Are You A Single Parent

A family is a gift. In today's world many families consist of one child, or children and an adult, This has been tagged as Single Parenting. It is a challenge to say the least. One individual is totally responsible for the child, finances, decision making, keeping a roof over the families head, food on the table and these are just the basic necessities of life for everyone. There is school, friends, chores, shopping, extra curricular activities, and discipline thrown in. Having the responsibility to raise a child totally on your own can easily become overwhelming. It is wonderful if you have extended family you can turn to for assistance of any kind. What does a parent do if there is no extended family, few friends, and you are disabled and cannot work? From my personal experiences, I offer this advice.

You have no choice but to avail yourself of all of the services that the government offers. I do mean everything you can find to provide for your child and yourself. There are Food Stamps, and food pantries so your family can eat. Medicaid,so you can provide medical care. HEAP, so you can get assistance with gas and electric bills. Medical transportation in case you do not have a vehicle to go to medical appointments. State disability which is an income. Rental assistance through HUD which helps to pay your rent. Child support because you did not create another wonderful human being by yourself. Social Services helps you with all of this. Your social worker is your best friend. I cannot encourage you enough to engage yourself into having close ties and a very good repore with your assigned worker. They are there to help you! Do everything they ask of you and do it on time. They do not need extra work to do because you didn't follow the rules. The rules are not there's. They just work there. You have to ignore anyone who puts you down because you have to do this. I mean anyone. If you must cut them from your life then do so. You cannot afford to have this negative input imprinted on your mind. Listen to your own heart because you know you are doing what you have to do to prevail. Search for someone you can confide in. Even if it is a blog online. You need all the positive feedback you can get your hands on. If you feel a professional is in order, do it. Don't wait. Start with your Dr. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Please. This is crucial. We do not have crystal balls to look into and we do not know what tomorrow will bring. Find a church you can be comfortable in. Perhaps a neighbor who understands or a single parent support group. If you need a ride say so. Believe me you have to speak up. People are not mind readers. There are people who are willing to listen or to help in other ways. I admit they can be difficult to find. Just keep your eyes and ears open and you will find them. Faith is something that I have relied upon all my life, but when you are struggling this can come into question too. Seek out a book that has positive affirmations and find several that suit you. Write them down and put them all over your abode. On a mirror, the fridge, the coffee pot or anywhere you will see them all the time. By now I am sure you can see that it is up to you to be your best friend. You can do it because you are not alone. Trust me I know. I am one of countless disabled single parents. A true motivator for you to get out there and do this is the thought that if you don't you could end up alone, without your child by your side each and every day.