Greetings, I hope these words find you doing well and being Super Mom to your little and big gifts aka children. To say single parenting is a challenge would be an understatement due to the ups and downs that we may face. It is like drinking water from a fire hydrant at times. And we know that is not a good idea. Don’t get me wrong, it’s also the most rewarding work I do all day. I love my babies. Sometimes, my babies don’t cooperate with me and the plan I’ve set for the day. Are you like that? Yeah, I know you just said YES!
Well, I’ve learned that even messing up the plan can be okay. I mean, I can’t be a control freak (even when I want to be) all the time. Life happens, and you and I, my friend, must be able to change with it. Life sure will move on without us. Won’t it? But, all cliches aside, the ups and downs of single parenting are real. We can’t escape them. But, we can live through them. May they encourage you on the journey.
Here, I list 5 ups and 5 downs of single parenting:
5 Downs
1. It’s just you.
No one has to tell you how hard it is because you handle a job, family, etc. every day by yourself.
2. It’s really hard.
This is by far the toughest job there is. Getting little and big humans to be obedient, respectful to you and others, keep them alive (because little and small make not so wise decisions), feed them, and keep them safe EVERY DAY is no small feat. But you do it for the sheer fact that your heart and theirs are knit for eternity. Hard becomes a casualty of war where you always win because you never stop providing for your babies. Amen!
3. A community would be nice.
Gosh! Wouldn’t it be great if you had some help? May we all find the village that supports us and our kids. Until then,
4. Discipline is not fun.
It sucks, but someone has to do it. It’s unfortunately you. Do it because they need it.
Hey, I have no trouble passing out discipline. I’m a professional extra fun “take a-water”. Ask my boys.
5. They only have me.
Being the only parent bites. YOU DO ALL the work. When I say all, I mean all the work. But, take joy. You are making a world of difference.
5 Ups
1. You love them. You’re here for good.
Permanence in a child’s life is so important. They are blessed to have you. You are the blessing. I know it’s hard, but be proud of that.
2. You are a family.
My two boys and I are what it is. I didn’t plan to do it alone but alone is what’s best for us. Sometimes, other folks aren’t meant to stay, or they are best not being a part of your union. Let them go. Their loss.
3. You’re raising good kids.
I know I gripe, at times. But, I am blessed to have good boys. (I also discipline them. That helps.) But, it is important to pat yourself on the back because alone, your kids are stellar. Some married folks didn’t have parenting figured out. You rock!
4. You affect them positively.
As the parent with the sole responsibility of raising my boys, I have the privilege of influencing them. That means good values and respect for self, women, others, and the world gets taught minus the stuff they could have learned. Hey, count your blessings. Raising them alone has its perks.
5. You have a support system.
I praise God for the few folks I can count on to help me raise my boys with vision. Having and being a support to others is imperative in the single-parent family. Don’t despair if you have no system. You can still create one. Start thinking about mentors for your boys- good men you trust, and for your daughters- good women you trust. Create your village from friends, people at church, etc, and be open to new relationships. God will send you who you need.
I pray some of these have made you chuckle, given you hope, and/or shown you that you are not alone. Single parenting may have ups and downs or we may have some negatives, but the positive is your kids have YOU.
Be blessed and remember, Do It Anyway!
Are you ready to rock the life you’ve got? To have peace, healing, hope, and a strategy to parent well? Then, sis, Do It Anyway! is for you!