Single parenting can be very stressful.
Having positive support is one of the best things a single parent can have.
When you are the only parent in the household to take care of children, disciplining can be hard.
So how do you stay optimistic and positive when things become stressful? When you are under stress your children pick up on it.
They do the same when you are angry, sad, or frustrated.
Children will react to the environment they are in so if it is filled with negativity they will react in a negative way.
The ultimate thing that I have personally learned as a single parent is to be thankful for what we have and we must teach the same thing to our children.
Saying a prayer or meditation each morning before the children get up can make the day better.
Having a clear mind to pray/meditate is important.
Think of at least three things you are grateful for.
If you are comfortable say them out loud.
Also, think of good things and how you want things to be.
One of the most important things I found out was that I have to take care of myself first.
If you cannot take care of yourself, then how can you care for anyone else? Our health is important especially if we are responsible to care for your children.
If you have to, write down some encouraging words to your children.
As I have been taught lately, words are very powerful.
They make a difference whether positive or negative.
Every morning and night be sure to hug your children and tell them you love them.
Tucking them into bed, reading them a book on can take no more than 5-10 minutes.
Many parents treat this time as if it is critical for them rather than their children.
If a situation is crumbling and you are ready to lose it, walk outside.
And if at all possible call to see if a family member or friend can come help neutralize the situation.
It is better to separate from the situation than to yelling, screaming or fighting.
Work with your children to create positive affirmations- sentences of powerful, positive and uplifiting words.
Talk with them about how they want their day to go.
Remind them to think positive.
Imagine what you can do as a family working as a team.
You can accomplish so much more when you work together in harmony.
My children and I recently had to move in with my mom and step dad.
It was the hardest thing to do, but we had to do it.
Everything but our blankets, pillows, some clothes and a few toys are in storage.
Usually my children would argue and fight with each other.
In fact, my oldest two resented their baby brother who will be three soon.
Since we have live with the grandparents, all three of them have played together, slept in the same bed and look after one another.
When the youngest one left for his dads for the week, both of them expressed how they missed their brother.
I did have several discussions with them to prepare the move.
They knew they would have to get along with each other more than ever.
While this situation seems dire all three have come to appreciate what they have NOW.
My old self would have panicked, been distraught and upset over everything going on.
What good would it have done? My children would have picked up on it and react in ways I wouldn't want them to.
With the way the world is now we must change our attitudes if we want to see positive changes in not only ourselves, but our children.