by Travers & Travers | Sep 25, 2019 |

Raising a child as a single parent seems like a frightening concept that will soon become reality as you go through divorce proceedings. It’s understandable why you’d be afraid going into this new part of your life. You might worry about trying to balance your work life and your family life now that you don’t have a spouse to share parenting duties with at home.

However, being a single parent doesn’t mean you’ll be an ineffective parent. Raising your kid on your own may end up teaching you and your child some new skills that could end up making both of your lives better in the long run.

You’ll become more independent

Even though you had your duties in the marriage, you’ll now have to do what you and your spouse formerly did in your new home. It can feel very difficult at first not having your ex in the house to help you out, but this gives you the opportunity to improve yourself as both a parent and a worker. Some areas in which many single parents improve in after a divorce include:

• Commitment
• Communication
• Decision making
• Organization
• Money management
• Being realistic

If you need help improving in any of these aspects, you don’t need to call your ex. Being single also gives you the chance to build up a new network of social support from established family members, friends and new people you’ll end up meeting along the way.

You’ll raise your child as you decide

Even though parents work together when raising the child, they can get into arguments if their respective styles of parenting clash with each other. Now that you no longer have a spouse in the house, you don’t have to worry about those disputes. Living in a place devoid of those conflicts is not only great for you, but also your kid. Children of parents that constantly bicker in front of them could suffer long-term mental health problems.

Single parenting also encourages the child to help more around the house since there will be times where you will have too much to do. Teaching your child to perform household tasks such as cleaning and cooking can help shape them into responsible adults.

As you enter this new part of your life, it is important to start building your new social network early. Don’t be afraid to reach out to experienced professionals if you have any questions on child custody and support.