Raising kids as a single parent is not the easiest thing to do. A person has to juggle everything from work to house chores to feeding the children, and now, even homeschooling is added to the list. More often, people think that children who grew up with a single parent are lacking.
Some believe that single parents could not raise successful adults. But that should not be the case. There are many positive benefits to children who live with a single parent. Here are seven positive effects of growing up in a single-parent household.
Stronger bond
Single parents may have stronger bonds with their children. They get to spend more one-on-one time because they only have each other to rely on.
Surrounded by a village of supporters
Are you familiar with the cliché that goes, "it takes a village to raise a child?" It applies to single parents too. In most cases, children who grew up in single-parent households are surrounded by a village of supporters. Extended family members always step up to play a significant role in children's lives.
If extended families are not accessible, single parents could join community groups. Many give their support, especially to single parents.
Children learn to be responsible
Kids who live with a single parent are forced to become mature adults. They have no choice but to help their parent because it is necessary. It would be helpful that the parent recognizes the children's efforts to make them know they are valued.
Single rule to follow
Sometimes, couples have different beliefs that they pass on to their kids. Having two parents means that kids have to follow both rules: no ifs, no buts. If they have only one parent in authority, all they have to follow and understand is a single rule. This helps them not to be confused, thereby having a clearer direction in life.
Kids experience competition in priorities
Single parents make their children the main priority; however, the kids are treated not like one. It is a great way to teach them how things work in real life.
Teaches kids to deal with adversities
Single parents work double-time to earn enough to raise children. Seeing how their single parent does it, kids learn how to handle adversities early in life. Without the other parent by their side, children can sometimes feel sad and disappointed. This teaches them how to handle disappointments in life.
More lenient with kids
Being a single parent, you know that you are different from the norm. So if you are more lenient to your kids compared with other parents, it is okay since people would understand your situation. On the other hand, kids become more loving and attached to you as they see that they have more freedom to show their true selves.
See also other articles:
Single Parents: 7 [Exceptionally] Simple and Effective Ways to Help Them During the Pandemic
Empathic Listening: An Effective Guide for Parents to Help Children Process Grief
