Transitioning to life as a single parent in Pennsylvania can take time and require support from others. Recognizing that you will need to adjust the way you used to do things can help you have more flexibility.
Even though you no longer have another person to share daily parenting tasks with, being proactive about the way you handle your new responsibilities can enable you to thrive in your new role.
Expecting challenges
Parenting is not for the faint of heart. Even if your ex agrees to co-parent with you, the pressure of taking over a majority of parenting duties can leave you feeling overwhelmed. According to the Mayo Clinic, other common challenges for single parents may include the following:
- Affording the financial obligations of raising your child
- Balancing parenting responsibilities and your career
- Providing adequate emotional support for your child
- Finding time to socialize with your friends
- Disciplining and enforcing household rules
Embracing change
Anticipating challenges can help you to feel more confident when they arise. Adequate preparation may enable you to already have some ideas about how to handle certain issues. You can also draw upon the experiences of others to find a solution that will work for you.
Recognize that you must care for yourself to enable you to be the best parent you can be. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Consider informing your employer of your situation so they can have more flexibility if a sudden need arises that takes you away from work. Set healthy boundaries and maintain a positive perspective. If possible, find people you trust to help care for your children so you can have some time to do something for yourself.