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Characteristics of Successful Single Parenting It's common to talk about single parent family problems and the disadvantages to children. This can lead some single parents to think there is little they can do to have a successful family. That is not so! Not all children growing up in single parent families experience negative consequences, just as not all overweight people have heart attacks. More importantly, focusing on the weaknesses and problems doesn't help single parents and their children become strong. Some researchers have asked successful single parents how they succeeded at being a successful single parent and the following is what they answered: 1 - Acceptance of Responsibility. Successful single parents accept the responsibilities and challenges of single parenting. They never minimize nor exaggerate problems but seek solutions. They acknowledge the difficulties without self-pity or bitterness. 2 - Commitment to Family. Successful single parents make the family their highest priority. They focus on being the best possible single parent, which often means putting the needs of the child first. They try to be supportive, patient and help children cope. Like other effective parents, they are consistent and non-punitive. This discipline style give children choices, uses natural and logical consequences and provides structure. 3 - Open Communication. Successful single parents foster open communication. These parents encourage clear and open expression of thoughts anbd feelings in the family as a key to developing honest and trusting relationships. They foster individuality within a supportive family unit. These parents strive to accomplish this individuality and independence by each member having individual interests and building individual skills. 4 - Successful Home Management. Successful single parents manage the family needs well. They strive to be well-organized, dependable and work hard to coordinate schedules. They take pride in their ability to financially provide for the family, although finances still remain a struggle. 5 - Care of Self. Successful single parents take care of themselves. Despite lack of time, these parents recognize that caring for themselves is important. They attempt to achieve it through physical, spiritual, emotional and/or social means. They are connected to others of whom they can call on for practical and emotional support. 6 - Maintain Rituals, Traditions and Relationships. Successful single parent families maintain rituals and traditions, whether betime routines, special family time together or holiday celebrations. A tradition is any event with special or meaning to a family. When a family has been disrupted, maintaining traditions becomes a stabilizing force, something that can be depended upon. 7 - If the other parent if living, successful single parents encourage the child's involvement with the nonresidential parent as long as the other parent doesn't present some danger to the child(ren). When possible, the other parent shares responsibility of the child(ren) and regardless of where the child(ren) lives, they receive economic and emotional support of both parents. 8 - Have a Positive Outlook on Challenges. Successful single parents have a positive attitude toward parenting and life in general. They see positive aspects in stressful situations and feel that they have succeeded despite many doubts and challenges. All families, including single parent faimilies, have strengths. Achieving success as a single parent is difficult, but it can be done. As with any family, you can have the quality of family life that you want, if you are willing to pay the price.

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