How single parents can provide positive emotional support
for their children.

• ACKNOWLEDGE THE IMPORTANCE OF PARENTING.
  The well-being of your children must always be your high priority along with taking care of yourself.
  
• ESTABLISH A SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR YOURSELF.
  Friends, relatives, church, school, social and community organizations.
  
• ALLOW ALL FEELINGS, AND TEACH NONDESTRUCTIVE WAYS TO EXPRESS THESE FEELINGS. All feelings are OK.
  
• DO NOT EXPECT YOUR CHILD TO TAKE ADULT RESPONSIBILITIES.
  Your child should bear responsibilities appropriate for his/her age.
  
• UNDERSTAND THAT CHILDREN CANNOT HELP WITH ADULT PROBLEMS.
  Don't ask your child to advise you on problems such as relationships.
  
• DO NOT CARRY MONEY AND FATIGUE PROBLEMS OVER INTO YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CHILDREN. Small problems may seem huge.
  
• EXPRESS YOUR NEGATIVE FEELINGS TO FRIENDS OR A COUNSELOR.
  Acknowledge these feelings, but not to your children.
  
• BE SENSITIVE WHEN DATING OR SOCIALIZING.
  Multiple and serial relationships are especially difficult for children. They may fear that they will lose you.
  
• DON'T EXPECT NEW PARTNERS TO TAKE THE ROLE OF PARENT NOR FOR THE CHILDREN TO NECESSARILY ACCEPT THEM.
  
• BECOME INVOLVED WITH YOUR CHILD AT SCHOOL.
  This is difficult because your time is short. At least go to parent meetings.
  
• DON'T FEEL GUILTY WHEN YOU TAKE TIME APART FROM YOUR CHILD.
  You will be a better parent. First make sure your children are safe.
  
• KEEP YOUR AGREEMENTS WITH YOUR CHILDREN.
  They have to know that they can depend on you.
  
• HOLD YOUR CHILDREN RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSIGNED JOBS.
  Children can help out. Identify and clearly define age-appropriate tasks.
  
• HAVE AN EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENT FOR YOUR CHILDREN.
  There is always the possibility that you may not be available for some reason.
  
• SCHEDULE RECREATIONAL TIME TO BE WITH YOUR CHILDREN.
  The fun times make everything worthwhile for both you and your child.