Ways to Involve Single Parents Theresa Conway, Mary Fuller, Justine Lindberg

Statistics Single-parent families make up about 50% of a class (Morrison 464). In our nation, there are about 26.3% of children that live with only one parent (464). Most children who live in a single-parent household are under the custody of their mom (464).

Getting involved Sometimes a single-parent has a difficult time being involved with their child/children’s lives. This may tend to be the case because there is only one parent who has to do everything.

Remember the Clock! Work around their schedule When working around their schedule, we will make it possible for the parent to find time to be fully involved in the child’s life. When the parent is able to spend more time, the child will see that their mom or dad is engaged and interested

Schedule, Schedule, Schedule Single parents have limited time. Single parents tend to have limited time because they are the authority figure and nurturer. They have to deal with custody issues that take up a significant portion of their time.

Quality time Spend quality time with your children is important. Single parents may want to spend meaningful quality time with their kids. Some meaningful quality time may consist of: running errands, going to the movies and making a meal together

Build a Rapport Get to know the family. Make house visits – These will give you the opportunity to know the family and their habits Keep house visits concise and pertinent – Single-parent families have limited time

Supportive Environment Create support groups for single parents. These groups will give the parent get to know fellow parents as well as the teacher. In these groups range from daily struggles, worries and how to deal with these obstacles while being a single parent.

Opportunities Providing opportunities for single parents is important to involve them in school activities Many non-traditional activities work well because the hours can be flexible. Some activities include making a home garden and baking cookies.

Finally Remember single parents are just like a family with two parents. The only difference is the number of parents in the home at one time. Despite the family situation, children are truly loved by their parents.

Works Cited "Help & Hope for Single Parents." Single & Parenting: Single-parent Support Groups, Ministry & Parenting Tips. Church Initiative, Web. 21 Nov Morrison, George S. Early Childhood Education Today. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Merrill Prentice Hall, Print. "Parenting." Single. N.p., Web. 21 Nov "Positive Perspectives." Get Advice. SocialRaise, n.d. Web. 21 Nov