A Sense of Humor

by Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger

29 Sep 2007 12:18 PM

We talk about all sorts of techniques and coping mechanisms and suggestions for how to make single parenthood a more peaceful and pleasurable experience. But, hands down the most important thing to cultivate, I think, is a sense of humor. Just because we may be keeping a dozen balls in the air and coping with some of the stigma and exhaustion that comes with being a solo parent doesn't mean we don't need a sense of humor too. In fact, I think all this is all the more reason we NEED a sense of humor!

My kids and I have been able to joke about many of the realities of single parent families and, for them, living in two households that some single parent families let become big issues. By just getting things out and laughing through some of the struggles, we not only feel healthier, but it diffuses some really tough stuff. For example, my daughter who is a senior in high school with a very heavy homework load, jokes about the delivery truck she needs to get her school books from house to house. She swears that if she ever has authority, she's going to make it possible for students with two homes to be issued two sets of any books that weigh over 5 pounds!

It is important that as single parents, we work even harder at our ability to laugh at ourselves and find humor in the craziness and kookiness of our busy families. It can't all be heaviness and heartache! You might be surprised at how taking out some of the more stressful parts of single family life and being able to develop a sense of humor about them diffuses the tensions and helps you feel more like a typical, healthy family. After all, when you really get down to it, family life is a fertile field for laughter and humor.

Also: Where Do I Go With All This Anger?

Negative Thoughts Don't Help

Learn more about Kori Rodley Irons

Bio has been removed by administrator

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger