Being an effective parent when raising your child by yourself

 Posted on April 29, 2018 in Child Support

Despite the circumstances that lead to you needing to raise your child alone, the uncertainty of parenting without the help of a spouse can oftentimes be overwhelming and scary. While there may be periods when you have the assistance of other family members or even another parent, you are ultimately left to care for your children by yourself. At Fawell & Fawell, we have helped many Illinois parents to negotiate effective child support agreements to benefit the best interests of their children.

Your attitude can affect a lot of things, but especially in parenting. When you are upset, distracted, stressed and overwhelmed, your children will sense this and are often prone to the same behaviors. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can still be an effective parent even if you are raising your children alone. Some of the things you may consider include the following:

• Establish clear limits that discuss the type of behavior you expect in your home. You should also make your children aware of the pending consequences they may be subject to if they are disobedient to your rules.
• Follow a routine that has a degree of flexibility, but is also consistent and expected from day-to-day.
• Take time for yourself to participate in an activity you enjoy or to sit and relax. Giving yourself time to recharge will help you to be patient and attentive when your children require your help.

By using these strategies as you raise your child alone, you may be able to help your child excel despite the challenging circumstances. For more information about divorce, visit our web page.