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. If you are trying to find a silver lining, here are the advantages of a single parent family.
First a quick word on solo vs single parenting. While the terms “solo parenting” and “single parenting” are often used interchangeably, they have different nuances. A single parent is someone who is not married or partnered and is raising a child, but they may still share responsibilities with the child’s other parent. This can include co-parenting arrangements, shared custody, or financial and emotional support from the other parent.
In contrast, a solo parent carries the full weight of parenting alone, without help from a co-parent. This might be due to choice, such as in the case of a single mother by choice, or due to circumstances like the death of a partner, abandonment, or an absent parent. Essentially, solo parenting reflects the complete responsibility one parent has for raising a child on their own, whereas single parenting describes the family structure without necessarily implying a lack of support. All solo parents are single parents, but not all single parents are truly solo.
Advantages Of Single Parent Family
I have grown immensely as person, and as a father, because of my current single parent family structure. 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. Single-parent households may not have as much freedom or as much spontaneity but the rewards far, far outweigh any complaints.
I also think that the single parenthood can compliment and enhance a child in great ways. It can help children of single parents grow and become stronger and more capable because they are, from an early age, seeing first hand the effort that goes into 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.
Here are six ways that children develop well with a single parent lifestyle. I am not saying it is better overall, but here are the single parent family advantages that you can make the most of. With divorce rates in the United States as high as they are, we single-parent families have to be sure to spend quality time with family members and provide them with the emotional support system we all need.
1 – Children from single parenting households learn forgiveness young.
One of the positive effects of single parent families is that kids learn how to forgive. They learn it toward a non-custodial 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 are essential for our mental health and personal growth.
2 – Kids have a strong bond 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 with lots of day-to-day responsibilities 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 – The child is 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. This inherently makes one more comfortable with adult company. 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). Difficult times can be overcome with a positive attitude.
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. Single parents face lots of challenges but they don’t have to be considered less of a family or a broken family.
Conclusion on the advantages of single parenting
Children can be amazing no matter what type of family they have. 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 (single dads, single moms, custodial parents) 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.