How to Succeed as a Single Parent

Diane Louise Jordan

Hodder and Stoughton and Parentalk have launched their new ‘How to Succeed’ series with this book

There are different ways a man or woman can become a ‘single parent’: death of a partner, divorce, or even choice. Diane Jordan became a single parent almost overnight: when after the tragic death of her sister she immediately took on the care of her two-year-old niece.

However, whatever your situation there are many common issues to be faced if you are coping alone with the challenges which parenthood throws up. It is never easy to be a lone parent and the author reminds us that a parent will lose 450 hours of sleep in the first year of a baby’s life, but the parent of a socially active teenager knows it doesn’t stop there! So, take care of yourself too along the way - don’t be a martyr - and be realistic about your own needs and take time to pursue your own interests. Work at building up a support network

If the ‘other parent’ is around try to be positive about your ex-partner, and don’t criticise him/her to your child. Whatever has happened between you both your child will have some loyalties to their mum or dad even if you don’t think it is deserved! And never use your child as a messenger or as a spy. If there is no contact with the other parent remember to talk to your child from time to time about him or her - there will be things the child needs to know. All children need to be reassured that the breakup of the family was not their fault.

If you believe you are on your way to creating a ‘new’ family when a relationship is becoming serious, talk with your children about it.

And, one of the tips in this book, make the most of the time you have with your child as she won’t be tugging at your sleeve forever. As a grandmother I know this to be true.

A good read for a single parent.

published by Hodder & Stoughton   price £7.99   ISBN: 0340861193

and available from   

Review published 17 January 2003 © Jill Curtis 2002