Five Single Parenting Facts. Hello everyone, I hope you are well. In today’s post, I will be sharing five single parenting facts. Parenting alone is the hardest thing to do in the world but is also the best life experience you could ever encounter. Someone had recently asked me – ‘Sonia, what are the good things about being a single parent? I had no words. I have been so consumed with worry and how tired I was, and I forgot about the good things. So, in today’s post, I will share some single parenting facts based on my experience as a single parent.
Five Single Parenting Facts
Life-Changing
Whatever you were doing before having a child for any parents, married or not, having a child is life-changing. Some parents struggle to accept the change, and some get along. The difference is single parents do not have a choice. You must admit and be willing to take that your life is about to change.
All your dreams and ambitions will have to be on hold because you are a single parent (at least, that’s what I was told). However, I said ‘on hold’, not ‘give up! You will need a timeout to figure everything out. You have a brand human who needs you and loves you (except your mother) more than anyone else ever did. So take as much time as necessary to create a strong bond with your child; the rest will fall in place.
Expensive
Being a parent, in general, is expensive because kids’ products are expensive. I thought it would be less costly as they grew older..but how wrong was I? I realise that fulfilling their needs and supporting their growth is essential. It keeps rising when you do that, and then think about the household bills you pay every month. I feel like my household bill increases every month, which is unreal. Something will always come up regardless of how hard I try to stick to a budget.
Exhausting
Not only you have lack sleep, but you will also become emotionally exhausted. Single parents go through a lot, from waking up in the morning to bedtime at night. There is no bedtime because while the kids are asleep, that’s when we do the things we’re supposed to do during the day. Sometimes, you’ll get tired and want to cry but can’t because your kids are in front of you, and you would not want them to see you call.
Your brain is still awake at bedtime because you are thinking about tomorrow or the future, or just in case she fell off her bed or something, you will be able to think and act fast. Your ears are alert because you want to make sure she’s safe. No crying, no creepy noises were coming from the neighbours etc. Your eyes are open because you’d like to be able to see where you are going and check on her every so often.
Loneliness
This is one thing I am still struggling with while single parenting. I thought I would not be lonely anymore when I had a child. I will finally have my best friend. However, you will start to appreciate adult conversion with other people. The problem with that is finding an extraordinary friendship for you. Trust me; you do not want any negative energy around your household. Be careful when selecting the people to enjoy in your child’s life. You’ll realise that you probably need only one good friend or possibly no one. You can keep a balance and distance between your social life and your household.
Brings Out The Best In You
Single parenting brings out the best in you. It challenges you to become a better person, and it makes you a stronger person. It teaches you how to love and how to trust. You will do things you never imagine yourself doing. You will discover a new personality and live a life of laughter, tears, joy and happiness. At the same time, you watch your child grow, and because of all your sacrifices, you will realise that it was all worth it.
What is life when you work so hard, full time, 9-5, and come to an empty house? Why cook when you are only cooking for yourself? What is the point of living without your child? You will find out that nothing else matters, not really. Yes, single parenting is a lot of work. Just like anything else, it has its highs and lows. However, remember you control your and your child’s life. Do not let anyone tell you differently. The most significant thing is that you did it all by yourself!
I hope you enjoy that.
Talk soon
5 Comments
Stephanie
Thanks for sharing. I was just talking to my mom about this today so thought it would be fitting to share a comment she made with me; she is single and my 12yo half brother lives at home.
She was mentioning how a positive is that she gets time for herself when my half brother is with his dad.
This meaning there is a person with whom you share custody with. If your doing it all yourself it’s definitely different!
Take care!
Marie
Wow! Sounds like your are doing an amazing job being a single parent! I like how you keep it realistic but also look at the positive!
Tracy @ Cleland Clan
Kudos to you! Kids are expensive–now that they’ve all moved out, we seem to have money to spare (well, to vacation on, anyway). I can’t imagine my life without my kids!
Lia
Wow, I couldn’t even imagine! Strong woman are unstoppable!
Tabea
Wow, I have so much respect for all who live that single parent life, definitely not easy but all worth it for the children.