It’s never easy being a parent. That’s especially true today. It’s even more true if you’re doing it on your own, without a partner to lean on. You’ve got to be stronger to raise your kids right.
But single or not, we’re all going through this together as parents. Here’s what we’re up against so you can identify the enemy and make your impact as a parent really count.
It’s never easy being a parent. That’s especially true today. It’s even more true if you’re doing it on your own, without a partner to lean on. You’ve got to be stronger to raise your kids right.
But single or not, we’re all going through this together as parents. Here’s what we’re up against so you can identify the enemy and make your impact as a parent really count.
1. Lack of time
We’re working longer hours. And if we’re single parents, we’re either relying on our older kids to take care of themselves until we get home or putting our younger ones with relatives and caretakers. That means we’re spending less time with our kids and therefore, having fewer opportunities for a positive impact.
2. Lack of finances
Despite working more, we’re often not making enough money. Things cost more too, so trying to provide the essentials our kids needs puts a huge strain on things. Plus, it’s the dream of every parent to fulfill their kid’s wishes- but sometimes, we just don’t have enough money to do that.
3. Peer pressure
Ok, so this has always been a tax on every parent in modern times, but these days, it’s even more difficult. Our kids aren’t just being pressured by peers at school. They’re being pressured online, and not only by friends. Brands try to push kids to buy their products and “be cooler”.
4. Online everything
Today’s parents not only have to contend with real dangers but online ones as well. Teaching our kids how to avoid problems that could haunt them forever online is a huge challenge when it comes to keeping them safe.
5. Sex and drugs
This will likely be a challenge for every parent until the end of time, but it’s still a big one right now. Having “the talk” about sex and drugs is a must to ensure their safety.
6. Overscheduling
Another problem we have today is the feeling that we have to do everything. Not just with our own lives but with our kids as well. Some parents shuffle kids to soccer, dance, and endless activities. While some of these things are good, just like anything else, too
much of a good thing isn’t so good anymore. It’s important for us to teach our kids that it’s ok to be bored and enjoy downtime.
7. Nutrition
Today, many parents don’t seem to know how to cook nutritious meals. Finding the time to make real food that the family will eat seems almost impossible. Yet by allowing our kids to eat processed foods all the time, we’re setting them up for poor health habits
down the line.
8. Resilience
Today’s kids are learning that even if you don’t really try, you can still get what you want. It’s a horrible message to send kids. Just show up and get a trophy! We need to instill in our children that working hard for what you want builds character. We need to show them that even with hard work, you won’t always win, but that’s okay.
Are you up for the challenges of parenting in 2020? Suit up and get in the ring!
