Single parent survival strategies that work

October 31, 5:41 PMStaten Island Christian Single Moms ExaminerKimberly Walker

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AP Photo/Rick Rycroft

The children of single parent households often experience emotional turmoil due to rejection, abandonment or desertion. It is incumbent upon you, their godly, stable parent to give them the sense of security and unconditional love they need to thrive and grow. Like most aspects of parenting, this process is not easy. It will require you to be responsible for your own spiritual growth, maturity and integrity. Here are some steps to get you started:

Learn to depend on God for everything. He’s got your back. He’s in your corner. Build a Christ-centered home by first making your life Christ-centered. Take the time to commit Proverbs 3:5-6 to memory. Then, live this passage in your daily life transactions.

Additionally, no one can teach their child what they have not endeavored to learn and practice themselves. Embrace and operate in the grace of God. Go boldly before the throne of grace to obtain mercy and grace when you need them. All parents need grace and mercy in large doses. Single parents need them in mega doses. God’s grace is His enablement to do what His truth demands from your life, including single parenting. Trust that if God asks you to do something like raise your children in the nurture, fear and admonition of the Lord, He will also enable you to do it.

Further, do your best to maintain a good relationship with your child’s father. While it may be difficult, do not speak negatively about your child’s father in their presence. If you need to vent, have those adult conversations with trusted friends, outside of your child’s presence. You may not be interested in building a relationship with your child’s father but your child may not feel the same way. Every child deserves the opportunity to have relationships with both parents without feeling torn between the two most influential people in their life.

Last but certainly not least, regularly schedule time to unwind. Regularly spend regular time alone to relax, have fun, pray and connect with God. Single parents are constantly working and doing. Even Jesus frequently pulled away to rest from the unending needs and questions of His disciples and the multitudes. If Jesus needed to take a break and regroup, so do you.