Dr Romance: 3 Tips to Single Parenting

    Are you a single parent struggling with how to make it all work? Dr. Romance offers three tips to happier single parenting.

1. Be a Grownup. 
I know you’ve probably had a tough time, but you’re a parent, and your child’s wellbeing comes first. If you weren’t in charge of your life before you became a single parent, now is the time to take charge and make good decisions. If you don’t know how to do that, get counseling. If you have anger and resentment left from a divorce, work through it. You and your child deserve the best life you can make for both of you.

2. Get Connected. 
Single parenting is a lot easier if you’re surrounded with friends and family, and other single parents with similar needs and schedules.  You can exchange child care to get some time off, share advice, socialize together with your children, share carpooling, and support. You can trade baby clothes, furniture, ideas, parenting tips, recommendations for health care professionals, schools and teachers. It will save you money, and be the beginning of a lifelong connection with the other parents, and lasting friendships among your children. 

3. Learn from past mistakes. 
If your past relationship failed, don’t rush into a new one. Instead, focus on you and your child(ren) until things are stable, and do some analysis of what went wrong and what you need to learn about relationships. Any new relationship you get into affects both you and your children.
 
Source: "The Unofficial Guide to Dating Again," Tina Tessina.

Tina Tessina, Ph.D., has been a licensed California psychotherapist for more than 30 years. She's authored more than 11 books, including "Money, Sex and Kids."  She can be reached at tina@tinatessina.com.