Single Parenting

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Parenting Tips for Single Mothers - Coping With Single Parenting

As a single mom raising children, there are times that your world is frantic and you feel lost and out of control. This is when you need an arsenal of parenting tips for single mothers at your disposal.

The time to reach for these tips is before you feel like you are in crisis. There are different strategies for different age groups. Parenting tips for toddlers are very different from parenting tips for teenagers.

For example if you tell your 15 year old son that he needs a time out in the thinking chair because he is being uncooperative and argumentative, he will probably laugh at you. However, a one or two minute time out is very effective when dealing with a 3 year old.

You can find tips of positive parenting skills almost anywhere. Many experts, both real and self proclaimed, abound. There are so many books, websites, and resources that I could not list them all in this article – it would turn into a book.

So here are a few places to go and get the information you need. The first place to look is the library or book store. Parents Magazine is a good read, especially for single mothers with babies and toddlers.

The unfortunate side of Parents Magazine is that the overall tone of the magazine seems to be geared toward married parents. Then there are books to read, and you should read at least two or three.

Fans of Dr. Phil will definitely want to read some of his books. Dr. B. Terry Brazelton is an expert on child behavior. He is both a parent and a pediatrician.

Although some of his books are dated, the behavior of infants and toddlers has not changed all that much in the last few years. Finally, if you are interested in educating your child from day one, you should read the book "The Well Trained Mind".

There are websites and organizations that can help you with parenting tips for single mothers. Parents Without Partners is a great organization. They have a plethora of information and help available for the single parent.

Other websites are available as well. Gingerbread is a place for single parents in the UK. In the US if you really need help you can get advice for single parents through your local Head Start and Early Start programs.

Although you may or may not qualify for preschool assistance, they also help all parents through courses and seminars on positive parenting. Finally a search on the internet for topics like coping with single parenting – mothers, will also turn up many hits and will get you the advice you need.

Need some parenting tips for single mothers right now? Here are a few that you should always remember. You are the adult and you are in charge. Always remain calm.

This is difficult, especially when the dog and your kitchen are now green with finger paint. If you lose your temper, you lose control and this is very scary to a small child. Keep your voice and your actions calm and you will always be more effective.

References:
http://www.parentswithoutpartners.org

 

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