Lessons on Effective Single Parenting

Found an interesting article about single parenting:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fauxto_dkp/

Lessons on Effective Single Parenting - How to Raise Well Rounded Kids By Jamie Rona  Article Word Count: 403 [View Summary] Comments (0)

Whether you are a single parent by choice or by circumstance, the rules on effective single parenting basically remain the same. Any single parent should use these rules as their guide so that they can successfully raise well-rounded kids.

The first thing to know about effective single parenting is that being one doesn't mean you have to be alone. Having people to help you and a solid support group you can rely on cannot instantly diminish the feeling of loneliness but it can keep you balanced emotionally and in dire cases, financially. Your family members and closest friends can help you build an atmosphere where your children would never feel that they lack something in their lives - especially love and warmth.

Effective single parenting means separating your feelings of anger and bitterness from your children. If you are dealing with a divorce, remember that whatever happened to you are because of your life choices so do not ever put the blame on the kids. Also, be sure to give them an assurance that it's not their fault. Kids are very sensitive when facing issues such as death or divorce and your assurance will give them a sense of security.

The challenge of being a single parent means you have to deal with the financial burden of raising kids alone. Effective single parenting encourages finding financial stability while giving your kids their needs. The key here is in making your kids understand that the needs of the family come first and their wants are secondary to this priority. This doesn't mean you deprive them. Teach your kids to be frugal and learn the value of every cent that comes in. If they can't have the luxuries they want, teach them to be creative.

Every child loves their parents' dependability. Effective single parenting would tell you to be a solid rock your children can lean on. Create an atmosphere that would make them feel that they can trust you and that you will always be there to love them. Children grow better when they feel that they don't have to change themselves just to reach your possibly unrealistic expectations of them.

Many men and women have managed to raise great kids despite being single parents. If you use these tips on effective single parenting, you will find that despite being alone and despite the trials, raising your kids is still a pretty rewarding experience.

Jamie is a freelance writer who enjoys fitness and the outdoors. She loves to make healthy smoothies and juices using her Blendtec Total Blender. In addition to writing, Jamie loves to spend time with her three kids and their two dogs. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Rona

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When Marti spends the weekend with his Papa...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/atbaker/

It was another weekend without Marti and it's times like these when typical-single parent-loneliness creeps in. Although blogging takes up much of my free time nowadays, still can't help missing my boy when he's not around with his usual endless chattering and warm hugs and kisses.

Anyway, was surfing the net and searched for things to beat boredom and found this article. It's here where I learned about stumbleupon and bored.com. Stumbleupon is quite interesting, just install the toolbar and when you feel like learning new stuff, just click the S button and you'd get random stuff personalized to your preference. Bored.com has hundreds of online games you'll never grow tired of.

If you're not the couch potato-type like me, you can take up a new sport or a hobby. How about badminton? Or a shot at photoediting?

How about you, what do you do to fill up your free time?

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Funny Single Mom Movie: The Back-up Plan

"Fall in Love, Get Married, Have a Baby...not necessarily in that order."

Heard about how funny this movie is! It stars Jennifer Lopez who is a 30-something New Yorker who is tired of dating and decides to have a go at motherhood through in vitro fertilization, only to meet Mr. Right on the same day!


Opening soon across the Philippines , “The Back-Up Plan” is distributed by Columbia
Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

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Solo Parent Act of 2000---Benefits and Privileges of Solo Parents in the Philippines

photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/epsos/

It's tough enough being a solo parent but being a single mom in a traditionally Catholic country is even tougher. Well, I heard stories of discrimination but thankfully so far, none has come my way. I did get to be an expert in gracefully dodging propositions from mostly rich married men.

Anyway, single parents should know their rights and privileges and not a lot know about the Solo Parent Act of the Philippines which was approved by President Joseph Estrada in 2000 and promulgated in the same year.

Through this law, single parents will have these benefits among others:

1. Parental leave of seven (7) days every year provided the parent is an employee who has rendered service for more than a year, in addition to leave privileges
2. Flexible Work schedule
3. Medical Assistance---comprehensive medical program provided by the DOH for single parents and their children
4. Educational Benefits for children of solo parents.

To avail of the benefits, one must apply for the solo parent ID at the from the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office. To get a Solo Parent ID, the parent needs to present: 

1. Barangay certificate residency in the area
2. Documents /evidence that the applicant is a solo parent (e.g. death certificate of spouse, declaration of nullity of marriage, medical certificate (if incapacitated)
3. ITR or certification for the barangay/municipal treasurer

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Fancy Cloth Diapers

When I had Marti, my Mom made these beautiful crochet-trimmed cloth diapers which I used as burp pads. For the arrival of my very first nephew Justice, I wanted to make the same for him but after 11 years, only 1 piece remained of Mom's handmade diapers.

Good thing was able to find this pattern from Etsy so now look at my finished products!

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Wise Advice from my Son

Just turned 35 last Sunday, 11 April 2010 and my son asked me what was my birthday wish. Told him that my wish was to spend another 35 years of my life with him and hopefully soon with my better half.

Like most kids with single parents, Marti is hopeful that his Papa and I would eventually end up together. Since I've always been honest with my son I explained that that may not come true because his Papa got married a long time ago, even though  he insists that his Papa is also now single (have no idea what that really means). I explained further that his Mama is not getting any younger so I should settle down soon for him to have a complete family and the siblings he had always wanted.

What really touched me was Marti's advice on how I can get my wish. He said, "Mama, didn't you say when God closes the door, He opens a window? Maybe you need to close a door in your life so that God can open a window." Deep words for a 10-year old. Hmmmm, Marti really made me think hard about this stage in my life. So now I'm trying to find that "door" to close so that I could finally receive the "window" that God has planned for me and my son.

Have a blessed day!

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