I know that not everyone comes willingly to life as a single parent, or feels like jumping for joy at the prospect of facing another school conference, or band concert, or parent’s night as a solo parent. Many of us never imagined in a million years that we would be parenting alone, while others may still be getting used to the reality. So, maybe you’re not thrilled at ecstatic about being a single parent and maybe you never will be—but you could at least shoot for developing a sense of contentment…
Carrying the burden of bitterness and resentment can get pretty heavy! And, the longer we carry it, the heavier it becomes. Meanwhile, we might be missing out on some joyful and marvelous months or years of parenting our child or children. Sure, being a single parent can be tough, daunting, overwhelming, and fraught with worries and poverty and all sorts of other unpleasant realities—but it doesn’t have to be miserable and there are thousands and thousands of people every day who are quite content in their roles as single parents.
Creating a feeling of contentment means not only letting go of the bitterness and resentment and feelings of victimization, but it also means finding ways to feel good about what you are doing and how your family is configured NOW. Not how it was, or how you always thought it could be, but the reality of what your family is today. There are all sorts of little joys and pleasantries that happen in the course of one day—by focusing on those, and on the gift of your child or children, and on all the perfectly fine things you do as a parent—you may be able to find some contentment in your role as a single parent.
Also: How Long is a Single Parent’s Day?
Let Go of Feeling Like a Victim
Remember, Obstacles Make Us Stronger