If you think it was tough when you were the single parent of a small child as they work their way on up to the adolescent stage, hang on. You have no idea how difficult the teen years can be. Though trying at times, to say the least, raising a teen does have a silver lining. You just have to have patience and watch for its arrival.
During the teen years more than ever your child is looking for that other parent. If the other parent is in the picture by all means, use them and let them know how important it is to stay close to their children. They are technically not children, but everyone that has teens know that that is not entirely true. Some teens are not ready to make those all important life decisions that you face as you grow up. Some kids need more guidance than others do. Maturity levels vary. Just because you made crucial and smart decisions when you were 16 and 17 does not mean that your teen will.
Times have changed and it seems that kids are taking longer to mature. A single parent has an even tougher time winging it alone when their kids reach this age group. Some very challenging situations come up. They think that they know everything and some kids will not listen to good advice from you. Unfortunately, some teens just have to learn it the hard way, which is disappointing, but there is not much that you can do about it. Having the other parent in the picture helps immensely. You may be a single parent, but if you are fortunate enough to have an involved second parent around you should do just fine here.
For those whose child’s other parent is not available it is a little tougher. Try to enlist the help of a male adult either a family member or close friend. If this is not possible either, you will just have to do your best and with time things will get easier. The road will be even tougher for you, but pull yourself together and hang in for the landing. This too shall pass.
Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health.