Being a single parent can be stressful as one person is responsible for all childcare duties. This can lead to pressure, stress, fatigue, and potentially behavioral issues in children if the parent is overwhelmed. Single-parent families also typically have lower incomes and less access to healthcare. However, single parents can reduce stress by showing their child love, creating routines, prioritizing family time, leaning on support systems, and staying positive.

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Health Topics
Single parenting

2. 1
Overview
Single-parent families are more common that ever,
but that does not make the situation any easier or
less stressful. Being both a father figure and a
mother figure to a parent is nearly impossible, and
having only 1 set of hands to have everything
doesn't help.
As a single parent, you may be responsible for all
aspects

3. 2
Overview
of day-to-day child care, which can result in added
pressure, stress and
fatigue. If you're too tired or distracted to be
supportive
or discipline your child, behavioral problems might
arise.
In addition, single-parent families generally have
lower incomes and

4. 3
Overview
less access to health care than those with 2
parents. Juggling work and children can be
financially difficult and socially isolating. You might
also worry about
the lack of a male or female parental role model
for your child.

5. 4
Dealing with Challenges
To reduce stress in your single-parent family:
-- Show your love. Remember to praise your child.
Give him or her your unconditional love and
support.

6. 5
Dealing with Challenges
-- Create a routine. If you create structure in things
like meal time and bed time, your child will know
what to expect and be more comfortable with the
day-to-day routine.
-- Prioritize family time. Set aside time each day to
play, read or simply sit with your child. Be sure you
have adequate time with your child to just sit and
relax. When you are not available, be sure to find
quality child care for him or her.

7. 6
Dealing with Challenges
-- Don't feel guilty. Don't blame yourself or spoil
your child to try to make up for the fact that you
are a single parent.
-- Lean on friends and family. Just because you're a
single parent doesn't mean you have to do
everything yourself. Join a support group for single
parents or call on loved ones, friends and
neighbors for help.

8. 7
Dealing with Challenges
-- Stay positive. Your mood and attitude can affect
your child. It's OK to be honest with your child if
you're having a difficult time, but remind him or
her that things will get better. Try to keep your
sense of humor when dealing with everyday
challenges.

9. 8
Resources
-- The Single Parent Resources Center
-- Single parent dating site
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