amprat:
Dear Single Parent,[i][/i]

I am writing this to encourage you not to give up on the child(ren) that for one reason or the other have become your sole responsibility.

Few years ago, I was totally at a loss too and my only drive was to ensure that whatever was wrong would not affect these young ones because they never asked to be born or be in such situation.

I actually did not realise how far I had come until I started analysing and it occured to me that I might not be there yet but I am also not where I used to be. I was amazed.

I have tried to highlight below some of the nuggets that helped me navigate the early years of single parenting,( it gets better as they grow older)I hope it helps and encourages someone.


It's ok not to understand everything fully, one step at a time with a focus on the future is all you need.

*Selective deafness & Blindness: When you are a single parent you need to decide who to listen to and what you want to see. Some people will say things that will make you question your integrity, intelligence, moral standing and so much more, some would make you feel guilty for what was not even your fault, No one understands your story like you do, let them talk but never let them deter you from reaching your destination.
And if you made a mistake , forgive yourself, ask for forgiveness and move on, it's up to you not anyone(After All, they are not Assistant Jesus or God's P.A)

Who are you talking to & who is talking to you, whoever you are listening to that is giving you the vibe of Never, it is finished or you're such a dissappointment, please leave them. Don't be talking to people who do not have your interest at heart or believe any good thing can still come out of your Jerusalem.

Remember, single parenting is not the end of life and does not mean you should forget your dreams.
You may need to sacrifice for the children to get stability before you face your aspirations but never forget it. For example, I went back to school for my B. SC, got certification from my professional body and now I am saving towards having a M.sc. (The money is still not complete because one of them usually have one expense or the other and I have to spend it again)

PLAN,PLAN & PLAN: Have a financial budget, time budget, work schedule, house chore schedule for the children, food schedule, schedule for almost everything and achievements.

Never forget to be futuristic in your decisions, long term is always better and I cannot overemphasize ensuring that your children are well trained, don't overburden them but don't also over pamper them. single parenting becomes easier when the children are taught to be responsible, independent and can make intelligent decisions by themselves with little or no guidiance.

NO OVERSABI: My brother or sister, this is not the time to do OVERSABI or try to keep up with the Joneses, if you have to enrol them in a public school and support with a private tutor please do, don't have heart attack every new term which is every 3 months, don't join groups or clubs that will demand time or finance you can't give, aso ebi might not be feasible for some time, you might need to supplement meat with egg or garri for cornflakes, these are short term sacrifices to fulfill your long term goals.

DON'T DECEIVE YOURSELF: You see that mantra of what a man can do a woman can do better,na lie, we are created to balance each other out.
You can't be a father and mother at the same time, there is a part of a child's life either is supposed to fill, in the absence of a willing spouse, get support of family or friends, get them to interact with children with "complete" families for their mental, psychological and mental well being, at a point I sent my daughter to go spend a full school session with my sister who has kids her age and whose husband dotes on his kids, she was the youngest and I noticed she was beginning to have daddy issues. My brothers ( their uncles) fill in so they can have role models around, we sometimes go for family outings together, sometimes they drop them in school or stand in during PTAs, basically just try to fill in the gap with the right people, they can't take the place of the father but they can cushion the effect till they are mature enough to deal with it better.

MANAGE YOUR EMOTIONS &SEXUAL DEMANDS:
While I understand that we all have emotional especially companionship needs and sexual demands, I beg you manage them away from the kids if you must indulge. Don't be introducing every man or woman that you get along with to them because it may come to nothing especially if you have children that want you to have a partner because of some reasons(sometimes funny reasons depending on their ages), don't mess up their emotions and sexual/ moral orientation, don't add pepper to injury, most of them dont know the meaning of just friends. Personally, male visitors were not allowed in my home, colleague ,church, business whatever until now that they are older. Especially if you are attractive (looks, intelligence or finance) and you are still getting attention from the opposite sex.
(I cannot help you on love matter biko , everyone wants a companion but my plate is full enough as it is with trying to sort our lives, I don't like the hypertension, self love is the beginning of true love.

sha don't forget to use your brain and maybe condom too in case you have the stamina for hearts issues)

Take your children's emotional and mental well being seriously, their self esteem is important, don't let them feel less because they are from a single parent home or they have less than anyone, paint a picture of a bright future for them to run with always.

Look out for the negative emotions that can lead to depression, frustration or transfer of aggression on the innocent children because you are angry at yourself, the situation or your estranged spouse.

Lastly, decide what you really want out of life and for the children, that will guide you in making long term decisions and give you strength for the short term sacrifices.

Finally, I am not sure you can survive without God. Love God and love yourself .
Remember, your life is not a rehearsal , you only live once.

Fiscus105:
I always sorry for any young girl that usually priorities physical attributes "much more" than actual quality of being a responsible husband when going to marriages.



All these, TALL, SIX PACK , SHINING HAIRS, would become toxic if such person didn't possess quality OF RESPONSIBLE MAN.


Meanwhile, person can be working in oil company and yet not being a responsible guy oo.

Wealthoptulent:


When parting with Spouse & child/ren are involved pls have second thought, if its not life threatening... hmm! This young Souls pay the huge PRICE

tega192:
Omo so dollars na 1200 to naira ona nor protest , as na Yoruba person be president everywhere m quiet if na good luck ona nor go let us hear word

Originalsly:
Good for single mothers.... too many need inspiration and guidance. Wayy too many believe a child does not need their father or a present father figure in their life .... I raised my child all by myself used as a badge of honour... not knowing a woman cannot raise a man. No doubt... it is not easy to be a single mother and society does not help by stigmatizing single mothers ... regardless of how they got to that status.

blowjohn:
I dedicate this song to this thread.
Till the war is won by Nas.

Some part of it:


Single mothers, my heart's bleeding for you
These coward men, that were beating on you (never me)
Let's silence them, with a silencer
For the violence of relationships
Hold your head up, don't take that shit, run away from it






https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw-fXtS23GM&pp=ygUebmFzIHRpbCB0aGUgd2FyIGlzIHdvbiBseXJpY3Mg

Jennyclay:
Nice write up.

And again… The economy is damaged beyond redemption . Men should please render help if they’re in a position to help, people are really going through a lot especially, widows, single mothers and single ladies.

May God help us.

tega192:
Omo so dollars na 1200 to naira ona nor protest , as na Yoruba person be president everywhere m quiet if na good luck ona nor go let us hear word

Jennyclay:
Nice write up.

And again… The economy is damaged beyond redemption . Men should please render help if they’re in a position to help, people are really going through a lot especially, widows, single mothers and single ladies.

May God help us.

Emaprince:
Soon as I saw this thread, I knew it's a woman.

Na them go wan turn motivational speakers on top single motherism, and aslo try to glamourize it as a successful lifestyle.

Didn't bother reading. There is no gain in being a single mother.

They just keep racking up body counts and getting emotionally damaged more and more.

lavylilly:
A derica if rice is 1000 naira, you had better brace up

accordadoga38:
Hehehe

Even as a single mother, i trained my kids well so they won't one day wake me up with sidekicks

When you train your kids well, you have peace of mind

Train up your children so that you won't give birth to headless mobs

amprat:
Dear Single Parent,[i][/i]

I

Emaprince:
Soon as I saw this thread, I knew it's a woman.

Na them go wan turn motivational speakers on top single motherism, and aslo try to glamourize it as a successful lifestyle.

Didn't bother reading. There is no gain in being a single mother.

They just keep racking up body counts and getting emotionally damaged more and more.

accordadoga38:
Hehehe

Even as a single mother, i trained my kids well so they won't one day wake me up with sidekicks

When you train your kids well, you have peace of mind

Train up your children so that you won't give birth to headless mobs

NOwazobia:
This here shows your kids are not well trained.


Kids are generally a subconscious product of their parents act.


..., and I dare to say that you lack decorum, and your kids will be exactly the same.


Goat no fit born sheep.


Your hypocrisy just staring at you on the face.

princemillla:
Naawa oooo


I need someone who can fix front loader washing machine

accordadoga38:
.
Ok shinendu

accordadoga38:
Hehehe

Even as a single mother, i trained my kids well so they won't one day wake me up with sidekicks

When you train your kids well, you have peace of mind

Train up your children so that you won't give birth to headless mobs

Originalsly:
Good for single mothers.... too many need inspiration and guidance. Wayy too many believe a child does not need their father or a present father figure in their life .... I raised my child all by myself used as a badge of honour... not knowing a woman cannot raise a man. No doubt... it is not easy to be a single mother and society does not help by stigmatizing single mothers ... regardless of how they got to that status.

thesicilian:
Women will always want to be extravagant with a man's money - best eateries, best children's schools, best apartments. But when they have to handle these bills by themselves , that's when they learn how to manage funds responsibly.

Shokoloko:

Like attracts like. If the only type of women you are meeting are extravagant, irresponsible women, you must check yourself as you are the common denominator.
I do not believe that I have ever made an acquaintance with an irresponsible person. I might meet them briefly but never make an acquaintance. Remember like attracts like You are always the common denominator in everything that happens in your life.