5 Helpful Tips for a Single Mother
| Overview | Parenting is tough—especially if only one person faces the parenting challenge. Here is some advice for single mothers. |
Parenting is tough! It is especially tough if there is only one person to face the parenting challenge. Here is some sound advice that will help you raise your children as a single mother.
1. Seek God first.
In this materialistic world, it is easy to forget the Divine for the physical; but trusting God and seeking Him first in everything will help you keep your focus and will open the doors to additional blessings (Matthew 6:33). Be a godly example for your children (1 Corinthians 11:1); never miss an opportunity to take them to church services and Bible study (Hebrews 10:25); teach them the Word diligently and constantly (Deuteronomy 6:6-9); give your children a legacy of faith! (2 Timothy 1:5).
2. Do not forget your children for your “children”.
Today, many people are forsaking their children because they want “better things” for them. With the motto, “I do this for my children,” they go in search of new “opportunities,” more working hours, and busier schedules—and deprive those same children of the time and dedication they truly need. Due to your situation, this will be a stronger temptation for you. Remember that God has not asked you to give your children the best gadgets, the best secular education, the best financial status; He has asked you to train them and teach them His ways (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4).
3. Do not beat yourself up.
It may be the case that you are raising your kids by yourself due to your own past mistakes; but if you have repented of your sins and are truly seeking to do God’s will, believe that He has forgiven you (Hebrews 8:12). If there are things to amend, then take the steps to do it so you can go on with your life and service to God and your family (cf. Matthew 5:23-24). Remember that you cannot change the past, but you can influence the future for you and your children.
4. Seek out male role models for your children.
You may be in the situation you are in because your husband betrayed you in the most undignifying way. However, that does not mean that you have to hate men or that there are no good men at all. If your children are boys, they need good male role models to follow; a grandfather, uncle, preacher, or elder in the church may supply that need (cf. 1 Timothy 3:1-7). Even if your children are girls, they need to learn to appreciate the good in all people—including men. Point out good traits in godly men with the hopes that your girls will learn to love those traits and look for those traits in the men they will someday marry.
5. Seek the help of others.
You are not Superwoman, and that is ok! You are in a difficult situation and will need the help of those who love you—especially your Christian family. Christians identify with other’s needs and problems. Never be ashamed or too proud to ask for help. You may need a young girl to watch your little child for a couple of hours, a man to clean up a fallen tree in your yard, or a wise elder to help you with a child’s rebellious attitude. Just ask! (Matthew 7:7).
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