How to be a happy single mother

When Orit Sutton was eight months pregnant, her baby’s father split town. Although they attempted to reconcile when their daughter was four months old, Orit — a choreographer and dance instructor in London, England — knew that she’d better prepare to parent alone.
We’ve been emailing back and forth with Orit, and it’s clear that she’s [...]

Thanksgiving without your kids?

Because both Dr. Leah and I have sole custody of our kids, our Thanksgiving Day celebrations have always included our kids.
For those of you who have shared custody — with alternating holidays — however, this day might find you without your kids.
So, we’ve been wondering lately: what if we were NOT able to celebrate Thanksgiving [...]

Do “little things” stress you out?

“I’ve been having the toughest time disciplining my son lately,” begins an email we received this week from the single mom of a three-year-old son.
“He’s a very sweet kid,” she adds. “But he just doesn’t listen when I tell him to do — or not do — something.”
For example, in the morning, she asks [...]

How to marry the wrong guy

Seventeen years ago, Anne Milford called off her first wedding. In the aftermath of the breakup, she discovered something shocking:
Most women (and men) who want to cancel their weddings don’t.
“I couldn’t believe how many people confessed that they knew they were making a mistake as they were walking down the aisle,” says Anne. “I [...]

My kid doesn’t need to meet my new girlfriend

“A couple of months ago, I started dating a woman whom I met at the gym, and I think I’m falling hard for her,” begins an email we recently received from a divorced dad of one.
Great! So, what’s the problem?
Well, this dad has always vowed to keep his parenting and dating lives separate — and [...]

Does my kid need therapy?

“I’m writing to ask for some advice about my six-year-old son. I think he might need to see a therapist,” began an email we recently received from a single mom.
She went onto say that her son has always been melodramatic and assertive — but she’s concerned  his behavior is getting out of control.  He’s more [...]

And I promised myself I’d NEVER do that

Parenthood always seems to begin with silent vows, doesn’t it?
When you were expecting your first child, did you make certain promises to yourself?
Did you promise, for example, that your kid would only eat “healthy” food. There was no way that junk food would ever pass your kid’s lips.
Did you ever vow to never raise your [...]

Are you the only single parent in your kid’s class?

Many of your kids have started school this week. How’s it going?
I’ll never forget that first morning of kindergarten. My petite five-year-old daughter had excitedly raced into her class — without looking back — as I sucked in my tears and raced the other way. I was rushing back to my car, alone. I don’t [...]

How do you create “me time”?

We’re honored to hear from so many of you.
Please keep writing. It’s YOU who keeps it real @Singlemommyhood.

Jenn recently contacted us for advice about an all too familiar single parent dilemma.
Here’s what she told us: “I  work full time to support my daughter with absolutely no help of any kind from her dad. [...]

What does your kid’s teacher need to know?

We recently heard from a young man who’s about to launch his elementary school teaching career this fall.
He’s very enthusiast, but he candidly he told us: “I don’t know anything about single parent families. So, I’m reaching out to both of you as experts. I want to do a super job for all my students. [...]

Next Page »