Be strict but love them all the way says single mom, Tammey
Tammey Erasmus, who has been a single mother for the past 10 years says that the most important thing to remember is that you are playing two roles.
POLOKWANE – Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate those women who have given up so much of themselves for their children.
Being a mother is a big responsibility, more especially for single mothers. Review spoke to one of these special women to hear what life as a single mother entails.
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Tammey Erasmus, who has been a single mother for the past 10 years says that the most important thing to remember is that one is playing two roles.
“You must be a mother and be there as a father and this is something that can become difficult when it comes to raising a boy. I receive help from a close-knit circle of friends who help me with difficult questions my son, Paul, may have,” she says.
She adds that one of her tricks of the trade is to be honest with her son and have an open relationship with him. “He can ask me questions but to make sure he understands, I encourage him to do research on whatever he asks me.”
Tammey adds that Paul (15) is mature for his age and she treats him that way.
“I believe that it is important to acknowledge as children grow, that one should treat them accordingly. Luckily, I have been blessed with a son that is not difficult and he has been a blessing to me every day,” she adds.
She says that open communication is the key and she would advise all parents to start there.
“Be firm but fair and always be honest. Let your children know that they can come to you with anything. Let them rather be in trouble for a few minutes than destroying their own or someone else’s life because they were too afraid to step up,” she concluded.
