More than one out of four children in the United States lives in single-parent home. According to the data of the United States census over 13 million families in this country consist of only one parent. In most cases the mother is the one who keeps the children. Single-parent families are those in which there are children or young sons or daughters under 18 and the mother or the father takes care of them. These families face unique problems.

The first stage

The first months or years after you separate from your partner can be very difficult, because you will have to face some situations alone where before you could count on the support of another person, and you'll have to make certain decisions about education and the well-being of your children on your own.

Nevertheless, if your situation is due to a divorce, it helps to think that data shows that children in families with parents which are abusive, unstable, and constantly fighting with each other, have more problems and progress less than the children of a single-parent family. So, although at times it might be hard, remember that you are offering them the best possible upbringing.

In these months it is very important to obtain all the help you can get, for when you need it. Besides looking for support in organizations that can help you, establish a network of people which you can count on, from family members and friends, to neighbors or even a group support group for single parents. Make this list and keep it handy to remind yourself that you are not alone, that there are many like you and that you can ask for help when you need it.

Financial difficulties

Among the challenges single parents face is the lack of financial support. Although there are many ex-husbands or wives that meet their financial obligations, there are others who don't. The problem worsens due to the fact that they have to take care of their children and can't take on a full-time job.

It's a good idea to get legal support which some organizations provide to find out how you to collect the payments from your ex-spouse, and also to get an idea of where you stand financially. If your spouse was the one in charge of the finances you may feel overwhelmed because you don't know how to handle them. Remember that you can get help to answer some of your questions.

Emotional challenges

Single-parent families with financial difficulties face additional problems. These families usually have more emotional and behavioral problems because of the pressure that taking care of the whole family entails.

For this reason it's advisable to find time for yourself and in this way better respond to your children's needs. One of the best things you can do for your children is to be emotionally present when you are with them. Simply playing with them, going for a walk or any quiet activity that shows them you "are there" is fine. It's very normal to feel sad after a break up, and it's very necessary to go through this "mourning", but try to find time alone to do this.

Try to eliminate any existing tension with your ex partner. Try to ask your children questions about the other parent keeping calm; don't try to pressure your children into choosing between the two of you.

And remember that although at the beginning being a single parent may be very difficult, as you build your new life and new relationships everything will gradually fall into place in the end.