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Challenges Single Parenting Article
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Single Parenting Advice For Dealing With Difficult Situations
from: Karlie BestlerAll single parents have those days when everything seems to go wrong. They wonder how they can face all the obstacles just to survive on a day-to-day basis. Instead of waiting for the inevitable emergency, take some single parenting advice and learn to prepare the foundation so those days become fewer.
The Little Black Book
Dating singles have them. The single mother should have one, too, but not about dating life. The little black book is for the caregivers, neighbors, teachers, friends, and anyone else who can lend a helping hand when times get rough. In this day and age when almost everyone has a cell phone, the network of people should be more readily available. The little black book should have all the names and numbers in one place for quick reference.
At home, this information should even list the insurance policy providers and account numbers, all information on co-payments and claims, as well as receipts of payments. This helps to locate babysitters. It should also help you keep track of expenses during the year for when it comes to tax time. Being organized when you are a single parent is the best single parenting advice one can take.
Keep A Schedule
One of the most frustrating things about single parenting, particularly if there is an ex-spouse involved, is the custody schedule. Since many single parents work, a slipup in the custody schedule can result in loss of time at work. A late pickup or missed pickup or dropoff can also result in tardiness or having to leave the office early. How do we keep these interruptions from affecting our work performance?
The custody schedule should be described in great detail in any separation or divorce agreement prior to the first pickup or dropoff. Things to decide in the custody schedule are the dropoff and pickup times and place. In addition, all holidays, birthdays and Mother's and Father's days need should be outlined in detail along with dropoff and pickup times. For emergencies that may arise at school, it is important that the school is aware of both parent's emergency contact information, and the parent whose custody time it is should take care of the emergency arrangements while notifying the other.
Have Proper Meals
No matter what age your children are, they are always hungry. Whether they are crying for a bottle or asking what's for dinner, they always seem to be looking for something to eat. Have you ever noticed that when you're hungry, your mood gets worse? It's the same with kids. Even though it may be tempting to skip meals here and there or eat junk food on the run to save time, it isn't a good idea. Eventually, poor diet habits affect the family. When the family has the main meal together, you get to hear what's going on in your children's lives.
If you're too tired to cook, there are many different healthy prepared options available now ranging from cooked roasted chickens to pre-made salads. Have the kids help with the dishes or fixing the food if they're not too young. This type of family time is healthy and it can also deepen connections and instill good work ethics in your children. These connections will pay off when real difficult issues pop up by having established open communication with your children in a comfortable environment.
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