Parenting is a hard job. It should not be done alone. Single parents often struggle with the burden of fulfilling the role of mother and father for their children. This is why all parent should have one other person in their lives with whom they can rely upon for daily supportive contact.

End each day with a fifteen-minute collaboration session with your spouse or chosen support person (you may need to do this over the phone). The discussion should include a review of the day’s successes and struggles and a plan for the following day. Choose one area that you plan to work on with your child and make that the focus of your energies for the next day. Use the time with your support person to anticipate problem scenarios and brainstorm about how you will address them. This type of daily accountability will keep you feeling supported as well as motivated to follow through on your proposed plans.