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10 Ways to Reduce the Stress of Single Parenting |
1. Get a handle on your finances! Finances are one of the greatest
challenges for single parents. Learn how to budget your time and money.
Ask for God's help with your financial planning, He has unlimited
resources ... For every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a
thousand hills. ~Psalm 50:10
2. Talk to your kids early and often about the special circumstances of
your family. Leaving them in the dark about family issues may breed
resentment when they discover the truth.
3. Find support and use it. Get help whenever you can. Most churches
and communities have support groups for single parents, so take
advantage of the resources God makes available to you ... Where there
is no guidance the people fall, but in the abundance of counselors
there is victory. ~Prov. 11:14
4. Take time for the family. Working, fixing dinner, cleaning the house
and paying the bills can be overwhelming. Set aside time each day to
enjoy your children and develop your relationship with them.
5. Take time for yourself. Being a single parent doesn't mean you don't
have an adult life. You need interaction with other adults to maintain
a healthy perspective.
6. Keep a daily routine. Making rules, setting a good example and
providing support is tough, but kids need structure. Schedule meals,
chores and bedtime at regular times so your child knows what to expect.
A routine will help your child feel more secure.
7. Maintain consistent discipline. If others help in the care of your
child, talk with them about your methods of discipline. Kids will test
their limits and it's important to have consistent boundaries for
acceptable behavior.
8. Treat the kids like kids. Children have the right to enjoy childhood
and mature at their own pace. Though single parenting can get lonely,
resist the temptation to treat your children as a substitute for an
adult partner.
9. Stay positive. If you consistently verbalize doom and gloom, your
kids will grow up with a distorted perception of reality. They are
hanging on every word you say, so guard your tongue. God promised He'd
take care of you ... Look at the birds of the air, that they do not
sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly
Father feeds them. ~Matt. 6:26
10. Take care of yourself. Exercise, eat right and get enough rest. If
you're out of action, your kids are at risk. If you can't cope, get
help. Don't wait until you're out of control. Many churches and
healthcare facilities have single parent help available.
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Stephen Arterburn is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries—the
nation's largest faith-based broadcast and counseling ministry—and is
the host of the nationally syndicated "New Life Live!" daily radio
program. "New Life Live!" is heard on more than 150 radio stations, is
broadcast via XM Satellite Radio and is available online via www.newlife.com. Steve is a best-selling author of more than 50 books, and a nationally known public speaker.
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