5 things you don’t want to say to a single parent…
We prefer you just be respectful and keep your thoughts to yourself then!
- What happened really ? Why did it not work?
No they don’t need to tell you this. Some stories aren’t important right now because they are busy enjoying the present.
2. Oh you must get married / date so your family is complete!
What makes you think the family isn’t complete? It takes a village to raise a child. The single parent has created or will create a village for the child. Join in or stay out!
3. Does your child miss the father / mother?
Maybe he is maybe he is not. Some of us are figuring it out, some don’t want to. But what they know is that they are busy making the NOW of the children memorable by being the best parent ever.
4. More power to you! You are very strong!
Yes, we are very strong but it’s not out of choice. Be a sweetheart and be there for us in PRACTICAL ways! Be a useful support system, a good employer, a helpful friend, a person you can count on to step in when needed, so sometimes we can stop being strong!
5. I get it you need this job/money because you are a single parent!!!
Being a single parent out of choice, isn’t an easy one. But we plan for a rainy day and a storm and financial damnation much more than you do! Even though you would say this to a single parent who did not choose this route, you are causing a great deal of damage to their self esteem.
And please don’t wish us mothers ‘Happy Fathers Day!’ or fathers ‘Happy Mothers Day!’ We are just trying to be good parents, and do the best we can for our children.
What we need is your empathy and not your sympathy.
