Are fears of a single parent different than those of "un-single" parents? I think so, in certain ways.
Single Parent Fears
I am a scaredy cat. I am not afraid to admit it, and I know it's the truth. I hate scary movies, I don't like roller coasters and adrenaline rushes are not my game. I would be fine for the rest of my life without bungee jumping or leaping out of an airplane.
It's my personality and I realize that. But other types of fears also invade my daily thinking. Sometimes I even wonder if fears are different between single parents and married parents.
Here's my reasoning. I have a love/hate relationship with the movie Steel Magnolias. I believe it brings out every mother's worst fear - something will happen to them while they are home alone with the baby (children) and no one can take care of them right away.
Notice the fear isn't with something happening to me, but the fact that if something did, who would take care of the children until help arrived? The image of the screaming baby sitting next to her mother (Julia Roberts) is etched into my mind forever. When I was married, I knew that eventually someone would be home,but now, how long would it take for someone to notice?
The best way to combat the fear is by having regular contact with friends or neighbors, even family members. Post a list of phone numbers so your kids can dial someone if they need too if they are old enough.
Studies indicate another big fear of single parents is over their children. We worry about raising them right, their schooling, outside influences on their life, their health, etc. Since we don't have a buffer of the other parent at home, we question ourselves and our actions more. The fear of failure when raising our child(ren) can drive some people right to the anti-depressant/anxiety prescription!
The best way to combat that fear is to find support. A single parent group, a doctor or therapist will be a great listening ear for your troubles. You will find you are not alone in your fears! Talking about them to other people in itself is a good release.
Tell me what your fears are. How do you cope with them as a single parent?
