What Is A Family?
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All families have strengths. Raising a child as a single parent can be both challenging and rewarding. Single parent families make parenting their first priority. They want the best for their child and they are determined to do their best. In a single parent home, discipline is usually consistent and open communication and expression of feelings is encouraged. Single parents develop traditions or rituals for their families and are usually successful in time management of activities and family life.
Characteristics of a strong family include spending quality time with each other where you may read a book or go for a walk together. Family members work together to solve problems. Parents discover what their child’s interests are and encourage them. Parents often show their appreciation to their children by saying thank you when chores are finished or just saying I love you. Good communication skills are needed. Ask your child how was their day and really listen when they talk. Children need a secure attachment with loved ones so that they develop social-emotional skills that are strong. Children benefit from good role models of both sexes. Look for family members or a friend of the opposite sex and invite them to spend some time with your child so that he is exposed to a positive role model.
Single parenting is a completely different world when compared to parenting from both mom and dad. A parent who has to raise his or her children on their own has to adjust to doing activities that both parents are expected to provide. Stress can be overwhelming for a single parent due to having a very busy and demanding life. You may have to juggle work, school and home in addition to the parenting of the children. You will need to find ways to balance life. Accept help from others – they may watch your children for you while you run errand or even do the errand for you. Take time from your busy routine to plan a special outing for you and your child – maybe a trip to the zoo or a movie. But most importantly, take some time for yourself – you need a chance to relax and do something that you enjoy. It could be as simple as taking a bubble bath or reading a book when the children are in bed asleep. If a single parent is depressed, overtired, or too distracted you may not be able to meet the child’s needs both patiently and consistently.
Parenting is a hard job. You may be a single parent but you are not alone. Parents As Teachers is here to support you.
The Parents As Teachers program is a free and voluntary program available to any family in Hoke County with children prenatal to 5 years. PAT has certified parent educators, both English and Spanish speaking, who will support you and help you become your child’s first, best and most influential teacher. If you are interested in the Parents As Teachers program, please contact us at (910) 875-2000 or stop by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Center at 116 West Prospect Avenue, located beside Turlington School in Raeford.
Parents As Teachers is funded by Smart Start and administered by North Carolina Cooperative Extension.