Single Parent Super Hero

In the world today, diverse families are the norm. Whether is same sex couples raising children, multi-racial families or single parent households, every family deals with it’s own set of challenges.
Single parenting , however has it’s own unique challenges.  Some of us have great outside support systems, some have heavily involved co-parents and some do not, some are completely alone and left to do it all. Regardless of your situation, the feelings of helplessness, guilt, exhaustion and self-doubt are imminent. Or are they…
The family dynamic has changed over the years and accepting that you are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing is the first step in changing the stigma of single parents. We don’t need pity and certainly should not feel ashamed.
Once I was able to accept my situation, my choice and myself as the best role model that my daughter could ever have, the world seemed brighter; the darkness and loneliness left me.
Here is something that I know to be true…Your children love you, they never for a second see the inadequacies in you that you feel are there. They look to you for positivity, reinforcement, pride and strength. You are a super hero to them even when the days’ stress makes you feel like the villain. Because…every moment of every day, your child has the comfort of knowing that you are their constant, that you are their cheering squad, that you are the person that they want to grow up to be like. Release the guilt and the wonder of whether you are screwing them up.  Stop focusing on all of the negatives that have been imbedded in our brains and you will bask in the glory of raising the most confident, successful, compassionate and well-rounded individuals.
Try not to use single parenting as an excuse for not being able to participate in an adult activity or for being late or absent for work. On the flip side do not feel guilty for doing things for yourself or working too much.
Embrace it, because every so called sacrifice is just strength in your character.
And remember you and your child(ren) will always have an unbreakable bond, they will learn a sense of compassion and community, be able to accept and embrace adversity and be more empathetic and willing to work hard for the greater good and guess what Super Hero…?
It’s all because of you!

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