| Being a single parent is difficult because you have to | | | | If you would like to keep close ties with your children, |
| be both a mom and a dad, a provider and a caretaker. | | | | even once they become teenagers, it is important that |
| While this is a difficult task, it is not impossible, so keep | | | | you eat together as a family on a regular basis. In fact, |
| these single parenting tips in mind and you will make it | | | | doing so might even help your children stay away |
| a much more enjoyable experience. | | | | from drugs when they get older. The National Center |
| One of the most important tips for single parents you | | | | for Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia |
| can follow is to show your children that you love them | | | | University has stated that based on surveys they took |
| every day. In today's fast paced world it can be | | | | in 1998, 1999, and 2000, they can say with confidence |
| difficult to take a moment out of the day to show | | | | that the more often a child eats with his or her family, |
| them you care, but there's never a good excuse not | | | | the less chance they have of smoking, drinking, or |
| to. Tell them every day that you love them and that | | | | using illegal drugs. |
| they are making you proud. If you won't be seeing | | | | The last entry in our list for single parenting tips is to try |
| your child on a particular day, you can even slip a note | | | | to have a life outside of work and being a parent. |
| into their book bag or lunch box for them to find later | | | | Whether it's joining a club, going to the gym each day, |
| on. | | | | or going out with friends once in awhile, putting some |
| Next in our list of single parenting tips is to read to your | | | | time away to enjoy yourself is key if you are going to |
| children. This is a great way to help them learn while | | | | be a good parent. Your child will not benefit if you are |
| spending some quality time with them. Even if they are | | | | always stressed out from working; in fact, they may |
| too young to understand the words, the rhythm and | | | | even grow up to feel guilty about making you work so |
| tone of your voice are enough. You may even want | | | | hard. |
| to make this a daily commitment on your part, setting a | | | | Hopefully you have found these tips for single parents |
| time before bed or after dinner each day. This is an | | | | to be helpful. When you spend adequate time with |
| excellent way to bond with your children while relaxing | | | | your children you are setting down a firm foundation |
| and enjoying each other's company. | | | | that the rest of your relationship will be built upon. |