10 Ugly Truths About Single Parenting

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Do many people think that single parenting is better but is it? Let’s take a look at the 10 Ugly Truths About Single Parenting.

The fact is, it’s hard being a single parent…

And this isn’t just true for the new generation of stay-at-home parents who are doing their best to raise children all by themselves. This is also true for people who are single parents raised. People have different opinions on whether or not having only one parent is good enough. Some say that growing up in different households can cause children to be more well-rounded individuals.

In contrast, others believe that having two stable parents, male and female, better ensures that children grow up with values like respect for different sexes and different races/religions/backgrounds/personalities. A single parent is a term used to describe an individual’s parenting role and at least one ex-spouse or other non-cohabiting partner. This term applies regardless of the circumstances surrounding the break-up, such as whether two parents decided to divorce or if one left the other for another person.

1. You’ll be judged every chance they get by everyone.

People will find any reason to judge single parents everywhere they go. They could criticize your parenting style on the street, on public transportation, at the grocery store, and just about anywhere else. 

The most important thing to remember in all of this is that you aren’t alone. There are many single parents out there raising their kids, and many people are trying to understand what it’s like. The best way to deal with being judged as a single parent is not to care about the judgments of others.

2. Single parenting increases the chances of child abuse

The absence of a co-parent around can make it easy for one parent to take advantage of the other. There is no oversight in terms of discipline, nor is there another person who will be able to check up on the health and well-being of the children.

Never leave young children alone with someone else – it can be dangerous even if you trust this person 100%. Ask for help from family and friends if you need it. Even if you don’t have a large support system, seek out other parents with young children. You can set up play dates to get some needed break time so that your child does not have to be alone with a sitter at all times. 

3. Child support benefits do not offset single parenthood’s other economic challenges

Children are expensive. Families with two adults have more financial flexibility than those having to manage alone. This situation can lead to an increased reliance on government assistance to make ends meet, or it can simply lead to decreased living standards for the family. Combine that with decreased income due to divorce or break up, then it’s no wonder why many single parents find themselves struggling financially.

4. You will feel guilty every single day

As a single parent, you will feel guilty for everything. You will feel guilty when you miss your son’s basketball game because of work; when you send your daughter to school without breakfast because there wasn’t enough time to make her eggs; when you can only afford macaroni and cheese instead of steak for dinner. It’s an eternal cycle of guilt that follows you until your last breath.

I believe we all single mothers live with this, but it’s the best decision moving forward. The best way to prevent this feeling is to spend as much quality time as possible and cherish even the smallest moments together.

5. Your independence will be threatened at every turn

Do you know what makes dating difficult? Finding someone willing to accept it all. When you’re single parenting, that’s the job of every person who comes into contact with your children–and it can be an enormous stressor to any new partner you meet. Just because it might not be “your” kid does not mean they won’t treat it like one; just because their parents were horrible people who treated them doesn’t mean they don’t want all your money, and just because they aren’t blood-related to you doesn’t make them any less entitled to act out when things don’t go their way. If someone wants to date you, they need to understand exactly what kind of responsibility balances on their shoulders should they choose to walk into this situation with you–and those who have a problem with it should be the first people to go.

6. Divorced fathers rarely see their children after the split

If dad has visitation rights but doesn’t get to spend time with his kids, there is often friction between him and the mother, which does not get resolved quickly. Going through the court system can be stressful and time-consuming, leading to not seeing his children at all, especially if he has little means of financially supporting an attorney.

7. Parental stress hinders parents’ ability to parent effectively

Stress can have a serious impact on family life. Stressful parents are less likely to play with their kids or take them out for activities, which are important foundations in child development. Their health issues may also prevent them from being there for their children when they need it most, affecting the quality of time they spend together.

8. Single parenting dramatically increases people’s risk of suicide

People who live with depression every day often find it difficult to cope with their emotions. Not having a shoulder to cry on or a person who they can talk to can send them into a dark place, leading them down a path of suicide. If this parent doesn’t support friends and family, they will inevitably struggle more as single parents than married ones.

9. Single parenting makes dating hard

It is almost impossible for single parents to date because of all the responsibilities that they already have at home, not including anyone who might try to enter their lives romantically. Their kids come first, so if they ever find themselves in a situation where they feel unsafe around their partner, there’s no question about which person has priority here – it’s going to be mom or dad.

10. Single-parent families suffer from fewer resources

Because these parents already have so much on their plates, they don’t have time for themselves most often than not. This can lead to depression taking over their lives, except this time they see no one else around them who can help them feel better most times than not.

Because of this, they don’t have the means to maintain their homes or make improvements that are especially difficult if they live in poverty. It’s not uncommon for them to be laid off from work more often than married couples, either leaving them jobless and with no money to provide for their children.

Check out these awesome resources for single mothers I put together for you! All you need is a goal to change your life. Start that thinking process today. 5 Best Work From Home Ideas | 5 Best Grants For Single Moms

It’s hard to be a single parent. Many parents or have been in the past can attest to this, but some will say it with more passion than others. As we grow as individuals and society changes, so does our perspective on what makes up a family unit. With divorce rates hovering at 50% for first marriages and about 66% for second ones, many individuals find themselves without their spouse and looking after their children full-time alone. Even if you don’t want that responsibility for yourself, then chances are your kids do – they need both of their parents present just like any other child needs them there every day.

These are the 10 Ugly Truths About Single Parenting. What are your struggles with being a single mother? How do you build mental toughness to cope with the workload on your daily routine?

Comment below to share with our readers!

Xo Lisa