Are you a single parent who has come to rely on one of your children to do things beyond his age because, shame, you are a single parent and he just has to? Here is the dilemma. If you rely seriously on a young child to do something that should be done by an adult, you rob him of his childhood and sets him up as being the man of the house, and you don't want to do that. Your child is not your protector and your confidante. You are his protector and the one who has to look after him. Let the child be a child and experience everything other children his age experiences. What happened to you and your partner is unfortunate, but your single parent status does not mean that children should be burdened by the aftermath. They are already suffering from the loss of one of their parents. They need responsibility, yes, and they should all have chores, but children who can't look after themselves are still children and you should not place too big a burden on them.

Ideas for being the best single parent you can be

Have a positive attitude about life with your kids, and do not discuss your personal affairs with them. They do not need to know that their father was involved with another woman or that you are going to sue for divorce, or any painful situation with their father you were in. Don't turn them against their father, and do not ask them questions about him when they return home. Also do not ask your children to act as a go-between and send nasty messages. You will harm the child emotionally, and he might even resent you. Let him have his childhood.

If there was strife in the home when you were married, do everything you can to provide a stable life and a happy home for your kids. A happy home includes the number one fact that you are the boss of the house, and that your word is final. Each one should have a chore befitting his age, even if it is just picking up the toys in the room. You want to teach responsibility, as well as make it easier for you. Tell your child at least once a week that you love him. Always tell him to come and talk to you if he has a problem.

To keep sane and to enjoy the company of people in the same age group, which we all need from time to time, join a single parent support group, or if you want something more spiritual, there might be a group at your church. These are good places to meet people like yourself where you can discuss your single parent situation and how it has affected your life.

Many single parents have similar situations and when you talk about it, you always feel better about your own life because it is not just happening to you.
Establish regular routines with your children as they come to enjoy doing things together as a family. If they go to bed at seven, don't break your rule by letting him go to bed at eight.

Love your child by teaching him to be helpful and respectful of others.