Single Parenting

Last fall my budget tightened by about $500 per month. Because most of my monthly expenses are fixed (utilities, rent, childcare) the only area left to cut back in is food. So, no eating out, ordering in, superfluous fancy cheeses or liquor for a while, obviously, but that still leaves me two eating machines (second and third grade boys), to feed…. First I took advantage of a quiet afternoon at work to plan out a month’s worth of menus. I used my Google calendar (added a new calendar called...Read Full Story

It is important to know that there are now programs out there that can be of assistance in several different areas such as education, supplemental income, medical coverage, and more. Keep in mind that although many of these programs are targeted towards women, this does not automatically mean that fathers are not qualified. Typically there are funds available regardless of gender. The following will seek to get you started on your search for single parent grants . One of the most significant...Read Full Story

Spring has sprung and Easter arrived to celebrate new life, and for Christians – the new life you received  when you accepted the very Easter story . His story in history is what gives us joy unspeakable.  I celebrated the day without the kiddos (it was their dad’s weekend, you know). Following a morning of worship celebration at church, I went with friends to a dynamic 2 hour drama of the Resurrection of Christ in Radford that night. The day was full and the focus was obvious.  It is tough...Read Full Story

The Lighthouse Of Love No one plans to be here..alone on this cliff With no other parent..the fear leaves you stiff At first there’s the trials..the talks with the ex They sometimes go well..but you may just get nix No visits for your little one..no support for you You sit head in hands..what am I to do But gather yourself for your new life awaits Those big eyes look up..you have a clean slate See this as a chance to do things your own way To write on their image each...Read Full Story

Going through divorce is never easy and with children it just adds insult to injury.  For you and your spouse – your hearts are injured and you are dealing with a failed marriage; but the children feel like their entire world is falling apart around them – and they don’t know why.  They are either moving or living in two places, back and forth between parents and that is in a case where the parents are handling it well!  If one of the parents is using the children as a source for hurting the...Read Full Story

Me-Time is in abundance this week.  I have already started a list of things I want to do while I await my kiddos return from their summer break with their dad.  Mr. M just left this morning with his sons for a week long visit to see family in Maryland, so the me-time just multiplied.  As a single mom, one of the things I had to conquer from the very beginning was how I would use the time I had alone when the kiddos were at their dad’s house.  In the early stages with no ‘relationship’ of...Read Full Story

No doubt, you'd imagined raising little Louis with a life partner. (And THAT kind of man -- the one who will adore and cherish you -- is likely out there!) In the meantime, if we could give you one bit of advice, it's this: love your son, but don't use him as a security blanket.Read Full Story