Raising Children Network: the Australian parenting website
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Parenting alone

By Raising Children Network
 
 

One-parent families are the fastest growing type of family in Australia. While some single parents have worries about money, child care and relationships, others report enjoying special closeness with their child. Read about one single parent, and the challenges faced by parents raising children alone all over Australia.

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At a glance
The challenges
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Profile

Brigitte is a single mother raising her 2-year-old daughter Chloe in Melbourne, Victoria. Chloe’s father lives on the other side of the world.

Brigitte‘One of the good things about being a sole parent is that I get to do most things my way. I don’t have to argue with anyone (except for Chloe!) about what sort of food I feed Chloe, or about when she should have a sleep. Likewise, I don’t get to blame a partner for not doing their share. This may sound ridiculous, but I’m kind of glad that these days I get to avoid all the stress that comes when the parents’ relationship is tested by having kids. On the other hand, when I’m really exhausted or sick, or when I simply want a break, I really wish there was someone I could hand her over to. And I often fantasise about being able to pop out at night to see a movie while my (nonexistent) partner stays at home to babysit. Exhaustion is a big issue – especially when Chloe’s waking up for the brand new day at 5 am and I can’t say to hubby: ‘your turn’. There are financial challenges, too, and I do miss adult company.

‘I never intended to be a single mum. I was in love with Chloe’s dad and thought that he would do the honourable thing and shack up with me. Instead he did the opposite and abandoned me in my hour of need. I will never really understand how he could be so cold-blooded. I have agonised a lot about how to involve him in her life, and it’s been complicated, given that he lives on the other side of the world. But I’ve always felt very strongly that Chloe should be given the opportunity to know her father, no matter how he and I are getting along or what obstacles lie in our path.

‘In bringing up Chloe I try to balance the indulgences with the setting of limits, so that she won’t end up being a spoilt brat. I try to offer her healthy and interesting food (though I must admit that this is sometimes mashed potato). I work very hard to maintain a safe, comfortable, stable environment at home and to also fill her life with new experiences. Simple things like catching the train can make her happy for a week. Taking a trip to Greece to meet her father earlier this year was very wearing for me but Chloe blossomed beyond all expectations. I like to give her room to surprise me, to give her freedom where I can. And I try to be happy when we’re together – to let her light up my life. If I’m grumpy, she gets grumpy, and then it’s no fun for anyone. She is growing up to be a fiercely independent and confident young thing, and I hope some of that comes from my mothering.’

Share your ideas and experiences with other single parents in our discussion forums.

At a glance

  • One-parent families are the fastest growing type of family in Australia.
  • One quarter of children born to an intact couple experience their parents’ separation by the time they are 18.
  • Families with one parent have, on average, half the income of families with two parents.

The challenges

More and more Australian parents are raising children alone. You may be alone because your partner died or because your relationship broke down. You may be grieving the loss of your partner, or sad because your dream of a happy two-parent family is gone, or you may be glad that you will never have to see your partner again. You may be arguing with a former partner over how often they see the children, or how much they pay towards their upbringing. You may never speak to your former partner, or you may still be friends but hope for more.

Whatever your situation, being single is bound to affect your experience of raising children. More than likely, you are a little (or a lot) short on money. You could be stressed because you are arguing with your former partner about their relationship with their child and with you. You may not be able to spend as much time with your child as you want to, either because of custodial arrangements or because you have to work more often than you want. You may feel isolated and lonely; you might be sad that you don’t have the chance to get out and meet new people. You might wonder if you’ll ever be in a relationship again.

Being alone has its disadvantages but it also has its benefits. Your relationship with your child may be closer than it would be if you were in an adult relationship. You can make your own decisions about your child's sleeping, eating, discipline and child care without arguing with another adult. And there’s no-one else demanding that you pay less attention to the baby and more to them.

Most single parents report that having a strong network of support – relatives, friends or professional help – tips the balance, making the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. You can turn to other people if you:

  • have too much to do
  • need a break
  • want someone to vent to
  • need financial assistance
  • want your child to have more than one adult role model.

For further help

 
  • Last reviewed08-05-2006