I was a single mother for 11 years, with 2 young sons, before I got married. They were 11 and 6 years at the time. I didnt plan for my life to turn out that way but it did. My life as a single mother was not terrible. Harder, yes. but not terrible. I had a good job, new car, owned my own home, etc. I worked hard and I played hard. Things had not worked out with my son's … [Read more...]
Are Your Kids Collecting Expensive Souvenirs on Your Guilt Trips?
As parents, we want our children to have every opportunity in the world, including things we may not have had ourselves growing up. When I had my daughter 10 years ago, I knew there were certain emotions that came with being a mother: joy, worry, love, exasperation. What I didn't count on was the guilt that sometimes accompanies parenthood. The guilt of working too hard and not … [Read more...]
Single Parents: 4 Things Your Kids Are Learning from Your Relationships
As a single father, I’m always careful about who I date, who I bring around my children and deciding the right time to bring that special someone around my children. Those are important concerns to think about when raising a child. Your children deserve to see you happy and in a productive relationship. Not only is it good for you, but it’s good for the child to see what a … [Read more...]
Single Fathers: Don’t Step Up to be a Parent, Never Step Down
The unfortunate reality is there are a lot of single men with children, especially in the African American community. It’s unfortunate because every child could benefit from being in the house with the two parents who cared enough to bring them into this world. Regardless, the society we live in has many single men who are a part of raising a child either in their home, in … [Read more...]
10 Things Parents Do to Make Their Kids ‘Forever Dependents’
Is it just me, or does it seem that modern parents spoil the crap out of their kids? I'm sorry but if I see one more mom CARRYING a child that is bigger than she is, I'm gonna scream. If the child can walk, why isn't he/she walking? I've seen children that appear to be 6 or 7 years old being pushed in strollers. The child is so big that the feet are dragging the ground. … [Read more...]
Ways to Help Kids Cope When Dad’s Away
My husband travels a lot on business, and of course that means that we miss him something terrible and around here that means that sometimes the kids are a lot to deal with, even more so when he's away. So, in order to help me stave of the restlessness of my little natives, I generally try to incorporate something fun for them to do that also helps to keep them connected. Here … [Read more...]
Divorced Dad Speaks About Sharing and Sacrificing as a Single Parent
As a single mother, you make countless sacrifices. I can't remember the last time I went out on a date, got a manicure"”let alone a massage"”drank more than one alcoholic beverage or took a vacation that didn't involve staying at a kiddie themed resort. I do recall bouncing checks, draining snot and getting peed on in a new outfit. One sacrifice really hit hard. It decreased … [Read more...]