As a solo parent, did you ever experience headaches
raising a bunch of little monsters? A solo parent or single parent is defined
as one not living with a spouse or partner, who has most of the day-to-day responsibilities
in raising the child or children.
Being a single parent is no easy job especially when
you have 4 under your brood and with just enough income for daily needs. Single parenting is not something bad or unfortunate at
all as some people view it. Once you’re able to handle the complex issues of
money, childcare, and your
relationship (if any) with your child's other parent, then single parenting can
be a joy. Seeing your brood grow up to be happy kids is worth the effort, and
the headaches of course. Here’s what I can share:
Communicate- Talk, listen, share, ask questions, SMS, call, chat, email- call them
what you want. What matters most is that you have communications going on with
kids anytime of the day. Caring parents take effort in contacting their kids
whenever they’re at school, at work, or wherever. Who wouldn’t worry if it’s
past 10pm and kid isn’t home yet? When my kids were small, we enjoyed talking
at mealtimes. Listening to their school escapades and achievements made us
proud parents. I made sure they feel loved through verbal and non- verbal
gestures. Being free to communicate with each other is one good way of raising happy kids.
Share interests- Kids and I share the same interests- food, sand, sea, fun, etc. It’s a
kind of bonding when you let them prepare their favorite barbecue while you
whip up their favorite dessert. And yes, we do that—eat outdoors as in picnic,
for instance. Then afterwards each one does her/his share of clearing away the
area. At long vacations especially during the Holy Week (for Christians), we
gathered round the living room to watch old favorites- movies with moral
values. Or during Christmas season when they’re off school, we enjoyed watching
funny movies together and laughed our hearts out.
Teach independence- Teach your kids independence at a tender age. As
a mom, it was my pride to see my kids when they were 5 years old to bathe or do
toileting by themselves. School was a source of excitement as they rose up
early to bath. Also, ask your tot courteously but firmly to tidy up his closet
or his toy box after playing. You won’t need to remind kids every time once
they realize the consequences of not tidying up. Experiencing some degree of
independence at a young age gives your child the chances to grow up
well-adjusted. Today, my kids are a bit older, the eldest has married, the next
a marketing professional, the third a psychology college major and the youngest
a 7th grader. As I look into the past, I thank God when people
remark how great kids I have. I feel proud I’ve been raising happy kids.
Do you have a story
about raising happy kids? Please share
your thoughts.
