Single Moms Raising Sons (see my Amazon recommendations) is the most relevant book on single parenting I've read thus far. Many of these books have much advice to give, but the authors don't seem to really get it. Many feel compelled to remind us that our task is "an almost impossible one, you will always be tired and you will always be discouraged" but we must just "try to do the best we can, with God's help, to make sure we don't raise rebellious thugs".
Sigh.
My son, a rebellious thug? Sure, he's like most boys his age, and I have to frequently hold his feet to the fire. But he's a good kid, and he loves his Savior. He shows every sign of growing up to be a Godly young man.
Did you know that many of the statistics on how badly kids from single parent homes turn out are skewered? Turns out that the kids who turn out badly were had parents who either neglected and ignored their kids, or let the circumstances of life distract them from staying connected with them, whether the parents were married or single. Single parents who invest time and interest in their kids aren't much less likely to raise successful Godly children than married parents who do the same.
That's not to say that the presence of a father is not vitally important. This book makes the point that God is my son's Heavenly Father, and He is able to more than compensate for the absence of my son's dad. Though his dad no longer makes his home with us, God desires and is more than ready to not only make his home with us, but to be the leader of it. He's my spiritual leader and my son's Heavenly Father. He can and will meet our needs if we place Him in His proper authority in our home.
How encouraging to read a book on single parenting that actually encourages! It addresses the specific needs of single moms who want their sons to grow up to be strong Godly men, but it's a good read for any single parent. Most single parenting books leave you with a strong taste of "you have an almost impossible task, rely on God and do the best you can", but this book encouraged me that it's a task that we- God and I- can accomplish together, and that the experience can and should still be a joyful one.
Whether you are a single parent or you minister to single parents, this is an important read.
