Whether you are a single mother or a single father, there are special challenges you will face in your career choices. There is nothing wrong with seeking qualified advice in helping to meet the demanding task of earning a living while trying to care for children alone.
You Are Not Alone
The United States Department of Health and Human Services reported in 2002, that twenty-three percent of all children live in single parent households. This means there are a lot of working single parents out there. Life can be demanding as a single working parent. Stress can eat away at you and if you are not careful, this will have a toll on how effective you are both as a parent and an employee. Support from friends and family can help you cope with the special emotional stresses you are facing.
Child Care
One special problem single working parents face is trying to find quality childcare. You want a safe environment conducive to social interaction and learning opportunities for your child. You may decide to either enroll your child in a daycare program or hire someone to provide childcare in your own home. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these choices.
Daycare programs can sometimes be impersonal or run in an unprofessional manner, leaving your child feeling insecure and prone to emotional problems. It is important to make sure childcare professionals running the daycare facility are properly certified. Spend some time researching the facility. Ask the parents of children who attend for their experiences. A quality daycare program can be a great learning experience for your child, affording him the opportunity to develop important social skills.
If you hire a childcare professional to care for your child in your own home, check his or her references carefully. Your child’s happiness and safety is at stake. If you are lucky enough to find a qualified childcare professional to work in your home, this may provide your child with much needed one-on-one attention. It can also relieve some of your stress by relieving worries you may have about leaving your child at daycare.
Stress
The amount of stress you feel will at times be enormous. Not only are you working all day, you will pick your child up from daycare only to have to rush off to another activity he/she is involved in at school or other social organizations. Once home, you have to cook, clean and do homework. You hope you will have time and energy left to spend some quality parent-child time together. Children often go through their own share of emotional stress in divided families, and need special attention at times.
Do not forget to provide yourself some special attention as well. If you are emotionally fatigued, you do yourself no good or your child. Have a friend come stay for a while. Go do something for you. Even if it is nothing but going for a long walk alone, this will provide you a much-needed emotional release.
Money Problems
Nothing is more stressful than having a financial crisis. Not having enough money to pay bills or buy groceries can turn you inside out. Try to find ways you can improve your financial situation. Have you ever thought of continuing your education? A degree can open career doors for you and ease the financial burdens you are feeling. Many colleges and universities offer online degrees you can complete without ever having to attend a physical campus. Many employers are now willing to assist employees in furthering their education. Check with your employer’s human resources department. Low-cost loans and grants are also available through the government.
