Children at a higher risk of behavior and social skills are children of divorce. The stress and trauma affected by the break up can cause behavioral problems associated with adjustment. The risks decrease when the parents can still come together as a team and support the best interests of the child/children.
We can't assume because we say single parenting that these children are children of divorce. Many single parents have never been married or survived the death of a loved one. Isolation, lack of support, financial struggles and emotional overwhelm can still be suffered by parents that are not divorced but have been impacted by a death. The child absorbs and mirrors the adult's feelings, for example, if the adult/parent is constantly stressed or overwhelmed, the child will feel this also.
To help you manage your stress, you need to get a support group, friends or relatives. Be relaxed, if you are not relaxed, your child cannot be relaxed. Start your own support group to talk about your experiences if there is not one in your area. If there is something that you need to get done or just some time on your own, offer to watch each others' children because it is important that you get some alone time, away from your child and job.
Having a role models of both genders for every child, this means finding a mentor. The mentors could be a coach, teacher, someone from a group, or a church. Before letting this mentor around your child, you need to know the person. The importance of a mentor of your child's gender is not to be underestimated
Most adults tend to be goal oriented, while most children are process orientated. Which means be an active participant in your child's growing awareness and what interests your child. You must allow your self to become process oriented in order to play with her or engage in her interests, engage your child in activities he/she loves. When you go beyond meeting the child's physical and emotional needs, this is how single parents creates that bond.
Make bonds with your child by connection and communication. During the tough and mundane moments, your child will need someone to be as a guide. Connecting and communicating with your child not only energizes you but it feels good and will meet your child's needs, it is difficult to do this as a single parent because you are their sole provider, but with married parents you have the support of the other parent when the other one is unavailable.
To create a healthy, loving relationship with your child try to incorporate these important tips in your child's life. Single parenting can be rewarding, fulfilling, and tough. The future of your child's physical, emotional and spiritual well-being depends on if you use the tips or not.
