As a single parent, I can get a little too heavy on the check lists and life goals. I suppose it is because I feel like I have little room for error and maybe a bit of a chip on my shoulder. I think in the back of my brain I imagine I must have something to prove. Other single parents might be heavy on the emotions and less into the practical goals. Finding a balance is important for all of us—finding a way to rely on both our brains and our hearts to guide us on the single parent path.
So, what does this mean for a single parent? Well, we still do need to be responsible and have some sort of a plan. We need to parent with love and tenderness, but also with consistency and discipline. Our kids need us to be firm and in charge, but they also need us to be playful and silly and affectionate (we NEED that for ourselves too). I know that I am in no danger of forgetting to pay the electric bill or deciding one morning not to get up and hit the desk in order to keep food on the table—but sometimes I can forget to let things go a little bit in order to enjoy a sunrise, or spend an extra hour or two with my kids just chatting and doing nothing.
What is right for our kids and us both practically and emotionally? How can we be loving and approachable, as well as strong and competent? How can we pay attention to our balance sheets and check lists and be ready for a game of catch or an afternoon of Monopoly? For single parents, it can sometimes be hard to find this balance—but learning how can be one of the greatest gifts of being a single parent!
Also: When Things Start Closing In
Fun is Okay for a Single Parent Too