| There are more single parents now than there have | | | | Children in more traditional families do not get this level |
| ever been. There are many reasons for this, none of | | | | of attention. |
| which I am going to go into here. Children raised by | | | | The guilt traditionally associated with relationship |
| single parents are already a large part of societies | | | | breakdown involving children can also work in the |
| demographic and this is only likely to increase. There is | | | | child's favour. I am not suggesting that guilt is a good |
| plenty of negative press surrounding single parents so I | | | | thing, only that anything that focuses a parent's |
| thought it would be useful to look at some of the | | | | attention on their child, particularly when they are very |
| positive aspects. | | | | young, can only benefit the child. It is my experience |
| My own experience as a single parent, something | | | | that mild feelings of guilt have caused me to listen |
| borne out by other single parents, is that a child's | | | | more closely to what my child says and respond |
| deepest wish is for their parents to get along. | | | | accordingly. |
| Therefore it is important that you spend time together | | | | Most importantly, it is crucial that your child sees you |
| as a family; just because you are not living under the | | | | co-operating as parents. If all they see you do is argue |
| same roof does not mean you cannot all spend time | | | | they will almost inevitably develop emotional issues. If |
| together. This can only be positive for your child. It is | | | | you work with your ex to show a united front and |
| vital that you work through the animosity of your split | | | | focus your entire attention a single parent on your child, |
| as soon as possible so you can do this. This leaves | | | | then there is every chance that they will actually |
| the child with the best of all worlds; they have both | | | | benefit from a situation that is traditionally seen as |
| parents undivided attention when they are alone with | | | | negative. |
| them and they get to enjoy family time as well. | | | | |