We’ve chatted to both separated single parents and single mums who’ve chosen to have kids without a partner. This is what they’ve told us about the advantages of being a single parent. Do you agree with them?
The best things about being single parents
- Your child’s name
“As a single parent, you have full control over the name you give your child. There’s no need to negotiate and compromise with a partner who insists on having that weird family name you detest.”
- Time to miss them
“I share custody of my kids, and this means that I get time to kick back and relax whenever they spend time with their other parent. This gives me the chance to catch my breath, so I have time to miss them and I’m well rested – and hopefully a “better” parent – when they come back.”
- 100% love
“Well, yes, 100% of my child’s upbringing and problems falls on me, but then so does 100% of my child’s love.”
- Strong bond
“The time I spend alone with my kids brings us closer together and forges us into a tight-knit team.”
8 reasons you’re a great mum
- Routines
“I make all the rules. I don’t need to negotiate about eating habits, sleeping habits, family trips or anything else I think is important.”
- Me Time
“My precious Me Time is truly mine. If I want to eat yoghurt instead of making dinner or spend my free weekend binge watching Netflix shows instead of visiting my in-laws, no-one can stop me.”
- New skills
“As a single parent, I need to be able to help my kids with everything, even things that a partner would probably have taken care of if I’d been in a relationship. I constantly need to learn new things, which helps me to grow as a parent and a person.”
- No bickering
“You avoid the wearisome parental bickering. Who’s getting more sleep? Who stayed home with a sick child last time? Who’s going to buy new boots and get a present for the next birthday party?”
Also read: Survival tips for parents of young children (who are fed up with tips)
