home. And often, just the opposite is true, I see many “normal” households, and parents, who are completely failing as a strong family unit. Children can be amazing no matter what their home life looks like. Great family structures come in all shapes and sizes. Diversity can be good. All that ultimately matters is that children are given a loving, safe, positive, and encouraging environment.
The title that goes on the parent doesn’t matter as long as the message and support coming from that parent are fantastic. Kids from single parent homes can rule the world… as long as you let them know it is possible! Do you have any benefits of single parenting for the child that you would add to this list?
Rob Youngblood is a Single Dad, Keynote Speaker, Life Coach, Communication Expert, Emmy Award Winning TV Host, Writer, and Storyteller. Learn more about him and follow him on Twitter.
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Arely Mendoza says
Hi, I am single mother and I devoted my life to raise my child by myself for him to be a better person. Even though, I was a full time worker and a full time mother I went to college to get my BA in psychology. This year my son will graduates from high school with honors and he will continue college. I am proud to have a wonderful son.