It has been my experience that people don’t always have the nicest things to say about single parents. Despite the fact that over 50% of marriages fail in today’s world, society has kept its jaded view of those of us parenting on our own. People are often quick to judge and be be cruel in the things they say. While these things can be hurtful, it is important to let them roll off. You can’t let them get to you. You are the only one that knows the intimate details of your particular situation. No story is the same; no person is the same. We have all been through difficult things, but you don’t have to let your past define you. They are merely experiences that you have been through to help gain empathy for other people who have endured similar circumstances.
Being divorced does not define who you are as a person. There may be times when society can’t seem to look past that part of you, but you know who you are despite their preconceived notions. So often society tries to blame all of the world’s problems on single parents. Fewer kids are graduating from high school? Must be the single parents. More kids are in jail? Doing drugs? Having sex? Gotta be the single parents! Let me attest to you that this is not the truth. Being a single parent does not mean your child will be any less successful than their peers who come from intact families. If your child failed his spelling test this week, it probably wasn’t because you are a single parent. They probably just needed to study a littler harder. There is no reason for you to feel guilty. Don’t buy into it.
Show your children how much you love them and give them the support they would need regardless of your marital status. Remember, there are just as many successful children from broken families. Society is just looking for an easy target to place the blame. Unfortunately, this most often falls on single parents. But you don’t have to believe it. Just hold your head high and don’t let it get to you. You are doing the best you can with what you’ve been given and that’s what really matters.