How to Manage your Teenager as a Single Mother

A single mother has a hard time of it trying to rear children on her own, and when it comes to teenagers it can be rather overwhelming at times. One of the biggest traps many single parents, especially mothers, fall into is blaming themselves for their teen's behavior. Remember, the fact that you are a single mother probably has nothing to do with it at all; teenagers all go through the sulky, rebellious period, no matter how many parents they have.

It is in the nature of a teenager to push the boundaries, it is how they learn. The only defense that you as a single mother has against this is to be resilient. Trying to be your teenager's friend will not work, as they will just walk all over you and have no respect for you. By the same token, trying to be the strict tyrant of a parent will also not work.

Tips on Managing the Terrible Teens

Set Ground Rules

Even though you may not think so, teens respect parents who set ground-rules.
Make the rules reasonable but stick to your standards and beliefs.
Make sure the rules are age-appropriate.
Ensure that your teen knows the consequences of breaking the rules and follow through if there are infringements.
Make sure that you and the non-custodial parent if there is one agree on the rules.


Don't allow your teen to guilt you

Teenagers of single parents know that they can guilt their parents into getting their own way, and will try this, especially with a single mother
Remember, you are a good mother and do the best that you can for your offspring, so do not allow them to guilt you into letting them get away with bad behavior.
You need to be strong and make them realize that they have to be responsible and that there are rules throughout life so they had better get used to following them.


Quality Time

Even though, as a single mother you probably have to work very hard and may even have two jobs, make time for your children.
There is nothing that can make up for one on one time with your teenager; they need to be able to talk to you about problems they are having, and you need to stay in touch with what is happening in their lives.
It is also of great importance that you organize for some personal time for yourself at least once a week so that you can distress and recharge your batteries.


Have a back-up

In a two-parent family parents can discuss problems and get input from each other which normally ensures that problems are resolved in a fair manner.
In a family where there is only a single mother there is nobody to pick up the slack, so it is important that you enlist the help of someone to whom you can turn as a source of input and of encouragement when you are low.
Joining a single-parents group can be of great value to you as these are people who understand what you are dealing with.


Dealing with a teenager is a challenge every day, as they are going through changes that they have to deal with, and they also start to spread their wings at this stage. As a single mother you need to ensure that you maintain control without destroying the relationship you have with your child or allowing him or her to destroy you.

Learn about financial assistance for single parents, single parent grants, daycare support and get tips and advice to help you face the tough task of being a single parent at www.singleparentcenter.net