When many couples with children begin to think about divorce, the thought of raising their kids in two homes is frightening. Some worry that being a single parent will be too hard and decide to stay in an unhappy marriage. That’s not always the best choice. It’s no lie that single parenting can have its moments when a parent might think he or she simply cannot cope. However, there are plenty of single-parent homes where the kids are well-adjusted and a parent can feel as though he or she can tackle almost anything.
One woman described her experiences as a single parent, but cautioned that men have just as many difficulties as women. She said there will be times when guilt afflicts a single parent. It can be lonely. The nights when a child is sick and crying, and a baby cries in the next room can be extremely difficult. When the children are so excited to go see the parent is difficult, but so is their crying because they don’t want to leave.
However, she says there is nothing like making your own choices in your life and the lives of your children. Snuggling with your kids is wonderful, as is deciding what to have for dinner, when bedtime is and cleaning when and how you want.
Being a single parent means sacrificing a lot. However, the children are worth it. Having a working relationship with your ex when it comes to visitation, school conferences, doctors’ appointments and more will help make parenting easier. The woman says that “single parenting is hard, and it is easy.” It all depends on how the parent approaches it.
Divorce isn’t easy. The financial and emotional impact of a divorce can last for years. Understanding your options in terms of child custody, child support, alimony and property division can make the process easier. That can also make the time after the divorce a little less difficult as well.
Source: Huffington Post, “The Truth About How Hard Single Parenting Is” Lara Lillibridge, Apr. 25, 2014