I reckon that the best thing about being a single parent is the amount of time I spend with them. I have a feeling that if I was still with their dad, then there will have probably been times I would have wiggled out of doing some stuff with them and he would have done it or I may have done stuff with him and not them. Being a single parent means that you kinda take the reins a lot more and naturally get to know them a lot more as a result. For the record, I have 2 daughters aged 13 and 12, and so far they're a dream come true. Both have their heads screwed on totally the right way and I don't have too many 'Kevin the teenager' moments with them. Saying that, I'm a secondary school teacher, and have dealings with some proper little darlings every day so maybe mine just seem particularly lovely in comparison!

I ahve to agree with everyone about the amount of time spent with the kids. Unfortunatly for me, my career doesn't allow me to spend as MUCH as I want. *sigh* - such as the life of the Army!!

Atleast I no longer have to give up the TV for things like Beverly Hills 90210; and soaps like the Young and Restless.

Hiya,

I'm new to the site and just wanted to say hello.

I find that the best parts of being a parent is seeing my kids faces light up when they see me, getting loads of squeezy hugs and sloppy kisses and being told "Love you Mum".

Makes my day

I love the cuddles that you get too, although No.1 is a bit too old and too cool.

As I don't have them nearly as much as I'd like, I have to make the most of it and No.2 is still small enough to come for a cuddle for half an hour when he wakes up, and this is where he can tell me all his fantastic stories.

That said, that's just a parent thing, rather than a single parent thing. *Shrugs*

For me I'd say the best thing is being able to bring my child up with the morals that I choose, even if you are with someone very like minded, there are always things that you disagree on which you have to work at. So what I say GOES!!!

hi everyone, im a single mum to 2 children,who are 5 and nearly 4, their dad left me when i was pregnant with my youngest. The best part about being a single parent is that you can bring your children up how you want to. its not an easy job being on your own, but its the most rewarding thing in the world watching your children growing up, knowing you made them the way they are. i love my kids to bits, and wouldnt change anything!!

The best thing about me been a single parent is the ex is not with me.

I enjoy parenting full stop. Even the disagreements. Bathtime was always my favourite part of them being young.

As for the single parent bit I can't see any benefits at all. For some it's inflicted and for others a lifestyle choice. Where neither parent has a detrimental impact on the child they should both be fully involved and a united front maintained. Children both thrive on and are destroyed by conflict, especially involving Mum and Dad.

old post I know but just wanted to give my best bit!

ALL OF IT!

My son's nearly 20 and we were on our own since he was 3 (although his dad had regular contact and still does). I worked full-time so my mum helped out, but all in all it was fab (even the bad days were wonderful when he gave me a hug and a kiss at the end of it and went to bed without any fuss.. ever).

We are now great friends and I have the title of "cool" mum, which is just about as good as it gets when you are that age. He's even told me I can't go on facebook as all his mates will fancy me.. and I know he means it as a compliment.

I bloody love my son.

The most rewarding part of parenting for me, single or otherwise, is having my 17 year old daughter telling her mates I'm her best friend. Seems I did something right after all
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"Always look on the bright side of life..... tetum tetumtetumtetum....."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHPOzQzk9Qo

you are lucky i have to work away all week away from my 8mth old little girl id rather be up all night trying to get her to sleep than spend an extra hour missing her , sometimes its hard to see that especially when they're screaming the place down! even the cat dissapears out when jess kicks off but its all good when they smile at you