Single families are characterized by a working parent. Although this is not ideal, and often stressful for both the single parent and the child, working moms or dads can still spend lots of quality time with their children.

After work spend the first few minutes at home connecting with your children. Sit on the couch together and talk or giggle. Let them feel your love and concern for them.

Single Family Equals
Working Parent
By Jan Wilson

Unless there is a family fortune allowing a single parent to remain at home, single families are characterized by a working parent. Although this is not ideal, and often stressful for both the parent and the child, working moms or dads can still spend  quality time with their children.

The following tips make it easier to be both a loving and a competent single parent.

Unless there is a family fortune allowing a single parent to remain at home, single families are characterized by a working parent. Although this is not ideal, and often stressful for both the parent and the child, working moms or dads can still spend lots of quality time with their children.

Sit on the couch together and talk or giggle. Let them feel your love and concern for them.

After a few minutes, you can all go about your part in preparing dinner. Those first few minutes of bonding will remind them you care.

After dinner, devote part of the evening to your children. Make that time special.

If you have older children, you can play a game, take a walk together, or, again, just sit and talk.

Don't use the time for lectures or criticism; use it for bonding and building your child's self-esteem.

Let your children help you prepare for morning. They can lay out their clothes, place school materials in a central location, and plan their own breakfast. Preplanning and organization takes some of the frenzy out of morning routines.

Make bedtime the most special time of the day. Read a story, have a brief chat about tomorrow, or develop your own special routine.

Make certain the last moment of the day is an enjoyable one. It is much better to end the day with a hug and a smile than an argument.