This may seem like an incredibly obvious topic for a blog directed at parents, but we single parents focus so much on getting things done–paying the bills, making sure everyone gets fed and gets to where they need to go, and keeping all those balls in the air–that we might overlook the obvious: our children need to know and feel how much we love them and it is up to us to make sure that happens.
You may think that your children will “get it;” that they will assume that you love them because you take care of all those daily details that need to be taken care of it. How could they not understand that you are doing all of these often unpleasant things just because you love them? But, children do not really understand that side of parenting until they are grown up, maybe not even until they become parents themselves (if they become parents themselves someday.) Children need to hear us tell them that we love them, but they also need the affection and warm emotional moments that send the message loud and clear.
Take time out of your busy single parent’s schedule to have a cuddle or story time with a young child; or talk about your day with an older child. Activities like baking cookies or sipping lemonade on the patio can turn into prime moments to show and share your love. Create times where you can focus on communicating and being affectionate with the child where there won’t be any distractions–no ringing phone or e-mails or a computer on your lap. Sure, our children need to know they can count on us and that we are taking care of all the details and responsibilities, but they need to feel our love and affection too.
Also: Express Yourself