Raising a Family
Parenting Alone
Parenting Alone
1. Let others stand with you when hardships come. There is often a tendency to become isolated when you’re feeling overwhelmed. But that is the very time you need your Christian support system. See Endure Trouble and Hardship Together
2. Find Christians who will firmly agree to pray for you and your children as you will for them. Scripture talks about the benefit of two or more agreeing on things brought to the Lord. Because of the special pressures felt by children of single-parent homes, God knows what your kids need, and others can join you in interceding on their behalf. See Pray for One Another
3. Invite other Christians to take ownership in how you and the kids are doing. You, as a single parent, and your kids belong to the other Christians with whom you are close or even loosely affiliated in an institutional church. They may not know this, so direct them to ChristiansTogether.org and ask them to read the Togethers. Seek the help of church leaders to inform people of God’s expectation that others share some of the responsibility for how your kids turn out. See Belong to One Another
4. Befriend those Christians who understand your life as a single parent. Also, do not pay any attention to those who might judge you for your situation or past. Other Christians are expected by God himself to accept you and your situation without judgment or condemnation. God is the only true judge and has forgiven you; there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Unfortunately, until Christians and church leaders pay attention to the Togethers, you may have to ignore what seems to be rejection or unfriendliness. Just realize that God loves you, accepts you and your situation, and will help things change for the better. See Accept One Another
5. Let others serve you and your family. Don’t let personal pride keep God from helping you through His people so that you and your children can live for and glorify God now and in the future. See Serve One Another
6. Because life as a single parent can be tough, remember that you are a citizen of heaven. In the end, you will enjoy more than most people the sheer joy of eternal life hereafter. The teachings of Jesus and the New Testament tell us that suffering is a part of this life — and they even produce valuable things for us. Keep looking forward, far forward. See Live as Citizens of Heaven
7. Get together with other single parents and sometimes with their families to support and encourage one another. Avoid isolation, even though you are very busy. If necessary, simplify life to make time for this necessary comfort and backing. See Meet Together Regularly
8. If others want to help you with the basics of life, food, clothing and shelter, let them do so because it is an expression of their love for God. God provides so much free to all of us. Those who help your family will be worshiping because they will be reflecting back to God His own generosity. See Meet One Another’s Needs
9. Invite other Christians to your home to get to know your family and positively influence your children. Don’t avoid inviting people of higher financial status or think that you should serve pricey food. Invite two-parent families. Guests will enjoy your family, and their assignment from God is to build a loving relationship with your family. See Be Hospitable with One Another
10. Let other Christians know that anything that they can do to put courage into you will be appreciated. Being a single parent is a huge challenge and requires continual courage. Hebrews 10 clearly states that a primary reason to meet as Christians is to put courage into one another for whatever God has asked us to do. See Encourage One Another
11. Bring in other Christians to commemorate the accomplishments of your children if you do not have local family to join the jubilation. Let them reinforce your affirmation of the kids. This might stimulate good behavior that will make your job as a single parent easier. See Honor One Another
12. Let your close Christian friends know that you need them to keep your hope high when under pressure as a single parent. Being a single parent is tough, and most people understand that. Do not be ashamed to admit it when your optimism weakens. See Preserve One Another’s Hope
13. Ask your Christian friends to look out for your good, especially when you are very busy. Some single parents overdo giving their kids things and activities. They might be overcompensating for the lack of two parents at home. Friends can tell you when you are not treating yourself fairly and don’t need to do so much. See Look Out for One Another’s Good
