| Show Human Side Tips for single parents Diane Cashel Alcohol Drug Educational Dir NE in four parents raises a achild achild achild O ONE child alone Of these 90 percent are women From their experiences information about how to cope with this challenge challenge challenge chal chal- lenge is becoming more readily available Single parents need extra understanding patience and cooperation In turn parents are likely to develop a new sense of independence and self- self confidence Parents can become strong and adaptable Children can become responsible and secure Relationships with children can become closer Parents should make a plan to reduce stress Taking time to get quality day care reduces distractions distractions distractions dis dis- dis- dis tractions while working or and/or going to school Talking with others who have solved single parenting problems for themselves can be helpful Friends support groups workers co-workers and students students students stu stu- dents can share ideas A list of resources available to single parents is available through Turning Point and Alcohol and Drug Prevention Prevention Prevention tion Programs Parents must take proper care of themselves and provide quality time for their children Its It's estimated that the average parent spends 20 minutes a day with a child When parents feel good they have the energy to tobe tobe tobe be more involved with your children Children of single parents often develop an early sense of individual responsibility |
