How to Make Single Parenting a Little Easier

Single parents are parents that care for their children without assistance from others in the home, though legal definitions may vary according to local laws of different states. Single parenting may be a result of different factors, though often it is an option taken by the parent as in the case of adoption, artificial insemination, surrogate motherhood or pre-marital pregnancy.

A Big Challenge

Single parenting can often be very challenging and single parents as well as their children often face stigma, violence and social problems. In addition, children of single parents often need to take on more responsibilities that also include looking after themselves. Also, single parenting means discussing things with the children such as financial or family decisions, which in other families, are only discussed among parents.

Often, single parenting is a result of it being the best or only option and despite media hype; it need not always be bad news. It requires sorting out the difficult issues of money, childcare as well as the relationship that the single parent is in with the other parent of the child. Single parenting, contrary to popular opinion, is often a joy as it brings the parent closer to the child as well as gives more control to parent the child according to one parent’s vision.

Nevertheless, single parenting involves understanding the other parent’s legal and financial responsibilities, clarifying custody as well as visitation rights, and in this regard, it pays to have the roles clearly defined legally so as to protect the child better. The single parent should also clarify his or her needs for support and should not be afraid to ask for help.

Single parenting also means setting up daily rituals and regular routines and being consistent and dependable. To make single parenting easier, it is necessary to forgive the other parent and not hold any grudge against one who is absent. Not having a lot of money need not be a big drawback as there is always the child close at hand; and material comforts and monetary wealth are but poor substitutes for the love and time that single parenting affords while taking care of the child. Single parenting also means giving as much time and devotion as is reasonably possible without setting impossible goals. Also, families do not need to be only biological, because the single parent can and should surround himself and the child with friends that are trustworthy and who care about both of you.

It is also necessary to take responsibility for your own life by realizing that you are solely responsible for an innocent life too. It means not letting the child down or holding him accountable for the actions over which he never had any control.

Behaviors and Disorders

Top Boarding Schools


You have questions... We have answers
  • Q: I read on the website that these schools offer family therapy, but how does that happen when the school is so far away?
    A:

    You will participate in the family therapy by phone, and when you come for your family visits, you will then do face to face family therapy.

  • Q: Why are most of these programs in Utah?
    A:

    The original Residential Treatment Center was opened in Utah, and they have been improving their system ever since. There is an entire state agency devoted to overseeing and regulating these programs. The other reason is that in Utah, the legal age is 18, so you can force your child to get treatment until they are 18. Legal age varies by state but there are an increasingly high number of states where the legal age is 17 even if you are still financially and physically responsible for them until they are 18.

    As long as your child is under the age of 18 and you have custody of your child, then your child does not have to go willingly. You can force them to go against their will for their benefit.

  • Q: If my child won't go willingly, how do I get them there?
    A:

    There are teen transport companies we contract with that are highly trained and they will come to your home and pick up your child. There job is to escort your child there safely! This takes away the worry and the fighting. There is an additional fee for this service.

  • Q: Does insurance cover the cost of treatment or boarding?
    A:

    Insurance plans vary so much that there is not a solid answer. You can find out what your coverage is by calling them directly and asking about your in-patient mental health benefits. In order for coverage, it has to be medically necessary, based on diagnosis and most insurance companies require a pre-authorization.