Single-parent households are becoming increasingly common in the United States. According to Pew Research Center, 21% of children under 18 lived with only one parent. That number has steadily increased since 1960 when it was just 9%. Mothers head the majority (65%) of single-parent households, while fathers lead 35%.
Parenting as a single parent can be challenging due to fewer hours available for childcare and financial constraints. A study from the Institute for Women's Policy Research found that 75% of employed single mothers experienced difficulty affording necessities such as food and shelter. This compares to only 37% of married mothers who struggled financially over the same period. Additionally, single parents may need to work longer hours than married couples to make ends meet, leading to time away from their children that could otherwise be spent providing supervision and support that is key for healthy child development.
However, being a single parent does not mean you have to enjoy it alone. Here are a few tips to help make life a bit easier:
Build Yourself a Support Network
Having a support network is essential for single parents, as they often lack the additional help of having a partner. A supportive group of friends and family can provide valuable emotional support and practical assistance with childcare and other daily responsibilities. It's essential to have people who understand the unique pressures of being a single parent -- someone to talk to when times are tough or just to meet up for coffee and some much-needed adult conversation. Furthermore, having people you can rely on for things such as babysitting or financial help while also forming strong bonds with their children can be invaluable in reducing stress levels so that single parents can focus on raising happy families.
Building a support group of fellow single parents can also be beneficial. Not only can these individuals provide emotional support, but they may also be able to offer practical advice or resources for childcare and financial aid.
Manage Your Finances
Being a single parent is financially challenging due to fewer hours available for childcare and the lack of support from a partner. A study from the Institute for Women's Policy Research found that 75% of employed single mothers experienced difficulty affording necessities such as food and shelter. With this in mind, single parents need to manage their finances wisely.
Here are some tips to help single parents manage their finances more effectively:
Create a Budget
Creating a budget is essential in helping single parents plan and stay on top of their expenses. Consider all sources of income-from employment, child support, or any government assistance-and track expenses necessary for the family, such as rent or mortgage payments, food, clothing, utilities, insurance premiums, transportation costs, and savings. With a clear picture of what money is coming in and out each month, it's easier to make informed decisions about spending habits and prioritize needs over wants.
Look into Government Assistance
Single parents may be eligible for various forms of government assistance depending on the state they reside in and their current financial situation. These benefits can help cover costs related to housing assistance, medical insurance coverage for children, nutrition programs, tax credits, and deductions towards childcare expenses. Researching local resources is essential to take advantage of available benefits if needed.
Save Whenever Possible
When managing finances as a single parent, setting aside money whenever possible is essential since unexpected expenses can arise anytime. Aiming to save 10-20% of household income each month will provide peace of mind and build an emergency fund should there be a need for additional medical bills or repairs around the house down the line. It's also wise to look out for discounted items, such as grocery store specials or online deals on school supplies during back-to-school season.
Be Wise with Credit Cards & Loans
Credit cards are easy ways to accumulate debt if not managed responsibly, so single parents must use them only when necessary and pay off balances as soon as possible with each billing period ending. Borrowing money should also be done strategically since taking out too many loans can lead to expensive interest payments, which can add up quickly if not paid off promptly every month. In addition, being aware of credit score changes due to late payments can help avoid added charges altogether. Hence, it's beneficial for single parents to monitor their credit reports regularly so they know where they stand financially each month.
Don't Give Up on Love
Finding a partner can be especially hard for single parents due to the demands of their parenting role. Juggling work and home responsibilities while caring for children can leave little opportunity to devote time and energy to finding a romantic partner. It's easy to become discouraged or give up hope, but there are ways single parents can still find someone special in their lives.
Matchmaking services provide excellent opportunities for single parents looking for love. Being able to search through potential partners with shared interests and values increases the chances of finding a compatible match. Online dating sites also allow users to filter out users who don't meet specific criteria, which can save time when looking for someone compatible.
Single parents may also consider joining clubs or organizations catering to individuals in similar situations. Meeting people with similar life experiences makes finding common ground and building meaningful relationships easier. Joining social groups related to hobbies, such as cooking or running groups, is another excellent way for single parents to meet people in an enjoyable environment that is conducive to creating connections.
Final Thoughts
- Single parenting is challenging and becoming increasingly common in the US.
- It requires less support to balance work, parenting, and household responsibilities.
- A support network of friends and family can provide emotional and practical assistance for single parents.
- Government assistance and budgeting are essential to managing finances as a single parent. Matchmaking services, clubs or organizations, and online dating sites can help single parents find love.
Navigating parenthood as a single parent is no easy feat, but raising children successfully alone is possible. Building a support network of family and friends, managing finances wisely, and looking for love are all ways to make life easier for single parents. With the right attitude and understanding of what it takes to be a thriving single parent, anyone can overcome whatever challenges may come their way.