Four Lessons I’ve learned From Being A Single Mom

1.) Communication. Communication.Communication –  This is one lesson that I learned the HARD way. First if your child isn’t old enough you need to talk to them in terms that they will understand. Just going with the flow and assuming that they will “be OK” isn’t going to work. Especially if they are old enough to realize mommy and daddy are no longer together. It will just leave room for confusion later and questions that may be difficult to answer. TRUST ME! Be sure to let your child know that both parents still love them and that this is not their fault. Create an environment that encourages them to express their feelings openly to both of you. You do not want them to start to feel anxious or depressed because they are afraid.

2.) Its OK to ask for help!  –  I can say I struggled with this at first. But now I understand asking for help when it’s needed is healthy.  I’m blessed to have the great VILLAGE of people in my corner. I’m truly thankful for my parents, family , best friends and other people who have been there for me. They deserve the biggest Thanks!!!

3.) Take Time for Your Self –  I had to learn this one the hard way! As a single parent I felt like I had to ALWAYS put my lingering emotions aside and focus solely on my daughter. It got to the point where I was running myself ragged and not working through the emotions that I was feeling. When this happens you become physically and emotionally exhausted. My best friend and now current boyfriend(we can talk about that part later) literally sat me down and gave me a speech. He explained that if I kept moving at the rate I was going that I would not be the best mom that I could be. He let me know that the more I focused on being the best version of myself the better I would be as a mom. You cannot pour into others if your tank is empty! This is when I had one of those “Oprah aha Moments”. At that moment I started to take time for myself. Let me tell you all it was a game changer!

4.) Co-parenting is a Journey – You know, being with someone for years and then being single can cause all type of emotions. The best thing to do is to remove  those emotions and focus on your child when it comes to the other parent! Which can be easier said then done for sure.  I know that as time goes by things will fall into place. As parents when you both want what’s best for your child everything will smooth itself out.

Have any of you experienced being a single parent at some point in time? What tips would you share? Let me know in the comment section!

Best!

Veronica