Six Common Single Parent Struggles

Six Common Single Parent Struggles

If there's a single group of people who are
underappreciated more than any other group of people, it
has to be single parents. While everyone knows being a
parent is hard, being a single parent tends to be even
harder. Not only do you have to play the roles of both
parents, but you're financially responsible for a set of
bills that are usually paid by two incomes. Here are six of
the most common single parent struggles with tips and
strategies on how to overcome them.

1. The Financial Challenges. When you have two people
paying a mortgage of $1,400 or more a month, it doesn't
seem like that big of a deal. However, when one person is
responsible for that kind of monthly payment, it becomes a
big deal indeed. If you're having a hard time making your
monthly housing payment, try downsizing to a smaller home,
or if that's not possible, refinance over a longer period
of time (or at a lower interest rate, if possible).

Make sure you do what you can to cut your other monthly
expenses as well. Clip coupons and shop the sales at your
local grocery store, get an all-in-one phone, cable and
high-speed Internet plan and try shopping Goodwill stores
for your household needs. Believe it or not, Goodwill isn't
just about used clothing. Stores donate brand new items to
the Goodwill center and you can get some really helpful
household items for very little money. Even inexpensive
computers for young children can be found there.

2. Finding Competent Childcare. Many single parents are at
the mercy of the childcare opportunities available in their
area. No one wants to leave her child in a childcare center
that is anything but the best. The problem is that the best
is also usually the most expensive. Call the different
childcare centers in your area and compare charges and
services offered. Ask each one for references and check to
see if there are any financial assistance opportunities
available like reduced price lunches.

3. Gender Issues. A mom who is a single parent may have a
hard time teaching her sons about the things a dad would
normally cover and a single father may have a hard time
discussing female issues with his daughters. If there isn't
a parental figure for your child to discuss gender-related
issues with, you should enlist the help of a favorite aunt
or uncle or a close family friend to act as a "surrogate
parent" for your child. It may be easier for your child to
open up to this other significant adult.

4. The World On Your Shoulders. When there's only one
parent in the household, all of the family responsibilities
lay on that person's shoulders. Cleaning the house, cooking
meals, keeping up the yard, paying the bills, keeping an
eye on the kids and all of the other parental
responsibilities are the sole responsibility of that
parent. It's easy to see that every single parent needs a
break every so often. Make sure you take a break to revive
yourself and re-energize. Even if it's just sending the
kids to a sitter for a few hours, take that time to catch
up on your reading, watch a favorite movie or just relax to
soothing music.

5. Feeling Lost and Alone. Many single parents find
themselves feeling isolated at one point or another. They
don't really relate to singles without children because
single parents have an entirely different set of priorities
and responsibilities. If you find yourself feeling a bit
lonely and you want to communicate with people who can
relate to what you're going through, look into joining a
nearby support group for single parents. Besides just
chatting with other adults and exchanging thoughts and
ideas, you may meet a new friend and enlarge your social
circle.

6. Introducing Your Child to Those You are Dating. Having
an array of boyfriends or girlfriends running in and out of
your child's life isn't good for anyone. Many single
parents are confused as to when a significant other should
be introduced to your child. While it's never good to hide
a growing relationship from your child, watch that they
don't become emotionally involved with someone you're
dating unless you really think the relationship is going
somewhere. At that time you can plan outings together and
involve the child in the relationship on a deeper level.
You don't want to run the risk of your child getting hurt
should they become attached to a person you're dating and
the relationship doesn't work out. Sometimes it happens,
but try to minimize the revolving door.

It is said that if a child has one stable adult in their
lives who they can depend on, they will be ok. You can be
that person for your child.

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Karen Fusco is co-founder of http://www.SilkBow.com which
supports Busy Moms with free gift ideas and helpful tips to
meet the challenges of motherhood. SilkBow is the perfect
place for the perfect gift. Karen can be reached directly
at: karen@SilkBow.com

Best places to get married in

The wedding reception should ideally follow the theme of the wedding itself, but that is not a hard and fast one. On the other hand, if you are planning a wedding on a traditional or conservative note, the reception might be a space to let your hair down, be truly creative and innovative and have all the fun in the world!

The first thing is to choose a location that is suitable on both accounts- your dream and your budget!

The theme and the location would decide what activities you can plan to make your reception truly memorable. You can explore a variety of options here, such as romantic restaurants, private farmhouses, sporty outdoors, rented theatre, ballroom, mini cruise, club space with swimming pool or even a large cornfield clearing with cozy tents!

If you are holding the reception in a romantic hotel, you can create a wonderful setting with candles, roses, violin and piano music played live, good food and good wine to make your guests' eyes sparkle. You may provide a space for dancing couples and have interesting activities or games that bring out the love in the air!

Private farmhouses may provide a space for enjoyment close to the heart of nature. In such a setting, all the above elements would blend in just as well, with an opportunity to dance under starlight and open skies. Or if it is a daytime event you are planning, you can do crazy stuff like tossing hay in twosomes or crushing berries underfoot, creating wine together.

If your choice is a ballroom, you can have fun with a masquerade dance, asking the guests to dress up in elegant, old world style. This way, you can create an atmosphere of old world charm and intrigue with the masks, with games and activities thrown in! Games may include guessing the identity of your partner, and getting a thrill out of dancing with a total stranger in a mask!

Or you could hold your reception in a disco and have fun on the dance floor with twinkling disc lights, theme-based dress code and lots of booze and finger food in addition to the main course!

If you can afford a mini cruise, nothing like it. The feeling of being afloat, the water breeze, fairy lights and lots of good food will make the occasion memorable. Whatever be the settings, some things are indispensable and should be ensured at all costs.

These include clean loos and refreshment rooms with sufficient running water and towels, comfortable sitting arrangements as well as ample space to walk, play or dance in without treading on people's toes. There should be ample covering in case of an outdoors space, to guard against a rainy, too sunny or a windy day, as the case may be.

Where to find the right wedding dress

Where to find the right wedding dress

There are so many different places that you can go to find the perfect wedding dress for you. If you are looking in the right places, you will eventually get to the dress that will make your wedding a dream come true. There are so many different ways to buy a wedding dress. You do not have to go about it in the traditional sort of way. You can use many great options to find the perfect way to get a dress that will make your day one to remember.

If you are trying to find the perfect dress for you in the local shopping malls, you may not be having the luck that you anticipated. You may be seeing much of what you do not want for your special day. This frustrating and sometimes discouraging task does take a while to do. You will want to find something that will make you look amazing and still fit into your personality.

You can look online at the different stores and shops that sell wedding gowns. You may be able to find the unique style that you are looking for and get the entire wedding look that you have wanted. This is something that you can do on your own and have fun. You can look at many different places all over the world when you decide to shop online. There are so many resources that you can get in touch with when you choose to shop online.

You may also want to look in the newspaper for special deals that you can find in many department stores around your area. You may also be able to find some great sales that you can take advantage of and save some money on your perfect wedding dress. This is your opportunity to find the right dress that will fit your personality and your wedding perfectly.

Getting a good deal does not mean that you have to settle for something that you do not want. You can find what you want and not have to pay a huge amount for it. You can get the things that you want and not spend all of your money on it.

Finding a great wedding dress may also be right in front of you. You may want to use a wedding dress that was passed on down to you by your mother or grandmother. You will be contributing to this special custom. Wearing a dress passed down in your family is a special feature that not everyone gets to do. You will be able to have something special from your mother or other family member and use it in your wedding. You will save money and time too because you will not have to look too far for the wedding dress that is perfect for you.

Getting what you want is something that most brides will not stop until they get it. They will look in many different stores and places until they have come up with the perfect look that makes them feel and look special. They will go to great lengths to find the one that will make them feel like a princess for their wedding day.

You can also find great bargains in outlet stores for a wedding dress. Many name brand gowns in these outlet shops are offered for a fraction of what they would normally cost. You will be impressed with the looks that you can find and the super prices that will fit your budget. There is no better way to get a name brand dress for a great low cost price.

Shopping does not have to be down all in one day. Remember to take your time and look around. You will eventually find the right dress that will make your day complete. You will not have to spend a fortune to find what you are looking for and you can have a lot of fun looking with your friends and family members.