PARENTING
10 Ways to Reduce
the Stress of Single Parenting
Steve Arterburn
New Life Ministries
CBN.com –
1. Get a handle on your finances! Finances are one of the greatest
challenges for single parents. Learn how to budget your time and money.
Ask for God’s help with your financial planning, He has unlimited
resources ... For every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle
on a thousand hills. -- Psalm 50:10
2. Talk to your kids early and often about the special circumstances
of your family. Leaving them in the dark about family issues may
breed resentment when they discover the truth.
3. Find support and use it. Get help whenever you can. Most
churches and communities have support groups for single parents, so
take advantage of the resources God makes available to you ... Where
there is no guidance the people fall, but in the abundance of counselors
there is victory. -- Prov. 11:14
4. Take time for the family. Working, fixing dinner, cleaning
the house and paying the bills can be overwhelming. Set aside time
each day to enjoy your children and develop your relationship with
them.
5. Take time for yourself. Being a single parent doesn’t
mean you don’t have an adult life. You need interaction with
other adults to maintain a healthy perspective.
6. Keep a daily routine. Making rules, setting a good example
and providing support is tough, but kids need structure. Schedule
meals, chores and bedtime at regular times so your child knows what
to expect. A routine will help your child feel more secure.
7. Maintain consistent discipline. If others help in the
care of your child, talk with them about your methods of discipline.
Kids will test their limits and it’s important to have consistent
boundaries for acceptable behavior.
8. Treat the kids like kids. Children have the right to enjoy
childhood and mature at their own pace. Though single parenting can
get lonely, resist the temptation to treat your children as a substitute
for an adult partner.
9. Stay positive. If you consistently verbalize doom and
gloom, your kids will grow up with a distorted perception of reality.
They are hanging on every word you say, so guard your tongue. God
promised He’d take care of you ... Look at the birds of the
air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns,
and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. -- Matt. 6:26
10. Take care of yourself. Exercise, eat right and get enough
rest. If you’re out of action, your kids are at risk. If you
can’t cope, get help. Don’t wait until you’re out of
control. Many churches and healthcare facilities have single parent
help available.
And we’re here for you too. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you
can contact us at 1-800-NEW-LIFE or www.newlife.com.
God has a great plan for your life and the lives of your kids! Psalm
32:8 tells us The Lord says, I will guide you along the best pathway
for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Open your heart
to Him and He’ll help you stay on the right path.
CBN IS HERE FOR YOU!
Are you seeking answers in life? Are you hurting?
Are you facing a difficult situation?
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
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