When I was growing up there weren't a lot of single parents. People stayed together or at least tried to. When we, as kids were asked "what do you want to be or how do you picture your life??" Never once did you hear "oh I want to be a single parent." It just wasn't something that crossed your mind, at least not mine. I will admit I never even wanted or pictured having kids when I was younger. I couldn't even be around them.
Now I have the most talented and amazing children. I became something I never even thought was possible. I became a single parent. It is one of the most unpaid, overworked, and hardest jobs anyone could ever have. I truly have gained a lot of respect for most single parents out there. You truly have to scarifice yourself for your children.
I would not change my situation. I have learned so much about myself and them that I might not have, if I didn't go through this experience. Being a single parent will teach you patience, control, understanding, appreciation and unbelievable love.
It has been hard and we have been through some really rough times, but it brought me and my kids closer than anything. It has been good at times too. It's one of those experiences that will make you grow into a better human being.
With kids heading into their teens I realize that being a single parent is even more difficult, but yet extremely rewarding at times. I have to be their mom and their dad at times. As a single parent whether you are male or female there are just somethings you can not teach them. For example: I have a son that needs to learn how to be a real man with respect of women, as his mother I can tell him what he needs and should being doing, but he has no real man to show him how to become that. There are just somethings that a son needs a father for. Just like there are somethings only a mom can do.
Now people are always putting down the single parents and saying that, that is the reason for any troubles that the kids maybe having, Well it's not always the case.. Just because someone is a single parent does not make them any less of a good parent. In some cases they can even be better than two parents. Your relationship status does not in anyway make you a better parent. There is no such thing as a perfect parent.
For me being a single mom has been one of the best learning experiences of my life. I give all single parents props on doing such a hard job. It's something that will reward you, frustrate you and just make you stronger.
Good Luck...
