Single Parent Skills

Single parent families can function just as effectively and efficiently as the two-parent variety.

Single parent families can function just as effectively and efficiently as the two-parent variety (and have just as much fun), nurturing and encouraging children who grow up to be capable, healthy adults. It is essential, however, to know just how and when to spend your all too-limited time and energy. Carefully sorting out priorities may be one of the most effective things a single parent can do.

There are any number of creative ways to adjust priorities and responsibilities so that they fit better into a limited amount of time. Here are just a few suggestions for streamlining and simplifying your life:

Eliminate unrealistic expectations.
Make a list of all your "shoulds" and "oughts."
Try making lists.
Organize meal preparation.
Share housecleaning duties.
Take time to teach.
Make time for fun.

As a single parent, you may feel that you'd like to "do it all" for your kids, but it isn't always possible. Instead of feeling guilty about this, consider focusing on the opportunity that exists for your children to develop a healthy sense of independence, as well as the essential skills they will need to succeed in life.

Whether you're parenting a newborn or a teenager, I will help you to find out what you can do to help your child develop a healthy sense of independence at any age.

Infants:

Provide lots of tummy time for your baby when she's awake.
When you're playing together, allow your baby to reach for toys that are just out of reach.
Put your child in his crib while he's still awake so he learns to fall asleep on his own.

Toddlers:

Allow your child to choose some meals and snacks.
Provide age-appropriate toys so that your child can learn to play by herself for short periods of time.
Allow your child to have a say in which clothes he will be wearing each day, even if this is limited to basic color selection.
Provide a step-stool so your toddler can reach the bathroom sink.

Preschool:

Allow your child to pick out her own outfits and dress herself.
Follow your child's lead as to when you should begin potty-training. Learning to do it all on his own is a big step!
Be patient when your child changes into outfit-after-outfit. This is an expression of her independence.
Use the same clean-up routines that your child's preschool uses so that your child learns to be responsible for his toys.
Provide lots of learning opportunities throughout the day.
Teach your child how to introduce himself to new friends.

School Age:

Having your child participate in household chores, such as vacuuming, dusting, and washing dishes.
Teaching your child to make at least part of her own breakfast and lunch.
Teaching your child to use a watch and incorporate time in some directions you give.
Providing a responsibility chart so your child can keep track of the household chores he has completed.
Teaching your child to think independently about commercials and advertisements aimed at children.
Teaching your child to monitor his own TV time and video game time.

Pre-teens:

Teach your child how to use an assignment pad to keep track of homework.
Allow your child to make some minor mistakes and learn from them.
Intentionally teach your child how to work through conflicts with her peers. Simply preparing your child with some practical conflict-resolution skills will help foster independence and confidence.
Teach your child to use an alarm clock, if he does not have one already.
Keep your computer in a central location so that you can easily supervise your child's use of the Internet.

Teenagers:

Teach them how to do their own laundry and care for their clothes.
Have them participate in making meals regularly.
Follow through with consequences consistently so that your teenager learns to accept responsibility for his own actions.
Teach your teens about Internet safety.
Talk openly and honestly about sex.
Model how to effectively resolve interpersonal conflicts.

To Return to Single Parenting, Click here

ABOUT US - PRIVACY POLICY - DISCLAIMER - CONTACT US