Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Mosaic Parenting

Single parents do not have luxury of the other parent there with them to share the parenting load. It is by definition this way. So, in order to provide what is missing, the single parent has to get creative and do some mosaic parenting.

Mosaic parenting is giving your child access to bits and pieces of people who offer parent-like qualities. Teachers, coaches, youth ministers etc all help. Uncles, aunts, older cousins, grandparents are in the mix as well.

It is important to provide positive adult connections to children that go beyond yourself. It is not that you are inadequate, but rather that the diversity of positive adult relationships provides a net of strength that no one person is capable of giving.

Go ahead, do some mosaic parenting.

5 comments:

picture-mama said...

What an awesome way to put it, Mosaic Parenting. I am a single mom to 4 children and have recently relocated my family to be closer to my parents. I spent a lot of time struggling with the idea that the only way for my children to have a "father" type influence was to be married. This thinking, although normal, kept me bound for a long time. Once I realized that influence comes in many forms, I started to get creative. This was when my children and I got more involved. For them it was exciting to participate in different things, but for me I had a peace of mind knowing that I was working to give them something that they did not have at home. I guess I just became concious of mosaic parenting, as you say, and tweaked my choices a little. For example, I requested a male teacher for my son instead of a female. I allowed my daughter to go out for volleyball and asked my Dad to be at her games. I know that this may not sound like much, but for us it was more than we had before. Thank you again for your creative way of expression!

Janet said...

I like the idea of mosaic parenting.
I am a single mother of five, but only three whom are still at home.
We also homeschool. God has touched my heart so much regarding my children's needs. My children are not only missing a father, but often they are missing me also. I now have a job and am gone for important times or just for talking times. I have realized that it is not just male person's they need in their lives. It is also essential for me to help them develop other strong dependable
female role models. They need
women and older girls to give them
time and attention.

Felicia said...

I must admit that this is one great insight. It surely gives a company the opportunity to get in on the ground floor and really take part in creating something special and tailored to their needs.


families

Unknown said...

When seeking for the single parent grants to raise your kids with ease, it is important to first gear yourself with patience. It is not easy to process your data which is why there are times when this process can last for several weeks or months before giving the government’s approval or rejection. Because of this, it is vital that you condition yourself to this fact. Gear yourself with fortitude so you end up victorious in your work. In times when your application was rejected, never give up because you can always apply the second, third, or fourth time around. You can apply as much as you want.

financial help for single Dads

grants for single parents said...

Mosaic parenting is a great idea. The information you shared is very good and impressive. I think every single parent will look forward to it. Thanks for the share.