I am a college student at 40, I have to write a 20 page paper for sociology about what lessons can be learned by being a single parent. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

For example, I have learned that with God's help, I can survive anything. Abuse, neglect, dis-respect, responsibility, how to love unconditionally (this concept being taught to me by my children)etc....any ideas?

One thing I have learned is how to budget my money. One of my biggest worries when I was going through my divorce was how I was going to pay for everything. People are constantly saying, "I don't know how you do it!" I know it is a lesson that I will always be greatful for.

Thanks a million cincymom0f2! Good one!

Biggest lesson:

- We become accustomed to what is expected to us and can do the work of many on our own.

Kind of the same as yours Cincy - People always say "I could never do what you do," "I don't know how you do it." Like carrying a 2 yr old and a 5 yr old that is half of our weight. Or Full time school work and kids.

Sometimes I wonder how I do it. But I have become accustomed to my routine and with God's help, we keep going and it doesn't seem like too much.

Some will not believe this but I have actually learned how to ask for help, sometimes from great people willing to help me out and drive my kids places they need to go etc.and a lot from God.
Honestly I don't do it alone, not really.

Biggest things:
I AM WORTHY
I am worthy of everything I work hard for in my life.

The other two were stated above. I can do most everything I set my mind to, even the schedule and finances. When it gets beyond my control or schedule, as 2 many stated, I too know how to ask for help and exactly where to ask.

That it is not about me. Because of my children I have learned that I can and should put other people before my own interests.

Example: I may not like their father and believe that he has done nothing to deserve my cooperation, but because my children deserve to know him as long as they want to and he wants to I have to do what I can to facilitate that relationship.

This is what I have learned:
1. How to survive on 3 hours of sleep
2. How to eat my dinner cold
3. Sometimes grown-ups need naps too
4. There are a million ways to make hot dogs and macaroni & cheese
5. You can save a lot of mony by shopping clearance racks, thrift stores and garage sales
6. If someone offers help, TAKE IT!
7. You can fix anything with scotch tape and/or rubberbands
8. Finger paintings look just as beautiful on your wall as Monet or VanGoh
9. How to put on makeup, curl my hair, talk on the cell phone, look for a binky on the floor, make a bottle, change a CD and drive all at the same time
10. Finally, that I am so much stronger than I ever before gave myself credit for

For 19 years I raised 5 children, no child support from the dad. I took help when it was given, I believe you can't treat your children like number one, when you don't care for yourself. Mental stress is mind over matter, if you don't mind it doesn't matter.

I prayed to God there was a man out there for me, one who didn't beat me, I never gave up on marriage, don't you. God sent me a wonderful man last two children were leaving home to set up lives of their own.

A bachelor 48 years old., with no family, he took care of his parents until they passed away. He is kind, gentle, cooks, and loves me for the woman I am. He also has been given a wonderful gift of children, grandchildren, and my children have a father figure they can look up to. It's never to late.

Sherlock, your story is inspiring. I like the mind over matter comment too!

Thank you everyone who has answered my question. Keep up the good work. I have experienced all these things, but it is hard to put them into words, you have all been a tremendous help! Once agian, THANK YOU!!!!

Is there anyone else who would like to contribute lessons learned?

I just wanted to update this post a little. I asked this question in preparation for writing a paper for school to complete my bachelor's degree.

As it turns out, the school did not transfer all the credits from my previous school so now I do not have to write the paper.

I received my bachelor's degree from Trevecca Nazarene University and I got it Cum Laude . The degree is in management and human relations. Because I work for the Federal Government I won't receive a raise just for completing the degree but it will help me move up in the future.

Once again, I want to thank everyone who contributed to this post, YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!!!