Introducing Your Child To Someone You Are Dating
Children are usually the last to know about significant changes in the relationship status of their parents, and this can lead to a great deal of insecurity, anxiety, and even mistrust in the parent/child relationship. For a child who has already had a “last to know” experience in the form of divorce, status changes need to be handled pro-actively.
It is not necessary to introduce your child to every person that you date, and in truth, that can be informational and emotional overload for a kid. But when someone comes along (more…)
Finding “Me” Time In A Single Parent Household
Spontaneous moments of “Me” time can happen but it is better to schedule the time when possible to make sure one gets “Me” time.
Take a piece of paper. Write out the schedule of yourself and your child’s day, not as you wish it would be but as it really exits. Next sketch in estimates of time for each entry. Look at the times.
If the child has to be on the bus by 9:17 AM and you need to be en-route to work by 9:20 AM, that’s three minutes of potential “Me” time. “Me” time could be savoring a (more…)
Single Moms: Teaching Sons What Dad Usually Teaches
Single mothers of sons should be commended as it is very difficult for them to be mother and father. Teaching a boy how to be a young man is not the easiest task in the world. At times it can be quite challenging. Father’s usually teach their sons about strength, sex, sports, and male bonding. There is no manual for mothers to read that tells them how to assume this role and teach the things that a man usually teaches. They just (more…)
Single Dads: Discussing Female Concerns With A Daughter
Female concerns consist of menstrual cycles, breast size, peer relationships, boys and dating, and sex with or without pregnancy. Drug associations such as drinking, smoking, and worse fall under peer relationships to some extent.
Be up front. Do not accuse when stating one’s position. For example, in discussing a concern, one might say, “I do not know everything but I am here for you if you want to talk about something bothering you.”
Be open and honest. Use simple direct terms. Use language that is at the level of the daughter’s understanding.
In the process (more…)