SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES CAN SUCCEED-Single Parents, Multiple Challenges

Children's Cooperation Essential

Children living in single-parent families also need to understand that their cooperation is essential to the success of the family.  (Ephesians 6:1-3)  Their obedience to parental authority shows that they love their parent and respect the added effort that the parents makes to provide a safe and happy household.   Since communication is a two-way street, children in a single parent family need to remember that they must be willing to support the parent's efforts to maintain good communication in the family. -Proverbs 1:8; 4:1-4. 

Such children are often required  to assume responsibilities quicker than those who live in two-parent households. With loving and patient instruction, boy and girls will gain self-confidence and a sense of self-worth as they master life skills at an early age. Also, some chores  may be delegated to children so they can assist in the orderly management of the household.

This does not mean that the objective of the single parent is to make her children into little, self-sufficient adults who have no need of parental direction. Certainly, it is most unwise to leave a young child alone or unsupervised. 

Single parents are often mistakenly drawn into thinking  that they must be buddies or chums with their children. While a close relationship is necessary, single parents should keep in mind that children need a parent and that a child is not emotionally mature enough to be the parent's confidant or peer. Your children need you to act like a parent. 

Single parents and children cooperating together  in a loving relationship can contribute  to a successful family.  As more and more children are being raised  in  single-parent households, everyone should be aware of the particular challenges facing single parents and their children and be willing to offer loving encouragement and support. 

Next time: SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES  CAN SUCCEED-A Lone Parent, but Not Alone

From the Awake! magazine