Encouragement for Single Parents

Ladies & Gents - it matters not whether you are a single parent or not, staying involved in our kids lives is crucial.

Over and over I hear people conversing about kids from single-parent homes. There seems to be this justification for all the wrong social and behavioral skills that single-parent children exemplify. I work in schools remember? I can't tell you how many times I've overheard a conversation about "Little Johnny" or "Little Suzy" and why their behavior is what it is, but then it's justified because poor little Suzy is from a single-parent home.

Okay STOP! Single parents - we HAVE to stay on top of things. We have to keep tabs on our kids at all times. Don't let yourself become weak in that arena. I want to encourage you to get tough - because your children's futures are in your hands. I know it's exhausting. We walk around like zombies due to fatigue and we never feel like there's even a moment to have our own thoughts. I get it. But hang in there, because if we raise our children correctly, they won't live with us forever! Then we can rest.

Here are some helpful tips: 1) Communicate adequately with your children's teachers. Hey folks, there's email these days. It's quick and easy. 2) Don't pull the "I'm a single parent" card all the time. Do you want people feeling sorry for you? Do you want people holding your children to lower standards as compared to children of unbroken homes? 3)If there is an issue with your child's behavior, work with their teacher(s) to overcome that trial. Let your child see that you and his/her teacher are on the same page. Both of you need to support each other. It takes a village remember? 4)When someone offers to help, TAKE IT! You can't do this on your own.

Take heart! You have the power to raise up a very integral part of the future's society - a responsible, intelligent & compassionate adult.

What comes around, goes around...

So, I received a phone call from my ex-husband the other day. It seems the I.R.S. has garnished his tax return for guess what? You got it, back child support. His entire tax return will be coming to me and kids soon. Sure, I can use the money. Extra green is always helpful! But something in me feels very bad about this. The guy's been out of work for a while, but then, this is something that went off and on for YEARS in our marriage...

So tell me, am I a victim of guilt? Should I send back a portion of the return with hopes he'll stay on top of child support from now on?