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aising children
is hard work for two parents. Raising them alone can be overwhelming.
Nevertheless,
experts say it’s possible to survive, even thrive, in a single-parent
family if the parent develops a plan for the family.
Here are some suggestions
offered by experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics:
- Establish
consistency:
Schedule meals, chores and bedtime at the same time. And be consistent
when it comes to discipline. “Children need that consistency
in order to develop properly. That sense of security is essential,”
says Peter Stavinoha, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist on staff at Children’s
Medical Center of Dallas.
- Foster
stability:
Do what you can to minimize changes in child care arrangements.
- Don’t
try to be both parents: “Let’s face it, a person
can’t be both parents, and it’s a mistake to try,”
says Dr. Stavinoha. “Instead, single parents need to find other
influences for the child — uncles, grandparents, athletic coaches.”
- Don’t
criticize your former spouse: “Studies tell us the
No. 1 factor in negative adjustments to divorce by kids always is
a spouse who belittles the other spouse in front of the child,”
says Dr. Stavinoha.
- Establish
a good support system: Cultivate ties with your extended
family, neighbors, friends or single-parenting groups.
- Be
honest: Children need to be told that one of their parents
will no longer live with them, while being assured that both parents
still love them.
- Seek
help: If problems persist for more than a few weeks, talk
to your doctor.
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