Many of us single parents often feel like we are doing trapeze without a net. Even if you are a single parent by choice, you might have those days when you have no idea what you are doing and feel completely out of your element. For those others who have had single parenthood thrust on them by a separation, divorce, or death, you may feel like you are playing catch up all of the time. The most useful thing that any of us single parents might do, therefore, it to take time out to gather the information and resources we need and put energy into learning what we really need to know.
I am not talking about reading the daily newspaper here but more about acknowledging those areas where we feel the most ill-prepared and gathering the knowledge we need to get up to speed. For example, if you ex took care of all the money stuff, then you need to get some education and learn about budgeting, accounting, savings, and investments. Once you admit those places where you are weak and need help, then you can go about gathering the information: read books, peruse web sites, take a class, make an appointment to meet with a specialist—all of these are great ways to gather the information you need.
Do you need to learn how to buy a house or relocate? Do you need to choose a new school for your child? How about getting back into college or getting additional training or making work changes? Instead of giving in to feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed and just throwing up your hands—or feeling pushed or rushed into leaping without looking—take the time to learn, gather, and educate. It will make you a better parent and help you rise to the challenges of single parenthood.
Also: Sometimes, You Need to Hear from Someone Who Has “Been There”
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