Single-Parent Leadership
Being a single parent is a tough job, and single-parent leadership is more challenging. Not only does it require a lot of responsibility, but it’s also a very unique job. There are no guidelines or rules as far as how to be a single parent.
That is why it’s important to be proactive and develop your own leadership style by taking cues from multiple leaders.
There are many who aspire to take on the responsibility of being a single parent. A single parent is a parent who is not married and has a child, who stays in the same home.
Single parents have a lot of responsibilities.
They must look after their child, make sure they are educated and healthy, and provide them with food and shelter. But these responsibilities do not define who a single parent is. The single parent is a leader, and they deserve to be treated as such.
The rules of single-parent leadership are more important than ever given the current family dynamic in America. With the changing family, structure comes a lot of trials and tribulations that these leaders must manage successfully.
This is a blog about how to attain single-parent leadership. In the past few decades, there has been a huge shift in the number of single parents in the United States.
However, the issue is not the many single parents, but how these single parents are being raised. The key here is that these single parents need to learn more about themselves and empower themselves.
Zilgist will give you a definition and an overview of what single-parent leadership is, and how it affects you and your experiences.
- What Is Parent Leadership?
- Single parent leadership
- What are the benefits of being a single parent leader?
- How to set up your single parent leadership?
- 6 Ways for Schools to Help Single-Parent Families
- What is the average income of a single parent?
- What are the top qualities of a single-parent?
- Where to Find Financial Assistance for Single Moms
Read: 16 HELPFUL AND PRACTICAL WAYS TO SMILE IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES (2021)
What Is Parent Leadership?
Parent leadership is a philosophy-based approach to family assistance that is built on values. that families are well-informed buyers and considerable resources for both programming and administrative purposes Change in the community for the benefit of children and youth families.
Parental leadership is a method or road, but it must be followed. is also a destination. It starts with a foundation of support. parents in obtaining the necessary skills to become leaders and assisting in the removal of obstacles to their involvement When parents are leaders, they have the power to make a difference.
The potential for transformation for oneself and others is enormous. Once they’ve become used to being in charge, parents.
They may be active in fund-raising or the establishment of their own centers.
This is the last destination–parent leadership as an “end product.” Building and sustaining family support programs require including parents and families in the overall governance of the programs.
This approach is a significant departure from the way many child and family-serving programs were planned and run in the past, which excluded parents and families from key decision-making processes such as program creation, service delivery, and continuing operations and administration.
Administrators and professional personnel working in child and family programs and service systems must first study.
Professionals must hand up some authority to parents and acknowledge them as equal partners in choosing what works best for their families.
Parental leadership may take many forms.
Parents may become leaders by participating in wider system change initiatives and taking on diverse responsibilities in designing, administering, and evaluating family support programs.
The following is a quick rundown of some proposed roles and tasks.
Why Leading as a single parent?
The concept of single-parent leadership was introduced in academic literature in the early-1980s, under the name of “parental leadership”. Whilst the majority of parents are the primary caregivers for their children, at the same time they work to earn a living and provide a healthy home.
This sometimes requires them to put their children as a priority, and show that they are concerned for their needs on top of their own. In this blog, you will learn more about single-parent leadership, how it is different from other leadership styles, and the challenges that single-parents face.
Single-parent leadership is a leadership style in which the leader assumes responsibility for the function of both parents in a couple. Single-parent leadership was the most commonly found leadership style in American families in the 1990s. With the rise of single-parent families, single-parent leadership in families has increased.
It takes a special kind of person to be a single-parent leader. The single-parent leader thrives on leadership and is a paradigm-changer. They lead by example and by being a positive example to the people they work with.
They are keenly aware of the pitfalls of leadership and make sure to avoid them.
Many people who are parents by choice or by circumstance, like single parents, are in leadership roles. That is, they are either leaders in their co-parenting, helping to form a group or organization, in the family or other terms, or in larger organizations like a school, company, or community.
What’s unique about single-parent leadership is that it is by choice, and in some cases, by necessity.
It’s true that many single parents struggle to be leaders, but that doesn’t make them any less of a leader. We hope you took to heart the advice we offered for being a leader no matter who you are, where you’re coming from, or who you’re with.
We want to make sure you are able to turn your single parent status into an opportunity to lead.
Single parents have so many responsibilities that they are faced with, but they are still leaders.
Zilgist is here to show you just how much a single parent can accomplish with the right amount of effort. Single parents are able to tackle so many responsibilities that so many people may feel guilty for not being able to.
What can you do to Successfully Lead as a Single Parent?
Single-parent leadership is often seen as a struggle. Maintaining success while being a single parent can be difficult. But it’s not impossible. This blog will discuss a few things you can do to be a successful single-parent leader.
Being a single-parent leader is about doing the best with what you have. It’s about providing the best care for your kids and being a part of your children’s education and life in general.
Being a single parent isn’t as easy as it sounds. Single parents sometimes find it hard to balance the responsibilities of parenting with those of holding a meaningful career or personal life. Single parents are often afraid to share their life goals with others, and often feel like their life is in shambles.
Every individual has their own personal strengths. Single-parent leaders, however, face unique challenges to their personal strengths. Find out what you can do to be a successful single-parent leader, and what the specific challenges are.
Being a single-parent leader is not easy. This is due to the fact that there is little if any support for single-parent leadership. In the beginning, it may be really hard to know how to make things work, but with time you can learn how to do it.
Success is not all that far away from you. Single-parent leaders are in the minority. But you can achieve success. Here are some great tips on how you can be a successful single-parent leader.
- 1. Be a resource.
- 2. Keep your relationships with your team intact.
- 3. Be an instigator.
- 4. Prioritize your family’s needs.
- 5. Stay self-aware.
- 6. Keep it simple.
As a single parent, you need to be a leader. You need to be an example for your children.
Single Mother Entrepreneurs Rise Up | Aubrey King | TEDxRiverton
What are the benefits of Leading as a single parent?
Being a single parent is challenging, but it also offers numerous advantages, some of which may surprise you. So, the next time you think about the lovely adventure of parenting, don’t get caught up in the downsides; instead, focus on the benefits.
As a single mother, there is a way to be joyful. Single-Parent Leadership.
Motherhood is gratifying, but life, like anything else, is a challenge. For single moms who must simultaneously fulfill the roles of mother and father, this is a difficult challenge.
Single parenthood necessitates striking a delicate balance between parenting, earning a living, and finding little time for oneself.
ESTABLISH YOUR OWN RULES:
Being a single parent has many perks, like the ability to set your own standards. You don’t have to waste time arguing how to accomplish anything; you can just determine what you want to do.
Making your own rules saves time and tension since you won’t have to dispute with your partner about how to best care for your child or whether or not they can attend a sleepover with their pals.
You’ll grow used to it, even if it initially feels frightening and like you’re taking on a lot of responsibility. You are your own boss, which is a really liberating experience.
TEACH VALUES TO YOUR CHILDREN:
Being a single parent, in terms of teaching your children, maybe advantageous since they will gain firsthand experience with what it means to be more responsible.
Children are keen observers and will notice that their mother is in charge of many aspects of their lives (things that they will become very grateful for). Your kid will learn how to operate as part of a team inside your family unit, which they will be able to use later in life.
Other life lessons, attitudes, and beliefs that single parents may teach their children will be useful to them as they grow older.
MANAGE YOUR OWN BANK ACCOUNTING:
You will be able to manage your own money as a single mother. You can spend money on the things you actually want and need if you manage your own finances. It also means you may put money aside for things you want, such as lovely family vacations or money for your children’s futures.
Keep a close eye on your finances and teach your children about money management. Giving children pocket money in exchange for home tasks is a fantastic method to achieve this.
COLLABORATION:
Allow them to assist you if they ask.
Teach children how to accomplish what they can with what they have, so that they may enjoy living with their families while also supporting each other to become better members of society.
Always be grateful for what they do. Continue to educate them. Raise children that are willing to help others at any moment.
A POSITIVE THOUGHT COMBINED:
To get your kids to follow you, you must first be a cheerful parent who sees things from a fresh perspective.
They must know how to survive with what they have in both joyful and difficult times. Let them know that with each other’s help, they can achieve anything in life.
Positive ideas, no matter what, will always keep your thinking straight and clear.
TEACH VALUES TO YOUR CHILDREN:
Being a single parent, in terms of teaching your children, maybe advantageous since they will gain firsthand experience with what it means to be more responsible.
Children are keen observers and will notice that their mother is in charge of many aspects of their lives (things that they will become very grateful for). Your kid will learn how to operate as part of a team inside your family unit, which they will be able to use later in life.
Other life lessons, attitudes, and beliefs that single parents may teach their children will be useful to them as they grow older.
Read: 6 Smart Ways and How to Fight Depression, Stress, and Anxiety for Living Better
How to set up your Single-Parent Leadership?
The thing is, I know a lot of single parents, both men, and women, who are juggling job and family life.
Let me tell you something: I’m juggling a lot of balls right now: building a business, keeping the house clean, paying bills, cooking dinners, driving my daughter to school, being a leader, mother, and entrepreneur, leading a team, coaching leaders, managing clients and programs, and the list goes on.
The only thing that matters is the kind of leadership you show your kids and yourself. I’m encountering more and more parents who are doing everything on their own.
As a result, I believe it is time for me to provide some thoughts and pointers to assist you in getting to work.
According to Dr. Mehvish Baig in his article,
Being a young mother and then suddenly being thrust into single motherhood of 2 really small kids was overwhelming, daunting, and feeling adrift on a sea.
Fast forward almost 13 years later I find myself growing up emotionally and learning to grow every day. Resilience, tenacity, and grit have now become my core ingredients in getting up every day and giving it my best shot.
The First Lesson in Leadership:
I’m just a regular person.
Trying to be a super parent and fulfill all of my children’s responsibilities is just not feasible – it’s impossible. Over the years, I’ve learned to be just a MOM – a mother to my children rather than a superhero.
Aim for excellence rather than perfection.
Second Leadership Lesson:
As a single mother, there are days when I am irritated, want to weep and shout, and am paralyzed by my own anxieties.
All of these years have taught me to be more emotionally savvy and to stay cool and unflappable in the face of hardship.
Your attitude and treatment of the issue determine who you are, not your surroundings.
Lesson 4 in Leadership:
Everywhere and from everyone, there are pressures. Everyone, even your children, has expectations. Acquire the ability to speak up for what you believe in.
As a compass to guide you under pressure, align your own beliefs with your decisions.
Lesson 5 in Leadership:
As a single mother, the most important lesson I learned was the need of having a strong support system for family and friends. You offer yourself to them in exchange for receiving the same.
Make careful choices when it comes to your pals. Don’t be scared to cut individuals out of your life that is negative. Surround yourself with family and friends that encourage you and will be there for you in good times and bad.
Also
First, put on the Oxygen Mask
Do you know-how about an aircraft they advise you to put on the oxygen mask first in case of an emergency? Make certain you complete it. First and foremost, look for yourself. Make sure you take care of yourself as well.
Engage, observe, and pay attention
Try to do something with your children every day, and keep an eye on their behavior. Their words may suggest one thing, but their actions indicate something else entirely. Pay attention to them, really pay attention to them. Keep the lines of communication open and helpful.
Leadership that is inclusive
My daughter is a part of my company. I occasionally take her to meetings, she joins me at speaking engagements, she assists me in putting together gift bags, and she assists me with my programs.
Allow the shambles to go
When I arrive home, it may appear to be a catastrophe. I’m weary, and the last thing I want to do is clean up after an adolescent. I concentrate on the essentials. I try to see the big picture. It’s OK; it’s just a mess that will be straightened up soon.
It’s OK; it’s just a mess that will be straightened up soon.
Keep in mind that you are a human being
There are days when I feel completely overwhelmed. I have my doubts. I’m ashamed of myself. Remember that you are a human being who feels everything. Don’t categorize your emotions as positive or negative.
You’ll make it through. Continue to go forward and do your best. Parenting and leadership are both an art and a science. We’re going to make a mess. Just remember to breathe.
Make a request for assistance.
This is a difficult one for me, but it is necessary. Make a request for assistance. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or have a deadline approaching and you need to work a little longer or harder, ask! I have a fantastic support system in place, and I make it a point to seek assistance.
What are the top qualities of a Single-Parent Leadership?
First and foremost, being a parent. With so much going on and life moving at a breakneck pace, it’s easy to forget about being a parent first. You prioritize becoming a mother and do everything with that in mind.
Recognizing the significance of “me” time. Taking care of others may be exhausting. You recognize the significance of taking time to care for yourself. It’s simpler to keep the small ones happier and healthier when you’re happy and healthy.
Recognize the word NO as a full phrase. There’s no need to explain your rationale or provide further details. Simply say no to avoid unnecessary tension.
It is selfless. You always think about your children’s needs and feelings before you think about yourself.
6 Ways for Schools to Help Single-Parent Families
It is critical for schools to foster a culture that recognizes and supports single-parent households.
When Tara Taylor’s daughter was six months old, she became a single parent. Taylor may now reflect on her experience as a single parent during those K–12 years now that her daughter is in college. In a nutshell, it’s not easy.
“Think of all the problems that two parents experience, and multiply that,” Taylor adds.
Getting the kids out the door in the morning, dealing with homework at night, and coordinating school events with employment may be difficult for single parents. Here are ten things your school may do to assist single parents to feel more at ease.
- Volunteering can be outsourced
- Do you have high school students? Assist with childcare
- Ask good questions
- Communication can help to fill up the gaps
- Think about your homework thoroughly
- Put an end to the frantic scrambling
Volunteering can be outsourced
Do you have a volunteer activity that you can complete from the comfort of your own home? Inviting parents to participate is a good idea. Black recalls, “I would have loved to have filled envelopes or cut things out, something I could do at home.” Projects that may be completed outside of school hours allow parents to participate without needing to be present at school.
Do you have high school students? Assist with childcare
According to single mom Lisa Lord, providing daycare or allowing parents to bring younger siblings to upper-school activities helps single parents to participate without worrying about babysitters. It might be as easy as asking the help of older students to watch children in the cafeteria for 15 minutes while a parent attends a meeting.
Ask good questions
It may feel unpleasant to inquire about a child’s family life, but it is critical to do so.
“We get caught up in not wanting to hurt people’s feelings, so we don’t ask the questions that we should,” Taylor says. Teachers might ask students questions like:
Can you tell me about your family? How do you spend your evenings? Talk to the parent about the best means to contact them and when is the greatest time to do so. What can I do to assist?
Communication can help to fill up the gaps
There’s a lot to keep track of as a single parent. Taylor admits, “I might not be able to ask all the correct questions every day.” “It’s possible that something will slip through the cracks.”
Every day, Taylor’s kid carried a diary filled with homework notes and reminders from home to school. “Having a necessity like a notebook to look at every day made me feel like I wasn’t losing the ball,” Taylor adds.
Think about your homework thoroughly
For single parents, after-school programs that include homework assistance are invaluable. It’s critical to have reliable homework assistance available after school. Simultaneously, as a staff, consider carefully the homework you give a home.
According to a single mom, Lorinda Roslund, homework that requires parental assistance is difficult to fit into a working single parent’s schedule.
Put an end to the frantic scrambling
Whatever the event is—a science fair, field excursions, or conferences—scheduling may be difficult for single parents. Melina Black, a single mother, says, “I need longer notice to be able to get off work for an event.”
Last-minute events, in particular, may rapidly become a frantic rush. “Having schools or instructors arrange activities well in advance, or at the very least mailing a save-the-date,” adds Black. “Then you can be certain you’ll be there at such events.”
What is the average income of a single parent?
The average yearly wage for a single parent in the United States is $51,329 per year as of July 26, 2021.
If you need a quick salary calculator, that works out to about $24.68 per hour. This works out to $987 per week or $4,277 per month.
While annual salaries for Single Parents range from $31,000 (25th percentile) to $59,500 (75th percentile) on ZipRecruiter, the majority of Single Parent salaries currently range from $31,000 (25th percentile) to $59,500 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) making $93,500 annually across the United States.
The typical salary for a Single Parent ranges widely (up to $28,500), implying that there may be several chances for development and improved income dependent on skill level, region, and years of experience.
According to recent ZipRecruiter job ads, the Single Parent employment market in Lagos, Nigeria, and the surrounding region is thriving. In your location, the average yearly pay for a single parent is $51,329.
This is the same as the national average annual salary of $51,329. In terms of single-parent wages, it ranks first out of 50 states.
Top 10 Cities with the Best Paying Jobs for Single Parents
We found ten places where the average compensation for a Single Parent position is higher than the national average.
San Mateo, CA is at the top of the list, with Boston, MA, and Santa Monica, CA coming in second and third, respectively. Santa Monica, CA, outperforms the national average by $8,410 (16.4%), while San Mateo, CA, outperforms the national average by another $10,170 (19.8%).
Importantly, the Single Parent job market in San Mateo, CA is relatively active, with just a few firms presently hiring for this position.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Mateo, CA | $61,500 | $5,125 | $1,183 | $29.57 |
| Boston, MA | $60,527 | $5,044 | $1,164 | $29.10 |
| Santa Monica, CA | $59,739 | $4,978 | $1,149 | $28.72 |
| Renton, WA | $59,545 | $4,962 | $1,145 | $28.63 |
| Berkeley, CA | $59,288 | $4,941 | $1,140 | $28.50 |
| Daly City, CA | $59,122 | $4,927 | $1,137 | $28.42 |
| Lowell, MA | $58,600 | $4,883 | $1,127 | $28.17 |
| Richmond, CA | $57,837 | $4,820 | $1,112 | $27.81 |
| Newark, NJ | $57,685 | $4,807 | $1,109 | $27.73 |
| Springfield, MA | $57,298 | $4,775 | $1,102 | $27.55 |
Where to Find Financial Assistance for Single Moms
It’s not simple to paint on your own. Whether you’re just starting out on this journey or have been raising children on your own for a while, there will be moments when you need a little additional aid and support.
When those times arise, it’s critical to know where to turn for financial aid tailored to your specific requirements. There are seven different types of financial help available to single mothers, including government assistance.
single-parent leadership :
- Support for Children
- Family and friends
- Organizations in the Community
- Pantry Services
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- WIC program
Support for Children
Let’s be honest, this isn’t going to happen. You might not think of child support as a source of assistance for single mothers. Payments are frequently irregular or nonexistent.
However, this is why child support is such a crucial source of assistance: you must file for child support before the government will evaluate whether you are qualified for other single mother aid programs.
That is correct. It encourages you to make ideas, even if your ex-spouse is nowhere to be found or is unable to assist with financial obligations. This is because the government wants its financial partner to make a financial contribution before the government intervenes and helps the economy recover.
This is one of the most beneficial financial aid programs for single mothers.
Family and friends
When you’re in need of assistance, don’t forget about the individuals around you. They may, for example, be willing to assist you in overcoming a short setback, such as needing to pay for an unexpected vehicle or house repair or assisting you in caring for your kid while working a second job, or decreasing child care.
If you’re caring for your former parents, keep in mind that they can also provide supplementary child care for a few hours while you’re at work.
Organizations in the Community
Local churches, religious groups, and community organizations may be able to assist you temporarily or refer you to other resources in your region. This is also one of the most beneficial financial aid programs for single mothers.
Pantry Services
The local food supply network is another source of support. These are also referred to as “food banks.” Basic meals including pasta, rice, canned veggies, and even some hygiene are provided.
Food banks typically only offer non-perishable items, however, some do provide milk and eggs. They can also provide turkeys or frozen pork throughout the holidays. Food supplies are usually well-connected resources, so you may lead them to other local services for single moms.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is an acronym for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. This was referred to as a “luxury” program. It is one of the most prevalent government assistance programs for single moms.
The government, on the other hand, has modified the qualifying requirements, requiring participants to work part-time or demonstrate that they are searching for work.
WIC program
The WIC program, which stands for women, infants, and children, is one of the most substantial government benefits available to single moms.
It’s a supplementary nutrition program for expecting mothers, nursing mothers, and families with children under the age of five.
Sam H. said: Being forced to live as a single parent myself, I found it quite difficult to get things done at first. Well, there was a period when I didn’t know what the correct thing to do was in the first place! I began seeking solutions and became captivated by the job that many single mothers perform (Single-Parent Leadership)
I couldn’t believe it when I saw how they did it. How do women like Sandra Bullock, Halle Berry, Kate Hudson, and others, who are extremely busy and successful (Single-Parent Leadership), manage to do it?
Have a story to share about your experiences as a successful single parent who gets things done and leads a successful life?
Please share with us some of the leadership lessons you’ve learned throughout your life. How do you go about doing it? What did you find to be effective? What do you want other single parents to take away from your experience as a successful parent?
