Christmas Eve is hardest day for single parents

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The research, carried out by datingforparents.com, found that 71 per cent of single parents find 24th December the toughest day to get through.

Trying to keep everyone happy was the main reason given for difficulties on 24 December, closely followed by having little or no support.

Relationship expert and Relate-trained counsellor, Suzie Hayman said: "A partner is not just an extra pair of hands and eyes, they're someone to share the emotional load. Single parents have to manage it all and often feel overwhelmed.

"Not only is all the work a strain - the worst part is thinking you should be able to cope and it's all your fault if you can't. Christmas is a time that anyone who has suffered a change in their family may feel the strain."

To help single parents through 24 December Suzie Hayman has developed some helpful tips. These include:

1. Recognise why it's so hard
2. Talk it over with your kids
3. Help kids keep in touch
4. Plan ahead and share the load
5. Understand it's not your job to keep everyone happy
6. Let kids go
7. Don't fight over family traditions
8. Look after yourself
9. Make new friends
10. Don't introduce new partners

To read Mrs Hayman's advice in full, visit www.datingforparents.com