Different Styles of Parenting – Which One is Best?

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parenting67 Different Styles of Parenting Which One is Best?


There are different styles of parenting, and each of them has it’s own style and characteristics. Basically, there are four styles of parenting: authoritarian, authoritative (sometimes called egalitarian), permissive, and uninvolved.

The uninvolved parenting style is when the parents are simply not there to be parents to their children. So this type of parenting can be described as “non existent”. Therefore, we will not discuss it here, because it is not an effective parenting style. Kids with an uninvolved parent often struggle with feelings of rejection, lack of self-esteem, and trust issues.

Let’s take a look at the other three parenting styles – authoritarian, authoritative and permissive.

Authoritarian, authoritative and permissive represent the range of parenting styles, where authoritarian is on one end, the permissive on the other end, and authoritative in the middle.

The parenting style differ form each other in two aspects – structure and responsiveness.

Structure represents the limits and rules a child has to obey to, therefore it is the main ingredient in authoritarian parenting.

Responsiveness is the parent’s sensitivity to a child’s voice. It represents the child’s wants and needs. Responsiveness is therefore the most important element in permissive parenting.

So, while authoritarian parenting is high on structure, it is low on Responsiveness. For example, is a child is late to come home, he or she will expect to be punished. If they fail to complete their homework or other chores, they will bare the consequences. Their parent will not listen to their needs and there will be no negotiation as for the limits and rules that this parent determines for his child.

With the permissive parent, things are quite the opposite. There are very few rules and limits to the child, and therefore, he or she have very little discipline. This may cause future problems, as these children do not learn how to deal with rules and how to connect between wring doing and punishment.

The best parenting model is the authoritative model. This is a balanced model between the authoritarian and the permissive models. Using this model, the child learns to obey rules and limitation imposed by his parent. But the child is also able to voice his or her opinion, and negotiate. For example, a child can ask for a new curfew hour, if it is justified. He can ask to bend the rules once, if it is important. The authoritative families work as a team ,where the child has duties and rules, but also has the right to have adults listen to his opinions and needs.

Authoritative parenting is a balanced parenting style, with both high structure and high responsiveness. The parents are engaged and flexible, but they are still the parents. Structurerules, limits and boundariesis present, but not rigid.


Stressed Parents Can Blame Freud and Spock and Trust Guts

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parenting58 Stressed Parents Can Blame Freud and Spock and Trust Guts


21st century parents may be the most anxious and guilt-ridden parents of any generation. Prior to the 20th century parents viewed children as resilient and that the stresses of life would strengthen them. Today’s parents view children as fragile and believe that only a very careful, closely supervised act of parenting will imbue children with sufficient confidence and self-esteem to succeed.

The 20th century created huge erosion in parental confidence. This was due to multiple factors, some of the most significant were Freud’s claims that all adult neuroses could be traced to parenting mistakes. The behaviorist Watson aided and abetted this view by stating that parents could cause any child to become any kind of person simply by following his behavioral strategies.

Dr. Spock, who was read by millions and frequently changed his views, also supported the notion that parents were the most significant agents in how children turned out. The notion that parents could significantly damage their children through “incorrect” methods of parenting remains a very popular view despite contradictory professional opinions about what children need.

While parent are hugely important, we now know that children are also strongly affected by siblings, peer group, neighborhood, genetics, and socioeconomic level. Changes in the economy have meant that young adults who graduate from college since the early 1970′s have fewer opportunities to become financially independent than did those during prior decades.

Parents worry that children who don’t get into college or into a good college may be closed out of the decreasing opportunities that are available. The likelihood of divorce also contributed to parental anxiety and insecurity. Parents worry that any conflict with their child or between the parents may damage their children or their long-term relationships with them.

Because of divorce, many believe that their relationship with their child may be the one long-term relationship that they can count on. This, along with fewer children, has meant that parents now more strongly value their children and their relationships with them.

In addition, while parents of prior generations spent time with friends and neighbors, today’s parents spend all of their time with their children at the expense of a social life, and often, the well being of the marriage. Speaking with a parenting coach may reduce worry and guilt and, if so, that can be worthwhile. In addition, some children present behavioral challenges and raise questions that do require expert intervention and guidance.

However, many parents need to learn to trust their own instincts. My experience is that parents, more often than not, know the right action, they just feel too worried about it contradicting something that they read on a website or heard on a talk show. When looking for a parenting coach parents should know that there is no uniformly correct way to parent children. Beware any “expert” who states that there is.


Meet the Parents, Relax They are Just Parents

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parenting51 Meet the Parents, Relax They are Just Parents


Its finally here, you have to meet the parents. You have been dating for a long time and the next logical step to take is to meet her parents. The mere thought of meeting her parents scares you. This is because you do not know them and you do not know whether they will approve of her choice. Parents are naturally over protective and once you become a parent you will understand exactly what i mean. You however need not be scared. The girl’s parents are human beings who like any other parent in the world wants the best for their daughter. If she thinks you are the best thing in the world her parents are most probably going to feel the same.

Before you go to meet the parents ask your girlfriend questions concerning them. This is very important for imagine yourself going to see your girlfriends parents and you can barely say their name. You don’t even know where they work or do for a living. Not knowing your girlfriends parents name only translates to not having an interest in the girl. You could have asked your girlfriend what the name of her parents were sometime back. You could have forgotten and even if you haven’t forgotten, a little confirmation to make sure you still remember all the facts will not hurt. If you feel you have forgotten an important fact ask your girlfriend.

Keep time when you meet the parents when meeting the girls parents. Whether you are meeting them in a restaurant or their home its always good to be punctual. If you can not make it on time call and say you will be a little late. This will loose you some points with the parents but at least you called. Being late for a date makes you look bad and un serious about things. Parents want their daughters to have someone who is serious, focused and puts important things first. Meeting the parents at this point is the important thing. Dress appropriately for the occasion and have a firm handshake when saying hallo to them.

You should never meet the parents and forget to bring a gift with you. A well thought gift should do it. If you are not so sure about what to get, ask your girlfriend to help you out. Be confident with yourself when you meet the parents. People who are not confident always send out a message that they are not so sure about themselves. No parent would want to give their daughter to a man who is not sure about themselves. Keep the conversation flowing in a good way. If they ask you a question you think they are testing you out do not avoid it. Answer it in an intelligent manner, that way you will prove to the parent that you are a bright man. Try not to boost so much about your achievement, if you do, you will only push the parents away. You will be making them think you feel you are too good for their daughter. Finally, relax, they are just parents.


Single Parenting – Learn About Its Various Effects

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parenting69 Single Parenting Learn About Its Various Effects


There may be many effects of single parenting on the parent. It is extremely tough and also a challenging task. Many of these parents suffer from the negative effects caused.

The struggle to manage the finance is a very important factor to consider as a single parent. Getting a proper job to support both the parent and the child can solve this. Finding a job in the immediate vicinity would help a lot as enough attention can be given to the child.

There are a lot of articles like this and many websites and also magazines. All you have to do is take some time and search. For articles that are more precise and that will provide you with exactly what yo u want you could look for them in the libraries. By reading these articles and books one can develop a good ideas how to handle a situation and these articles will behave as a guide and help you out to make your parenting life a little easier.

As the number of marriage break ups, death of a partner or even teenage pregnancies have increased these articles have become very popular and are being publicized widely. There have been many demands over the last few years on self-help tips on how to raise a child being a single parent.

These articles mainly focus on single moms and dads who have lost their spouse because of an unfortunate death and have to raise their child all by themselves. These articles would help them to handle grief and to continue their life without a partner.

In order to reduce all the bad effects the single parents must talk and express well with their children. they should communicate well and allow their children to express the problems that they are facing. Its upto the parents to let their children know that no matter what happens they will be always loved.

The most important thing is the parents should give their child a secure feling, a healthy environment and lots of love. This is important because it helps the children to be in a better psycological position. This will help them a lot and they will feel very secure. This will help in their growth both physically and psycologically.

Some children who are being raised in a bad environment or the children who are the product of teenage pregnancies are liable to be very sensitive than children raised in a normal environment, as they seem to be a usual topic at school or with their friends. This puts in a very uncomfortable position. These children must be helped to cope up and these articles will help a parent to do that.

Some articles are very confusing and are of not much help, such articles must be totally disregarded. As these are articles written by humans they are liable to errors and need not be perfect. But most of the authors use their experience as a single parent and write the articles. And sometimes they are not so informative.

Articles like those on single parenting are of great help for parents who are single to guide their child to a better future and to help them become better citizens.

The most important thing children need is security, loving and a very healthy environment for a proper physical as well as psychological growth. If these conditions are satisfied the children will grow up to be fine men even if a single parent has brought them up. Its always up to the parent how their children shape up to be in the future.


Financial Assistance For Single Parents – How To Get It

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parenting71 Financial Assistance For Single Parents How To Get It


The struggle to manage the finance is a very important factor to consider as a single parent. Getting a proper job to support both the parent and the child can solve this. Finding a job in the immediate vicinity would help a lot as enough attention can be given to the child.

There may be many effects of single parenting on the parent. It is extremely tough and also a challenging task. Many of these parents suffer from the negative effects caused.

There are a lot of articles like this and many websites and also magazines. All you have to do is take some time and search. For articles that are more precise and that will provide you with exactly what you want you could look for them in the libraries. By reading these articles and books one can develop a good ideas how to handle a situation and these articles will behave as a guide and help you out to make your parenting life a little easier.

As the number of marriage break ups, death of a partner or even teenage pregnancies have increased these articles have become very popular and are being publicized widely. There have been many demands over the last few years on self-help tips on how to raise a child being a single parent.

These articles mainly focus on single moms and dads who have lost their spouse because of an unfortunate death and have to raise their child all by themselves. These articles would help them to handle grief and to continue their life without a partner.

In order to reduce all the bad effects the single parents must talk and express well with their children. they should communicate well and allow their children to express the problems that they are facing. Its upto the parents to let their children know that no matter what happens they will be always loved.

The most important thing is the parents should give their child a secure feling, a healthy environment and lots of love. This is important because it helps the children to be in a better psycological position. This will help them a lot and they will feel very secure. This will help in their growth both physically and psycologically.

Some children who are being raised in a bad environment or the children who are the product of teenage pregnancies are liable to be very sensitive than children raised in a normal environment, as they seem to be a usual topic at school or with their friends. This puts in a very uncomfortable position. These children must be helped to cope up and these articles will help a parent to do that.

Some articles are very confusing and are of not much help, such articles must be totally disregarded. As these are articles written by humans they are liable to errors and need not be perfect. But most of the authors use their experience as a single parent and write the articles. And sometimes they are not so informative.

Articles like those on single parenting are of great help for parents who are single to guide their child to a better future and to help them become better citizens.

The most important thing children need is security, loving and a very healthy environment for a proper physical as well as psychological growth. If these conditions are satisfied the children will grow up to be fine men even if a single parent has brought them up. Its always up to the parent how their children shape up to be in the future.


How to Drive Your Elder Parent Crazy in Five Easy Steps

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parenting56 How to Drive Your Elder Parent Crazy in Five Easy Steps


Many older adults are in fear of living ‘past their savings’. Elder care services, whether delivered at home or within a facility setting are quite expensive and so many families are forced to provide this care for one another.

Most adult children will readily jump in to help when ‘the time comes.’ Translation – a crisis occurs … a fall, a stroke, a heart attack, a broken hip…

Discussing ahead of time what each (the adult child and the older parent) would define as ‘help’ has not occurred. Consequently, assumptions are made and those assumptions can drive the entire family crazy.

The following five steps are in jest but should drive home the need to openly discuss with your loved ones what you are capable of doing, what your limitations are, what you are not willing or able to do (and so forth) with your parent. Your parent must also have the opportunity to relay what he or she expects from you. This discussion is most productive if explored before the ‘crisis’.

Step One – Assume the Parental Role

From now on, you are in charge – what your parent wants no longer matters – because you know best! Change as much as possible; rearrange the furniture, throw things out without permission, and completely revise all daily routines.

Question every move your parent makes. Question every decision your parent makes. Instill a daily routine that when they ‘obey your wishes’ you will feel safe knowing exactly what your parent is doing and where he or she is at all times.

When your parent begins to stand up from a sitting position, say things like, “Where are you going?” or “Sit! Tell me what you need, I’ll get it for you!” This works best if you use the authoritative ‘parenting voice’.

Step Two – Completely Change Their Diet

You are a healthy baby-boomer and have been eating a healthy diet for years. Your parents still have a pot of grease on the stove top drained from the morning bacon. You haven’t eaten canned vegetables or fruits since you lived at home, you prefer fresh and organic. Now that you’re in charge – you can make your parents healthy.

Take over the shopping. It doesn’t matter if your parents give you a list – you know best. Shop for them like you shop for yourself. Make them eat their five servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. Cut down or eliminate on meat consumption, no more bacon, meatloaf, fried potatoes, canned corn and gravy.

When your parents complain, just reply, “I’m going to get you healthy again!” and then completely ignore any other objections they may have, you are after all, in charge.

Step Three – Talk Down to Them and About Them

Begin using a ‘sing-song’ voice and speak to your parent as though they were two years old. If you’ve always called your mother ‘Mom’ and your father ‘Dad’ now is the time to start calling them ‘Mommy’ or ‘Daddy’.

When you are at their home and another sibling or other person comes to visit, talk about your parents, in front of them, and pretend they can’t either hear you or understand you. Make sure you discuss private and potentially embarrassing things. Say something like, “Daddy is doing okay today, we’ve been able to get him to the bathroom on time and so far, knock on wood, no accidents.” Or try this, ‘Mommy is not feeling so well today, she wouldn’t even let me help her take a bath.”

Step Four – Intercede all Communications

You decide what mail your parents will read and what is thrown out before they see it. You grab the phone when it rings and before you hand it over to your parent, you screen the call. If it’s a relative, friend or neighbor of your parent, be certain to provide a quick update on how your parent is doing – before you hand the phone over.

You decide who can visit and who can’t. You determine which visitors may prove to be upsetting and you make up the excuses as to why a visit isn’t a good idea at the moment.

When your parents question you, simply say, “Daddy, I’m just trying to protect you.” Make sure you use your parenting voice.

Step Five – Over Extend Yourself

Assume that you are the only person on this planet that can provide the proper care for your loved ones. No one else could possibly do the job as well as you. Meanwhile, allow the rest of your life to suffer. You will quickly become exhausted and stressed.

When your parent lovingly says, ‘You look tired honey, are you okay?’ This is your cue to SNAP! Be as indignant as possible and use your ‘outside voice’ and exclaim, “Yes! I’m exhausted. Look at what I’m doing … (and then proceed to rattle off each and every daily item that you attend to followed with) and on top of that, I’m here cleaning up after you and making sure you’re okay!”


Drinking Teens – Serious Consequences for Parents

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parenting55 Drinking Teens Serious Consequences for Parents


As an adult you know you did plenty of stupid things when you were a teen. Maybe that’s why teen drinking is a growing problem. Maybe our guilt as parents prevents us from being too strict about teenage drinking. To add fuel to the fire, hundreds of times a day our children see and hear TV, radio and Internet messages that support and/or glamorize getting drunk. On TV when someone gets a raise they have a drink. When they finalize their divorce they have a drink. When they feel depressed they have a drink. When they need a few laughs they have a drink.

It’s an uphill battle for parents that want their kids to avoid the downsides of alcohol abuse. But what the heck you say, it’s just a “Right of passage.” If you rationalize letting teens drink at your house because “At least they’re not driving” then you’re asking for more trouble than you can imagine. Teenage drinking is at epidemic levels and getting worse. Not just for teens that drink but for the parents that don’t consider it a big deal.

Social host liability laws are popping up everywhere and the adults that allow or support illegal drinking even in their own home are going to make for some painful situations for parents who want to look the other way.

Furthermore, the adults don’t have to be home to be held liable. Each community may have its own laws about who is going to be held accountable for underage drinking. Jail time, fines, community service, and plenty of embarrassment are a few of the consequences but the real consequence comes when there is some accident or assault that occurs. The consequences of the latter last a lifetime.

“All states now have zero tolerance laws for people under 21 – which means, when you get behind the wheel you are breaking the law for ANY level of alcohol in your body.”

If you’re the kind of parent that likes to tie one on once in a while and don’t see any harm in letting young adults experience the joys of booze then you need a little reality check. Teenager are getting killed far too often after a few drinks and a little time behind the wheel. But our teenagers don’t necessarily suffer the consequences of poor choices all by themselves. Unfortunately, they usually take a few more victims with them. This isn’t moral preaching here, this is fact.

Let your teenagers drink and the likelihood of someone or something getting hurt goes way up. Could be a drunk-driving incident, could be alcohol abuse, could be sexual assault, and the list of wonderful side effects of being a little over-permissive go on and on.

Do a little homework in your neighborhood and check the local laws about social hosting. That’s the law that holds parents accountable who provide the place for underage drinking and/or the alcohol. If you have teens or pre-teens this might be a good time to make sure you and your children’s friend’s parents are aware of their legal and responsibilities when it comes to teens that drink at home. Here are a few things you can do as a parent when your child is going to someone else’s house for a party or just a little hang time.

1. ASK YOUR KIDS QUESTIONS. Who is going to be there? Where are the parents? Is this a boy/girl situation? What’s the occasion? Will there be any form of drinking or even the possibility of drugging going on there? (That last one is a bit blunt but it’s a good idea to teach your kids how to be direct and blunt too!)

2. CALL THE OTHER PARENTS. Yeah, you’re going to be appreciated and rejected at the same time. Other parents may not appreciate the fact that you would question them about this while other parents will be very appreciative of your inquiry.

3. SAY NO. If you have any suspicions that something is amiss, it probably is. If you don’t get a straight answer out of your kid or the other parents then say “No, it ain’t happenin’ junior!” Then, find an alternative and sponsor it yourself. “You can’t go to the party but I’ll be glad to give you and three of your friends tickets to the movies, bowling, roller skating, etc.” Offer to make a big batch of their favorite snacks and rent a few movies at your house. Get creative but get real. Saying “no” doesn’t get any easier as your teenager becomes more and more independent.

When your kids accuse you of not trusting them, let them know it is not a matter of trust when it comes to the power of drugs and alcohol, it’s a matter of facts. People do stupid things under the influence and as a parent you know the facts.

Even though you may trust your child, you cannot trust people you don’t know or the persuasive power of “group think” when there’s other influences like peer pressure and booze pressure. By the way, parents also face an awful lot of peer pressure. They want to be “cool parents” for their kids and they don’t want to be the “prudes” down the street.

4. SAY YES. If you feel things are safe then say yes. And, let your child know there are times when she has to call you and check in regardless of what the event is. Good times to check in are when they arrive, just before they leave to come home, just before bedtime (if a sleepover), etc.

If for some reason they forget to call you (and they will) then teach them that this is not acceptable and YOU pick up the phone and dial them. If they don’t answer their cell phone you might be a little suspicious. It’s a good idea to just make it a very simple rule. When your teen is away from home and you call, they better answer the phone. Of course, if your teen is in a movie theater and can’t pick up the phone or dial you they can call back when it’s over. If your kids get a little paranoid that you’re checking up on them then that’s not a bad thing.

Keep talking to other parents and make sure you let those who call you know how much you appreciate their concern. Make a pact with other parents whenever you can to check in with each other and compare notes.

5. PREPARE FOR SCREW UPS. If your teenage blows it and makes a mistake it’s important to have a plan. If he gets behind the wheel of a car and he’s afraid to call you or a cab then everyone is in real danger. Start repeating this over and over to your teen. No matter when, where, or under what circumstances it happens, if you make a mistake and get into a situation where there are drugs or drinking, your parents will always come and get you anytime, anywhere with no questions asked.

If your teen is in a predicament where there is drinking taking place and she needs a way to extricate herself then give her a private code between the two of you that she can use when she calls home. She can call you and pretend to have an argument about why she should not come home. That way she can save face with her friends and maybe her life. Say this over and over because it could save some serious heartache.

If you make a habit of asking questions of your kids and their friend’s parents your kids may begin to wonder if you have eyes in the back of your head. They may be surprised to find out that you heard about so-and-so getting into trouble at the last party because your kids certainly weren’t going to share that with you. Being in-the-know is good for you and good for your kids.

Remember, your job is to keep your kids away from booze and drugs as long as possible. Studies have proven that the longer your child avoids alcohol and drugs the better chance they have of living a life free of its many painful consequences.


How to Search for Birth Parents

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parenting64 How to Search for Birth Parents


There are many unfortunate people around, who have been separated from their birth parents at very early age due to some unavoidable circumstances. There are some who spend their whole life in search of their biological parents. So before starting the search one needs to know some basic information on how to find his or her own mother and father.

The first thing you can do is that you may see some one who has found his or her birth parents. It may look like a very easy process, but for few this is not that easy. Biological parents search could be a very hard and lengthy process.

The first step of birth parents search is to find out their names. One can find out the name of birth mother or a birth parent in his or her birth certificate. And if the person does not have the birth certificate, then he or she has to contact at the birth state or city to see if there is an original copy of the birth certificate. If the person knows the place where he or she was born, or the name of the maternity nursing home, or the name of the agency that took care of the person’s adoption, then the probability of finding the name of the birth parent increases highly. If this process becomes successful then searching biological parents become much easier.

Incase the adoption records are sealed and the process does not go well, then the other way would be to request and approach the state for non-identifying materials that may help in searching birth parent. Biological parent can be found out with the help of ethnic origins, health records and health status. The online adoption registries and genealogy websites may be of great help in searching biological parents. A person can also learn some information with the help of the reunion registers.

The person who is in search of his or her birth parents must surf the Internet for some relevant information on biological parents search. To look through the Internet one must put the name of the father at the first place. This is because normally men do not change their names. This process will help when someone is doing biological parents search through Internet.

During biological parents search one should also go through the census reports depending on how old their parents would be. Obituary look-ups may also help in biological parents search. Someway if the name appears in the article, by way of relationship or deceased, then the person will have another way to search birth parents. Newspaper or magazine articles in the city may also have the name printed. This way one can find out his or her birth parents from the comfort of the home.

Local library resources are the other tools of birth parents search. With the help of the information gathered from the Internet as well as from the library, birth parents search could be much easier than what it used to be before.

Biological parents search could be a long process and may turn frustrating sometime. But one should be very optimistic when searching for their birth parent. Hope the above-mentioned tips on how to search for birth parents will be of use to those who are searching for their birth parents.


Articles On Single Parenting – How To Find Them

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parenting68 Articles On Single Parenting How To Find Them


Articles providing information on Single Parenting are becoming very popular nowadays.

Articles about single parenting are available in plenty. If you are a single parent you need not worry of how to tackle the difficult situations you may face with your children.

There are a lot of articles like this and many websites and also magazines. All you have to do is take some time and search. For articles that are more precise and that will provide you with exactly what you want you could look for them in the libraries. By reading these articles and books one can develop a good ideas how to handle a situation and these articles will behave as a guide and help you out to make your parenting life a little easier.

As the number of marriage break ups, death of a partner or even teenage pregnancies have increased these articles have become very popular and are being publicized widely. There have been many demands over the last few years on self-help tips on how to raise a child being a single parent.

These articles mainly focus on single moms and dads who have lost their spouse because of an unfortunate death and have to raise their child all by themselves. These articles would help them to handle grief and to continue their life without a partner.

These articles also contain enough information on how to take proper care of toddlers, infants and kids who are already in school. The articles on single parenting help the parents to understand the attitude of their children towards others. The Single parents, particularly teenage mothers who are single will gain a lot of knowledge from articles like these and they will learn the basics of child care like giving the baby a bath and also first aid techniques.

To reduce the negative effects of single parenting, single parents must talk to their children. Always. Let them express their feeling about the divorce, about the moving, and changing of schools. Let your children know that whatever happens to the marriage, you still love them. Parents, as much as possible, must settle their difference amicably so that their children can adapt easily to the situation and to lessen the tension on their part.

Children need security, a loving, nurturing and healthy environment for better emotional growth and psychological development. Whatever kind of family you have, children will grow up to be fine men or women even if they are a product of single parenting. It’s up to the single parent how they will raise their child into a loving and respectful person.

Some children who are being raised in a bad environment or the children who are the product of teenage pregnancies are liable to be very sensitive than children raised in a normal environment, as they seem to be a usual topic at school or with their friends. This puts in a very uncomfortable position. These children must be helped to cope up and these articles will help a parent to do that.

Some articles are very confusing and are of not much help, such articles must be totally disregarded. As these are articles written by humans they are liable to errors and need not be perfect. But most of the authors use their experience as a single parent and write the articles. And sometimes they are not so informative.

Articles like those on single parenting are of great help for parents who are single to guide their child to a better future and to help them become better citizens.


Advantages of Single Parent Families

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parenting61 Advantages of Single Parent Families


Single parents often worry that their children will somehow be damaged from living in a single parent family. While a single parent family may not be the ideal situation for raising children, many two-parent families are also less than desirable. Kids can actually benefit from living in a single parent family.

Results of studies have indicated that a home filled with conflict is the least desirable home environment for children. When the child’s prior two-parent household included frequent fighting and discord between the adults, the child can benefit from living in a one-parent home provided that the conflict is stopped. A parent who is no longer devoting time to warring with a partner may have more energy to give to the kids. Children observe adult relationships and usually apply what they have learned to their own relationships as adults. By residing with only one parent, the child may actually have a chance to observe healthier adult relationships.

Children learn valuable lessons from dealing with hard times and having different lifestyle from many of their peers Your family may not represent the stereotypical American family, but there can still be lots of love and fun in your home.

A single parent may actually have more time for the kids that a married parent would have. Since there is no longer a spouse around at mealtime, meals don’t have to be as substantial and can be structured around kid-friendly ingredients. If your former partner was not very involved with housework, you may have more time since you now have one less person to care for. Financial worries may actually be fewer. Yes, you have less income, but you also have total control over the expenditures that you may not have had while with your partner.

The opportunity to spend time in two separate homes can be a good experience for your children. They will see different approaches to life and hopefully, take the best of both homes to use in establishing their own households as adults.

Often, a child with parents who live apart will gain a stepparent or two. Your child’s extended family will then be even larger, giving her more chances to develop meaningful relationships with caring adults. Your kids may even get exposure to new ideas or experiences that could ultimately lead to a career or hobby for your child.

Kids who live with only one parent tend to develop independence faster than their peers. Since the parent will probably have a job and other many other duties on their plate, the kids may have to learn to do things for themselves such as preparing a simple meal or participating in household chores. Kids with stay-at-home parents or two parents in the home may not have as many opportunities to take part in the day-to-day responsibilities of running a household. The kids also learn that they need to be ready to take care of themselves, since they, too, could end up on their own or in a single parenting situation someday.

A favorite benefit of many kids from single parent families is that they often get two or more celebrations for each holiday. They may get two sets of gifts at Christmas, often getting more stuff than they would have if the parents were together. Two Easter baskets, valentine’s gifts, etc., are also enjoyed by many of these children.

Two-parent homes can often provide many advantages. However, single parent homes can offer many opportunities for self-growth for children along with other benefits. You can commiserate with your kids about their ?different? lifestyle from their peers, but be sure to stress the advantages of their situation, too, along with offering lots of love. Your family can be a successful as a single parent family!