Acceptance of responsibility

Successful single parents accept the responsibilities and challenges of single parenting. They neither minimize nor exaggerate problems but seek solutions. They acknowledge the difficulties (e.g., lack of personal time, restricted social life, sole responsibility for meeting multiple needs, financial stress) without self-pity or bitterness.

Commitment to family

Family is the highest priority. They focus on being the best possible single parent, which often means putting the needs of the child first. They genuinely like and enjoy children, sacrificing time, money and energy for the sake of the children. They try to be supportive, patient and help children cope. Like other effective parents, they are consistent and non-punitive. This discipline style gives children choices, uses natural and logical consequences and provides structure.

Open communication

Successful single parents foster open communication. These parents encourage clear and open expression of thoughts and feelings in the family as a key to developing honest and trusting relationships.

Successful home management

Successful single parents manage the family needs well. They strive to be well-organized, dependable and work hard to coordinate schedules. They take pride in their ability to financially provide for the family, although finances still remain a struggle.

Healthy self-care

Successful single parents take care of themselves. Despite lack of time, these parents recognize that caring for themselves is important. They attempt to achieve it through physical, spiritual, emotional and/or social means.

Positive outlook on challenges

Successful single parents have a positive attitude toward parenting and life in general. They see positive aspects in stressful situation and feel that they have succeeded despite many doubts.
Other characteristics of a successful home can include creating a viable support network for all family members, verbally reassuring your children of your love for them-often, as well as having and showing respect for each other.

Successful single-parents:

• Accept their role.
• View parenting as first priority.
• Discipline in consistent and democratic manner; neither permissive nor too restrictive.
• Emphasize open communication and expression of feelings.
• Practice healthy self-care
• Develop and maintain traditions and rituals for their families.
• Work toward financial self-sufficiency and independence.
• Move forward with their lives in a positive manner.
• Manage family time and activities.
• Connect with others; have a support network.

“Used with permission of in step ministries, instepministries.com. Copyright (c) 2009 by instepministries.com.  All rights reserved.”