Being the only person in change of a family is hard and sometimes overwhelming. There is no one else to share the decision-making concerning education, discipline, or finances. Nevertheless, you can keep your family going and provide your children with the best environment and parenting you can give them; millions of single-parent families do so everyday in the United States.

Routines, stability and honesty

There are a number of things which you can do to be a better parent under these circumstances. One of them is providing a structured environment with set rules. This will give your children a sense of security and make the family relationship more relaxed. Routines are a good practice as well as being clear and consistent with establishing positive discipline.

Set schedules, write them down and place them in the kitchen or the living room and try to stick to them as much as possible. Knowing "what's next" will help your kids know what follows and they won't feel "adrift".

Something else you mustn't forget is to allow your children to be "children". The lack of another adult's support may make it tempting to burden your child with many responsibilities, although in fact your children should have their own set of family responsibilities. But you must be realistic about what responsibilities your child can handle. Don't ask your child to solve a grown-up problem.

Single-parent children, especially if it's a single mother, understand the burden there is on the parent and some of them tend to feel overly responsible. Although at this time any help is more than welcome, try to allow your children to do what is normal for their age.

Also, speak to your children honestly about your financial situation and about what you can't afford, but don't blame your ex-partner for the situation. If your ex is not paying his or her part, speak about it as a fact, but without adding any derogatory comments.

First put on your own oxygen mask.

This warning given on planes is a good rule of thumb to keep in mind when there is only one person in charge of the family. If you are not well, are not taking care of yourself, not sleeping enough, or not following a healthy diet, take your time to relax, have fun and take care of yourself or you won't be able to give your family what they need from you.

In single-parent families, work hours add to the housework hours, which nobody shares with you (even if your kids take on responsibilities for their age).

In the daily routines you must find time for you. This is something any adult needs, but much more in your case, since your children depend on you. Perhaps you might not be able to take a long break, or a few days away, but a little time for yourself everyday will help you be emotionally and physically balanced. Some alone time in the mornings to have your coffee at sunrise when your children are still sleeping or half an hour after leaving work to walk around the park might be just what you need to face the chores that are waiting for you at home in a more relaxed frame of mind.

If you can't afford a sitter on a regular basis, at least hire one once a week so you can go out to the movies, spend time with friends, go on a date, or simply be by yourself, away from your responsibilities. These simple measures will help you be emotionally and physically fit to enjoy your family.