Single Parents Multiple Challenges -Unique Challenges of Divorced Parents

Single parents realize that their children's individual needs are different and in a constant state of flux. For divorced single parents, providing reasonable opportunities  for spiritual guidance may bring unique challenges. 

For example, some divorced parents who are Jehovah's Witnesses may not have custody of their children.  They have sought to have their visitation at a time when they can included attending a Christian meeting.  This arrangement for visits would give the child regular contact with the Christian congregation, which is of great benefit to children of divorce.

Divorced parents who have fewer opportunities for regular contact with their children need to look for ways to assure them of their love and affection.  To be successful, a parent needs to be sensitive to the child's changing emotional needs.  This is particularly true when the child reaches adolescence and takes a growing interest in social activities with friends.

The successful parents also understands the child's capabilities, personality, and manner of thinking.  (Genesis 33:13) Parent and child enjoy close, intimate, and warm conversations and associations with each other  The lines of communication are open.  The child is involved in the parent's life, and parent is involved in the child's life.

Next time: Single Parents Multiple Challenges - The Need for Reasonableness

From the jw.org publications