1. You’ve created a warm and loving home.
2. You’re the one who gets up at night when they’re sick.
3. You’re also the one who misses work to take care of them.
4. You’ve taught them the value of friendship.
5. You teach them the value of hard work.
6. You demonstrate the value of money by spending carefully.
7. You help your kids make good decisions on a daily basis.
8. You read to them.
9. You know the difference between “wants” and “needs.”
10. You’ve taught your children to be responsible for themselves.
11. You demonstrate resilience and determination every day.
12. Your kids know they’re loved.
13. Your kids are proud of you, too.

I hope this list brightens your day and confirms that you are a wonderful human being and parent!

As single parents, the biggest challenge we face involves balancing the responsibilities involved in parenting and other areas in life.  Majority of the day to day responsibility of caring for our kids, transporting the kids to and from school, activities, and various appointments rest on our shoulders. It can be draining. How can we lighten the load without neglecting our responsibilties and still maintain a healthy balance. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Exercise - I almost always feel so much better after a good workout. After work, I pick up the kids and we all head to the gym. My kids enjoy it because they get to play with all of their friends in the kids room and I LOVE it because I have time to unwind by working out. A win-win situation!  

2. Prepare the Night Before - I usually pack snack, iron clothes, and prepare lunch the night before. This makes it much easier to get out the door in the morning. However, we do have our moments! 

3.  Quality Time - As single parents it is easy to get caught up in the routine and making sure all of the necessities get done, such as - homework, projects, dinner, baths, etc”.  However, make time to talk with your kids and find out how they are doing and talk to them about things going on in their life and at school.  I make it a point to ask them questions that are out of the ordinary, which will get them talking and laughing. I often ask “Did anything funny happen at school today?” My daughter will share interesting stories like how she once dug up a worm at recess or my son will share how one of his friends tripped! In addition, we have a “no tv during the week” rule.  However, Fridays are reserved for ”family movie nights”. This is our time to unwind from the week and spend additional quality time together as a family.

 These are just a few suggestions that I hope will help you lighten the burden and ease the load.  Blog with ya later!