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Healthy Single Moms
Surfer Sam presents How to Balance Work, Home and Family posted at Surfer Sam and Friends.

Stephen Hall presents Family | Home Remedies For Toothache :: By Stephen Hall | BharatBhasha.com posted at Bharatbhasha.

Frederick Yarmy presents Top 50 Blogs for Pregnant Working Moms posted at Best ultrasound technician schools.

Single Mom Personal Finances
MatthewPaulson presents Use Layaway to Finance Your Purchases posted at Fine Tuned Finances.

Billeater presents Tips for Trimming Your Grocery bill up to 50% posted at Billeater.com.

Single Moms’ Kids
mom & dad presents Kids’ Halloween Costume Ideas posted at raising4boys.com.

KidsYogaOnline presents Hatha yoga for kids: float like a butterfly, hum like a bee posted at Kids Yoga Online.

Susan Howe presents Safe Trick or Treating: 16 Essential Tips for Parents posted at Star Costumes Blog.

Miscellaneous
OmniSwami presents The Slow-Cooker or Crock Pot ? A Single Dad?s Friend posted at Omniswami – Blog of Life, Family, Parenting, Tips & More.

I think if both parents are at least considered sane then co-parenting is a viable alternative to being the lone ranger parent. We could use the help; after all, you didn’t make that baby by yourself right?

The Best Solution for the Kid

The thing about co-parenting for me is that it’s the best thing for kids. Parents who are not together, for one reason or another, owe it to the children they brought into this world to find a way to be actively involved in their kids lives.

The kids didn’t ask to come into this world and didn’t ask to be in the middle of drama. They deserve the love and security of both parents. The nurture of a mother and protection of a father is something they deserve to know.

There is much evidence to prove that kids need to see and know both parents. I won’t get into all the details but I will just say that BOTH parents are vitally important in a child’s life.

Some Just Aren’t Qualified But…

It’s true that some parents are pretty screwed up and their kids are better off without them but, if it is possible, it is important that both parent rise to the occasion, suck up their issues, and put aside their selfishness for the sake of their child.

My Experience (YMMV)

My co-parenting situation is incredible to some and downright sick to others (those are the people with issues). Considering that all situations are different, it’s important to note that what works for me may not work for you. You are welcome to try what I do and have done, but please find the method that works for you.

When our daughter was born I told her father that I wanted him to be a part of her life. I did not always appreciate his presence but it was wrong for me to deny our child a relationship with her dad. So from the time she was almost two years old he’s taken some time to visit her and get to know her. Because of he lived in another state by then visits weren’t regular but he made the effort. We talked about her milestones and any issues she may have had. I sent him pictures and he wrote letters occasionally.

Make Parenting Work

It wasn’t perfect but we put forth the effort to make being her parents work. There were times when I had to address my concerns in areas I felt he was neglecting. I did it in such a way to ensure that our daughter always benefitted. As she got older we coordinated our schedules so she could visit with him during the summer and holidays. I even went so far as to meet him halfway a couple of times so they could both have memories. Some may say I went a little too far, but nothing was too far or too good for our child.

Before each visit he’d ask me if there were any rules or routines I had established in my house that he should be aware of. From what she ate to the time she went to bed was a matter of importance to him because he didn’t want to break her routine. We wanted to make sure that she understood that going to dad’s house was not a trip to Disneyland. She was going to her other parent’s house where she would still be keeping the same rules and following the same routines. This established a sense of normalcy and security for her and made the transition easier for him because he could plan effectively.

Careful What You Say (or Don’t Say)

Because I wanted to foster a good relationship between father and daughter I made it a personal rule to never speak ill of him. I also refused to build him up as a super hero but instead remained neutral and gave her the facts in a way she could understand. She would eventually get to know him and form her own opinion.

This has worked out in everyone’s favor because now she is fully able to see his goodness and his flaws without interference from me. She now has a realistic view of him and can love him regardless of any perceived imperfection.

Communication is Key

At the time of this writing, he is in Iraq and still in an active co-parenting role. He is able to communicate with her via instant messenger, email, letters, webcam, and voice chat. As she enters the teen yeas his presence is even more important. This communication right now is paramount to her development into a secure young lady.

He and I are also in constant communication about her life changes. We discuss her current mood swings, what’s happening at school, how she’s maturing, and any issues that he needs to personally address. I also share information about the school she’s attending, make sure he’s on the list of important people, and provide log-in information for her grades online.

A Necessary Partnership

Parenting is definitely a partnership. We’ve had to set aside our person biases and emotions for the sake of our daughter. It’s our job to prepare her for adulthood and make sure she is successful in the transition. We may not always agree on parenting methods but we do agree that talking about it is the quickest way to resolve any issues we may have.

Co-parenting seem impossible for you and your circumstances my not allow for it at this time, but if you are able to work it out because you see the importance of parental balance, give it a try. It requires cooperation from both parties with the goal in mind of having a healthy and well-adjusted child.

Here are a couple of blog resources to help get you started:

Co-Parenting 101

We Parent

Guest writer Tewana Necole shares tips for being decisive in love and never losing yourself in the process.

As women, love comes easy and we usually love really hard when we are in relationships.  Generally once our mind is made up about something we are satisfied with our decision.  But when a man enters the equation, we some how lose who we are and we never stick to our decision.  We all at one point in our lives, have decided to leave a man once we were fed up with him not treating us right, and then two weeks later we are right back in his arms.  So let’s understand love & decision making. 

What is Love?

God is the essence of love.  Love is an unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another.  Love sacrifices & lives for others.  It is a decision about how we act, even when no one is watching.

Decision Defined

A decision is a determination after consideration.  It is coming to a conclusion and cutting off other options.  All decisions have consequences: present or eternal.  Consequences are built into your decisions & your actions.  You will never change what you are not willing to confront.  Excluding communication, these two components {love and decisions} are vital in relationships. 

Putting it All Together

When a woman is in a loving relationship, there is no doubt about the feelings of her significant other.  Everything is reciprocal.  A relationship is balanced when two people love each other unconditionally.  When you question if someone really loves you, that’s when you have made a mistake in the decision of loving someone.  I know it’s hard to let go of someone that you care about, however, when you love yourself more than anyone besides God, you are able to make sound quality decisions.  So if you haven’t been making good decisions about relationships, this is where your answers lie. 

Questions to Ponder

If you place yourself second, why would a man place you first?  If you disregard your qualifications or settle for someone, why should the person that you settle for treat you with the love you deserve?  If you don’t love yourself enough to consider the importance of self-love and self-perseverance, why should you receive it in return from someone?  Have you ever stopped to think that sometimes we are the reason for the misfortunes that we experience?  

Moving toward the Future

So now that you have been enlightened and totally understand what it means to love, it’s time to get out of the toxic relationships that you have been apart of for convenience.  Sometimes to be better we must à Get out à Walk Away!

I have learned that I cannot Change people when I want them to change.  They will only change when they are ready and receptive.  You may have to change your environment & partner to endure.

The Answers

As people, we are given everything we need to for this journey in life.  Most times we choose to ignore our intuition.  But you can not afford to if you want to experience a purposeful, prosperous life. 

Five Simple Steps to Assist with Love & Decision Making

1.  Love God with all your heart and all your soul.

1. Walk in Love.  Meaning always set out to do something good for someone.  Be a peacemaker.
2. Be in love with yourself.
3. Never settle for someone who is not on the same level as you spiritually, mentally, or emotionally.
4. Don’t ignore the signs that tell you BEWARE.

Anything you give up to better your relationship with God reaps GREAT harvests & benefits.

Tawana Necole is a humanitarian, writer, and entrepreneur. As the Co-Founding President of a non-profit, charity-based organization that focuses on the importance of integrity; she reaches women from all walks of life.   She is a freelance writer and the author of CORPORATE Chics, a novel scheduled for release in October 1, 2009.  Holding a Bachelor in Business Management and Masters in Security Management, she is currently self-employed and works as a consultant.  Her company, CORPORATE Chics, is a consulting and marketing company that focuses on enhancing, promoting, and developing small businesses and Women Entrepreneurs.  She is a native of Charleston, SC, and currently resides in Atlanta, GA, with her family.

This article on CNN.com kind of ties into yesterday’s post, Is Single Motherhood Too Glorified and let’s me know that there is beginning to be a shift in feminist thinking. I really don’t to get into my thoughts on the whole feminist machine, but I will say that it’s made like very difficult for so many women.

I admit that I am happier with a man in my life who loves and cherishes me. I feel complete and whole if not plumper (In know that’s not a word). But much of my depression and sad feelings come because I have been lonely. The kids are great but I am happier when I have attention and am being loved.

So I think being single is overrated and I want to be in relationship. There I said it! It’s all nice and everything to make my own money, have my own place, and have the exclusive say about what happens to my kids, but it’s just not fun…. at all! I am currently in talks with the love of my life. We are not together for various reasons but we realize that we do love each other and just do better together.

If asked which state of relationship I’d rather be in it would be marriage and committed relationship versus singleness any day. But until that time, I will find joy in this journey until my change comes.

Everyday I read about celebrity women deciding to become single moms for one reason or another. I find this disturbing for a number of reasons, the number one of which is the message is sends to the girls and young women who look up to them.

Another reason is, while they proudly flaunt their new status, they will likely never feel the pressure and stress of being a true single mom. They’ll have assistants and nannies to help them take care of the child. They’ll have their money to provide for the child and likely the father will be involved in some way if for no other reason than to claim some of the limelight. Their lifestyle is not threatened by the addition of a child and they will likely not feel the negative effects of their decision like “normal” people.

Read the rest here….

Our minds start to race, especially in highly stressful times so sleep becomes illusive. We may fall asleep but can’t stay asleep or sleep just won’t come at all. This is one problem that I’m sure most single moms have faced.

There were times when it felt like I didn’t sleep for weeks. My mind just wouldn’t stop running. The next day I was tired and cranky, which was unfortunate for my kids. I still have those nights when I wake up at 3am and can’t get back to sleep.

To get to sleep I do several things as listed below. Give them a try if you are ever facing insomnia. They will likely help. They are non-habit forming and have been used for centuries.

Lavender
I suggest that you get some lavender. It can be lavender essential oil, lotion, and candles. I use this when I have insomnia and it works well without poisoning my body with medication.

Valerian Root
I’ve also use Valerian herb. It comes in capsule form and though it doesn’t smell great it also helps you relax enough to fall asleep. For more information about this herb take a look at this website. With these two natural remedies you will be sleeping like a baby.

Writing
The most important thing is to find out why your mind is racing. You probably already know but it is helpful to really focus your mind on it then WRITE it down.

Writing does wonders. It empties your mind because as long as the thoughts are running rampant in your head you will never get rest. Do what is called stream of consciousness writing. Just write until you can’t write another word. After you are done you will be exhausted and able to rest.

Here are my suggestions for getting great results with online dating. It takes trial and error but mostly common sense. All in all there is nothing like meeting and dating the old-fashioned way, but online introductions can kick things off. So her it goes….

Decide what is most important in your life. What are your beliefs, hobbies, causes? Imagine the person who would fit into your life and write an ad describing what and who you are looking for. Search for a specific kind of man that shares unique, yet important characteristics like you. For example, if you enjoy rock climbing and sushi put that in your ad. You want to attract a man who has one or two main interests, or beliefs as you.

Post your ad in the women for men section of Craigslist.org or other dating site. Choose the city or metro area closest to you. Be realistic about the distance a person would have to travel to see you and visa versa. Traveling out of town can be stressful, potentially dangerous, and can get old quickly.

Be realistic about the results. When you narrow your search you will only receive a handful of responses. This is good because you are looking for the person that is compatible to you.

Screen the responses you receive. Does what he says speak to your heart? Do you find him attractive? Does he come across as honest? Is he positive? What do your instincts tell you?

Choose two or three candidates to correspond with and exchange emails until you feel comfortable with receiving phone calls. If a man pressures you to go faster than you are comfortable stop writing him. Trust your instincts. Eventually you will discover who your favorite person is in time. If none of them are right for you, start your process over again and tweak your ad to be more specific.

Develop an unattached point of view. You don’t know this person well enough to make any emotional decisions. So guard your heart for the first three to six months of dating. You can always make the decision to end the relationship so don’t feel pressured to continue seeing a man when you don’t want to anymore.

Know what you want in a relationship and have a good sense of boundaries. Things will not always play out like you imagine but anything too far off is a warning sign that this is probably not what you want.

Post other ads with different titles and descriptions to see if you get responses from the same men or the man you are fond of. Does he say the same thing, using the same words as he did in his initial response to you? If so his canned response is a sign that he is not honest and not interested in you as a person. He is playing a numbers game and the more charming he seems the worse it is for you. He has perfected his game is likely only after one thing.

Samantha Gregory, Editor

Daycare Solutions For Single Parents
By Kim Kelly

It’s 2009, the new year has arrived and he economy is steadily tanking. This year a big concern for parents in general, but a bigger one for single parents who not have the luxury of that second income, and extra hand to help juggle the kids. When daycare takes a large chunk of change out of that our one income, it really requires single parents to find creative solutions. Yet quality of care still has to remain a top focus while we cut the daycare costs as much as possible.

Here are just some of my ideas to help you think through what works for you and your family:

1. When available, having a relative watch our children is always a key choice. Often it is an affordable choice as well. A relative will help for FREE at times, or for a lower fee than a daycare facility or in-home Nanny would cost.

2. Trade daycare services with another single parent. For example, if you work at night and your single parent friend works during the day there is a wonderful solution to keeping each other’s children and often for Free, or for the price of diapers and meals/snacks.

3. Start a neighborhood block, or apartment coop with other parents that are in need of finding quality and cheap daycare solutions. This is a great way of trading time that requires you to work in the Coop on assigned days, nights or weekends as part of your payment to use the services. Often your coop would charge a nominal fee for costs to keep the coop running and provide meals, books, and supplies.

4. If at all possible, telecommuting to work is another possibility. But, often this positions are hard to find this arrangement especially in our economy today. However, software sales, healthcare sales positions often have positions that have employees working from a home office due to the territory they cover and the travel involved in this position.

5. Working part-time or job sharing can be found in some positions today. For example, Microsoft often had over the years receptionist job sharing positions where one would work mornings and the other would work afternoons. This way a full shift is covered but with two people job sharing the duties. Ask your employer if this is a possibility. You don’t know until you ask.

6. As you know, the daycare facilities run the ladder in prices and services they offer. Often your State will have subsidized programs, as well as larger employers will have subsidized daycare facilities where they pay a portion of your costs. A very nice perk. Research is required to find the facilities who offer well rounded programs depending on your income.

7. In home Nannies are also a possibility but affording in-home care is often very expensive. Check into local churches who have a large population of immigrant members. You might get lucky and find a wonderful Nanny from such countries as Russia who once taught school before coming to the United States. I have been very fortunate when my children were school age to find the best Nannies through this solution.

8. Network, network, and network. Tell everyone you know you are looking for help. You would be surprised who knows who. And in this economy more and more highly skilled people are out of work and looking for a change. Don’t be shy or too proud to ask for help. You will be amazed at how many people will reach out to you with ideas, and solutions.

Good luck in this very important search. I know you will be creative and find just the right solution that meets your specific needs.

Kim Kelly is the Editor in Chief; Founder & Publisher of My Crew Magazine http://www.mycrewmagazine.com a FREE online lifestyle magazine for single parents. Kim can be contacted at editor@mycrewmagazine.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_Kelly
http://EzineArticles.com/?Daycare-Solutions-For-Single-Parents&id=1936373

There is a scientifically proven system to obtaining wealth and prosperity. That’s a bold statement to be sure. But, I have used the system (both in obtaining wealth and the reverse). And, so you don’t take just my word; countless books have been written on the subject. Two books that I think are classics are; Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles. In this short article it’s my intention to just open your mind to the possibility that such a system exists.

Without going into the why (that would be a book) – I’m going to give you what you can do in six easy to follow steps:

One – If you want to do anything it has to begin with a decision. You have to make the decision that getting rich is your desire. And, it can’t be a vague decision. You must decide that you desire a definite clear amount of money, right down to the pennies.

Two – Determine exactly what you are going to give in return for the money. You don’t have to be totally clear on this, just that you are going to give people a specific service or sell specific items. But, you don’t have to know where the store is going to be or write out a whole business plan. Just be clear that you are going to give value in exchange for money.

Three – You need to be clear of a definite date by which you want the money.

Four – Create a plan for creating your desired outcome and start at once, even if you’re not ready. In other words, start by writing the bare bones of your business plan. What kind of business you are going to be in, what service or products. This doesn’t have to be something you present to a bank, just an outline. Then, every day you’ll want to take an action that is going to make this a reality. Opportunities will start to present themselves, be on the lookout for them. And, don’t be surprised if your plan takes some drastic changes – just ask yourself if they will lead to your desired outcome as well.

Five – Write out a clear statement of the money you desire, with the time limit, what value you intend to give in return and describe your plan (in brief detail).

Six – Read this statement out loud two times a day. And, most importantly as you read it, see, feel and believe that you already have received the money.

I know – you’re probably about to click off because you may think this is just who-hoo metaphysical nonsense. But, it has deep scientific roots. For example, the reason for the sixth step is that your subconscious brain can’t distinguish the difference between reality and fiction. If you plant the seed in it that you actually have the money – your subconscious mind has no choice but to believe you.

It’s like when you go to a horror or action movie. Your conscious mind knows that you’re only watching a movie – it’s not real. But, what happens? You actually feel the physical reactions of fear – just as if it was real. Your heart rate speeds up, your palms might get sweaty. Well, it’s the same with telling yourself that you already posses the riches you desire.

Try it for thirty days – what the heck.

You have nothing to lose – and so much to gain.

For more inspiration from Napoleon Hill, I invite you to visit http://www.thoughtamabobs.com I, Lee Ann Price know that thoughts become things and help you tap into your inner self and release your negative thoughts so that you can live the life you were born to live.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Ann_Price
http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-Rich—Six-Steps-From-Napoleon-Hill&id=2133783