Parent to Parent: Single parents

Bethany Reis, single mom
"Go ahead, keep going."

Bryant Reis, son
"I can't."

Bethany Reis, single mom
"You can do it, come on."

Bethany Reis is raising her 9-year-old son Bryant on her own.

Bethany Reis, single mom
"I got pregnant and decided to jump into the unknown, take a huge risk, and I had my son."

Like so many single moms, Bethany says her biggest challenge is time, she never has enough of it.

Bethany Reis, single mom
"It is a big juggling act between making it all work."

Dr. Valerie Goode, parenting expert
"The first one that comes to mind are time limitations. You never have enough time to do anything for yourself."

That's why experts say it's so important for single moms to develop a support network.

For example, you can swap babysitting duties with a friend or relative

Dr. Valerie Goode, parenting expert
"Perhaps there's a parent who stays home during the day that's more than happy to help you out, and you can repay her by watching her children on the weekend."

Other single moms may be your best resource.

You can team up and take turns giving each other a break and support.

Dr. Valerie Goode, parenting expert
"Guilt is a given. You don't have enough time, you're cranky, you're irritable, you're yelling at your kids sometimes."

Experts say, "let it go," realize you're not superwoman and take a well-deserved break when you're feeling stressed out.

Dr. Valerie Goode, parenting expert
"Take a break when you need to, don't overdo it, eat the right foods, exercise, all the things that you would do to be a healthy person."

Bryant Reis, son
"We go out and go to the beach, she brings me to school every day."

Experts say a happy, well-rested mom is the key to raising a happy kid.

Another piece of advice for single moms and dads, make a list of people to call in case you run into a bind, like if you need someone to pick your child up from school.

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