As a single parent, you may have to still deal with your children’s other parent. That can be more stressful than just being a single parent.

Fortunately, there are ways you can make dealing with your children’s other parent much easier.

Tip #1: Don’t Play the Game

Many difficult co-parents do things just to get under the skin of their ex. It’s cruel and unfair but it’s just the way they try to get back at the other person.

How do you deal with it? By not giving them what they want.

Notice how difficult co-parents do it because they want to get you riled up. If you don’t react, it’s no fun. There’s no sense in doing something that doesn’t work.

That means you have to be as desensitized to his actions as you can. The better you are at this the shorter the time you will have to deal with his idiocies.

Tip #2: Limit Conversations

If you have a difficult time not arguing with your children’s other parent, keep conversations as short as possible. When you do speak to him, only discuss your children.

That way, you don’t enter battlefields that don’t need to be ventured into.

Tip #3: Agree to Disagree and then Compromise

Your children’s co-parent is difficult because you most likely don’t agree with many of the things he does or believes. While this can be irritating, it’s something you will have to deal with since he is your children’s other parent.

When you and the co-parent don’t agree on something, acknowledge that you understand his side and while you don’t agree there is way that you both can get what you want. This is when you can start to compromise with him.

As long as everyone gets something they want, things will be much more balanced and fair. It’s all about give and take sometimes.

Tip #4: Don’t Force Him to Be a Parent

If you’re children want to see their co-parent but he isn’t really interested in having a relationship with them, don’t push the issue. You can’t make anyone do something and the more you push, the worse it will be on you and the children.

Bring up the concern that the children have been missing him and then suggest that maybe someday they can get together. If he doesn’t jump on that or take initiative to make that happen, all you can do is step away.

Help your children deal with the rejection by hugging them and letting them know how much you love them. They will be hurt but as long as you are there for them, they have at least one person they know who loves and wants them.

Tip #5: Find a Mediator

If you can’t deal with your difficult co-parent at all and you’ve tried just about everything, it may be time to seek the guidance of a mediator.

Having a third party involved in discussions with you and your co-parent can bring insight into issues and make it much easier to come to a resolution.

Dealing with a difficult co-parent isn’t easy but it’s possible. Take a deep breath and stay as patient as possible when you have to interact with him.

It’s these times that make you appreciate being a single parent, just so you don’t have to deal with him all the time.

You love being a single parent, but let’s face it; the only date you’ve been on for a long time is your child’s play date. Stepping back into the dating world might be an exciting thought, but it may also leave you feeling nervous and confused.

You may wonder if you can actually fit dating into your hectic schedule, how your children will feel about you spending time with someone other than their mother or father, and whether you really have what it takes be successful at dating.

You aren’t alone. Thousands of single parents around the world have felt the same way you do right now. If you think you are ready to start back in the dating world, consider the following advice.

Starting Back on the Dating Scene: Single Moms and Dads

Dating as a single parent can seem like an impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be.

Here are a few things to consider before you head out for your first date:

• Are You Interested? – If you finally feel as if you are ready to begin dating again, don’t go on a date just to go on one. Find someone you are really interested in. Make sure your date knows you are a single parent and are comfortable with it and the fact that your children will always be of great importance.

• Don’t Feel Guilty – Many single parents feel guilty about re-entering the dating scene. While this feeling is normal, you need to realize that it is also normal to crave adult companionship. Having a night out with a person that can make you laugh and falling in love again doesn’t make you a bad parent. You won’t love your children any less because of it.

• Telling Your Children - If your children are old enough, sit them down and explain in simple terms why you are going out. Let them know you love them and listen to any fears or concerns they may have. Make sure your children are comfortable with your decision to date, and be sure they understand that your dating life will not affect the time you spend with them. In other words, you won’t be missing school plays or soccer games to have coffee with a new love interest.

Introducing Your Date to Your Children

The decision of when to introduce your date to your children is completely up to you, but you should take a step back and think before you do.

• Get to know your date first. Give it some time, if you can. Otherwise, you are inviting a complete stranger into your home.

• The first few months of dating are often called the honeymoon period. You and are date are both having a ton of fun, and you may want to introduce your kids quickly. Unfortunately, this feeling will pass, and you may find neither your children, nor your date, were ready for such a serious step.

• When you finally do decide it is time to introduce your children to the individual you have been dating, keep the introduction pressure-free and short. Plan a kid-focused activity for the meeting and make sure there are no unrealistic expectations. Gradually, over time, plan more and more child-involved activities that allow your date and kids to spend stress-free time together. Don’t push their relationship though; both your children and your date will develop their relationship together in their own time.

Top 5 Places to Look for a Date

Once you are ready to start dating, you may be wondering where you will find the next love of your life. Thankfully, there are several place you can look that are right outside your door.

1. Social Events – Social events like trivia nights, music events, comedy events, and poetry nights are a fantastic way to meet creative and interesting people. Many are held at clubs and bars, but are not centered drinking, so you can meet talented individuals without worrying about alcohol impairing your choices.
2. Sports Teams – Love playing a sport? Consider joining a co-ed team. Here you may be able to find a individual of the opposite sex you are interested in dating.
3. Clubs - Clubs allow you to pursue your interests while meeting individuals who are like minded. Join a book club, travel club, or even a wine club. Use your similar interests to spark a conversation.
4. Coffee Shops – There is a reason why so many movies involve singles meeting in coffee shops. It works. Next time you have a craving for a cup of Joe, find a busy coffee shop, smile, and greet everyone you meet. Sit close to the door and don’t hide behind a book. If you seem approachable, you may meet your next date.
5. Friends – Consider planning a movie or game name with your friends each week. Let everyone know they can invite anyone they want to, and see who shows up. If you someone catches your eye, have your friend introduce them to you and start up a conversation.

Best Online Single Parenting Dating Sites

Is your busy schedule keeping you from getting out and finding that perfect date, why not get online? There are several dating websites that cater specifically for single parents.

Here are just a few:

• www.singleparentmatch.com – This site is free to join and is an excellent place for single parents to meet other singles.

• www.singleparentmeet.com – Offers free basic service and paid service for $6.99 a month for single parents in United States and Canada.

• www.singleparentsmingle.com – Single Parents Mingle offers free basic service or paid service for $9.95 a month for single parents looking to get back in the dating game or just wanting to find friends.

• www.singleparentlove.com – Basic membership is free to those who wish to join. Upgrades in memberships can range between $8.33 and $24.99 a month.

If you are ready to get back into the dating game, make sure to consider these tips for finding the right date.

You love your children, but being a single parent isn’t any walk in the park. You have to be mom and dad all the time. No break from it. You do it all and you do it all the time.

To get you through some of the most difficult days, you might need some secrets to single parenting to put in your toolbox. Check these out and get ready to use them at a moment’s notice.

Secret #1: Pick an identity for each situation.

While you may believe you have to be both mom and dad all the time, you don’t. In reality, you only have to be a mom or a dad each time.

Sometimes a situation will require you to be a mother and then in another situation you may have to bring out the dad in you. When you bring out the dad in you, put the mom away.

See when you don’t feel like you are being pulled in fifty directions by being both mom and dad, you won’t feel so stretched and exhausted. Pick one and stick with it each time something comes up.

Secret #2: You don’t have to be perfect.

Your job is nearly impossible, so as long as you are good enough at it, you are on the right path. You don’t have to do everything right all of the time.

You are only human and that makes you the kind and caring parent your children love. It also shows them they don’t have to perfect, which is a wonderful gift.

Secret #3: It’s okay to ask for help.

You probably have friends who have asked you if they can help you. You most likely have family who has said the same. Take them up on the offer sometimes because it’s okay to ask for help.

It never means you can’t be the awesome single parent you are. It means you have to take care of yourself to continue being the best you can be for your children

Secret #4: NO is love.

Many single parents feel a sense of guilt for not being the ideal dad to their children. When they feel guilty, they are more likely to tell their children they can do more or have more.

Letting them have everything and do anything they want won’t make you the dad you wish they had. It will only end up showing them that they can win you over on everything.

Saying NO shows them you are not a push over and you have as much strength as both a mom and dad. A mom and dad that loves them enough to show them that not having everything and doing it all will make them better people in life.

Secret #5: Forget about being a single parent.

It’s hard but you are doing it so forget the label and enjoy what you have, not what you don’t. Pick up your children, give them the love you have for them and remember the worth of being their everything.

They love you for everything you do for them even if they don’t always show it. This is your life and your life has loving children who depend on you – the person they love and trust to care for them.

Hold on to that and take control of it. You have the power to give your children everything they need and that has nothing to do with being a single parent – it has everything to do with being a parent.

Being a mom is a full time job, but for many single mothers, it isn’t the only job they have. Do you work outside the home or are you currently looking for work? Or perhaps you are going to school full time?

If you are, you might be having a bit of difficulty finding reliable and safe childcare at an affordable price. As a mother, you don’t want to compromise on the care your child is receiving just because you can’t afford it. The safety and security of your children is too important for compromise.

Thankfully, there is plenty of available funding for child care for single mothers from the federal government. This help will provide you with the peace of mind you need to head off to work or school so you can care for your family.

Government Funding Available for Childcare

If you can’t afford the childcare you need for your children, consider taking advantage of some of the funding available from the government to single mothers.

• Child Care Assistance – This government program is designed for low-income families who need financial assistance for childcare. Funds are possible through the Child Care Development Fund, or CCDF and are distributed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Depending on your monthly income, you may be eligible to receive childcare assistance at little to no cost.

• Head Start – Head Start is a national program run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is designed to assist low income single mothers with children between the ages of birth and five years old who can not afford safe and reliable childcare. Foster children are automatically considered eligible for this program, and those who receive other forms of public assistance, such as food stamps, may also be eligible for enrollment. Those who qualify for enrollment can receive free childcare for their children.

Incentives and Funding Alternatives

If you don’t qualify for childcare funding assistance through government programs, and are looking for alternative funding and incentives, consider the following.

• Subsidized Daycares – If you can’t afford quality childcare, you might want to consider subsidized daycare. This type of alternative funding does not provide you with actual cash assistance, but it does lower the cost of your childcare. Most of these types of daycares work on a sliding scale, which means you only pay a certain percentage of your total income for the daycare. If you have a very low income, or no income at all, you may not have to pay for your child’s care at all.

• College and Church Daycare - Many colleges and churches offer help to single mothers who need assistance with affording childcare. Churches may offer quality daycare at a very low cost, or even for free, to those who have low incomes. Colleges sometimes provide daycare as incentives for single mothers considering school. With low-cost daycare through colleges, single mothers can obtain their education without worrying about how they will pay for childcare.

• Tax Incentives - The IRS provides single mothers with many tax breaks and benefits, including a child care credit. Those who file as head of household, single, or married filing jointly can receive up to 35% of their childcare expenses back when they file their taxes. This credit will reduce the amount of tax you owe for the year.

• Dependent Care Assistance Program - The Dependent Care Assistance Program allows you to set aside a bit of cash from each of your paychecks to help you pay for your childcare expenses. The cash is taken out before taxes and can be used for babysitting, daycare, kindergarten, and registration fees for children age 13 or younger or dependents that are physically or mentally disabled.

Finding Grants in Your Area

If you need childcare assistance, the best place to begin is by contacting your local Department of Health and Human Services, of DHHS.

This federal department can not only help you discover whether you qualify for assistance from programs like Head Start or Child Care Assistance, but can also assist you in applying for financial assistance like food stamps, WIC, TEA benefits, and Medicaid.

Most DHHS offices will also be able to help you locate other help available to you in your area as well, such as subsidized daycare or daycare assistance from colleges or churches.

Criteria for Applying

Interested in applying for childcare assistance? Before you begin filling out your application, make sure you qualify.

Here are a few of the eligibility requirements:

Child Care Assistance

In order to qualify for the Child Care Assistance program, you must:

• Meet the income guidelines. While these guidelines vary from state to state, your specific income will determine whether you qualify for the program and what co-pay percentage you will be expected to pay.
• You, and any other adult in the household, must work at least 30 hours every week. If you are not working, you must be a full-time student for at least 30 hours a week. A combination of work and school is also acceptable.
• You must have an eligible child between the age of birth and 12 years old.

To find out more, and learn how to apply, visit www.hhs.gov or visit your local DHHS office.

Head Start

In order to qualify for Head Start, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must have a child who is six weeks to five years old.
• You must have a child with an Individual Education Plan, or IEP, or an Individual Family Services Plan, or IFSP.
• You have a foster child with risk factors that are considered to be high.
• You are a parent to a child with disabilities.
• You must meet all income guidelines specified for your particular Head Start.

To learn more about Head Start and find out how to apply, visit www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ohs.

Child Care Credit

To qualify for the Child Care Credit, you must have a qualifying child and be able to prove qualifying expenses such as daycare expenses, day camp expenses, and nursery school expenses. If you have one child, up to $3,000 worth of expenses may be claimed. If you have two or more children, up to $6,000 may be claimed.

If you want to take advantage of this credit, make sure to use form 2441 when you are filling out your 1040. Provide your childcare provider’s name, address, and tax identification number as well. If you have any other questions, speak to your tax professional or visit www.irs.gov.

Being a single mother is hard, but affording the right child care shouldn’t be. Take advantage of the many types of funding and incentives made available to single mothers by the government so you can ensure your children are receiving quality childcare.

Starting to date again after a bad break up or divorce is challenging enough for those without children, but when children are involved this is an even more complex process.

Many women feel they don’t want to introduce a new man to the children because he may leave and the children have attached, or they are concerned about other safety matters.

You know your family best and can make the best decisions, however be aware that eventually you will need to introduce the new man to your children.

Having Baggage

Single mothers often feel that they will be second choice in the dating world because they have children and with children come the aforementioned baggage and depending upon the children lots of additional issues can arise as well, however this is not always the case.

Many wonderful relationships have come from organizations such as Parents Without Partners, which is a group for single parents to offer support to each other.

Making the Introduction

When you feel the relationship is serious you will need to introduce the man to the children and this is a process that should be handled delicately, explain to the children that this man isn’t replacing their father and that you want them to feel comfortable.

Finding Activities

It is also helpful if the man helps with the explanations of these things. Find an activity the children like to do and use that as a way of introducing the new man. Do the kids like to bowl? Have him meet you all at the bowling alley.

Children need to know that they have a say: It doesn’t have to be the final say, but it is important for the children to feel they get a voice in what goes on in the family. After the outing ask the children what they thought of the new man and how they’d feel about him spending more time with the family.

Spend some alone time with the new man: Spend some alone time with him after you’ve had the alone time with the kids and get his feedback about your kids and how he felt things went. Then discuss with him what the children said and how you are both feeling about it.

Make plans to do it again: Children will have an adjustment period so if they felt things went badly, and even if they felt things went well continue the introduction process with other fun activities.

Talk to other single moms: Talking to other single moms is a great way to find out what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to introducing new men to the lives of the children, and new children to men.

Remember to take care of yourself: Don’t get wrapped up in drama within the family or the romance, make sure you take time to care for yourself. If you don’t take the time to care for yourself no one else will do it and you will not be much good to anyone.

Dating again as a single mom can be scary, but it can also be a wonderful experience.

When you take steps to make sure that everyone is adjusting to the experience you get better results, and maybe you can even meet up at a Parents Without Partners meeting and find someone with kids that can hang out with your kids… you just never know where life will take you, make sure that you are well prepared for the trip.

Maintaining the health of our kids is a huge priority, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy.

Work, school, home responsibilities, and more, make health something that often comes up too late – when someone’s already sick.

Fortunately, a few habits in our daily lives can greatly increase the odds that you and the kids will stay healthy, and be spending less time at the doctor’s office:

Set an Example

Kids learn by example, and view what the adults in their lives do as normals and correct. So if you’re living on coffee and hot dog buns, the kids are going to think that’s alright. While it’s important to manage your time, making room for a healthy lifestyle can go a long way toward instilling good habits in your kids.

Let the rest of the family see you taking that walk around the block after dinner, or getting up a little early for a jog. If you’re making your lunch for the next day, don’t let the kids catch you throwing ramen noodles and cookies into your bag. Put together a simple salad, and maybe a turkey sandwich on whole wheat.

Healthy Meals

Everyone has to eat everyday, so it’s an easy place to work in some healthy choices. As the parent, you’re in charge of the shopping and cooking. If your routine is to purchase healthy ingredients rather than hitting the drive through every night, your family will come to appreciate it.

If time is limited during the week, consider making a batch of soup, casserole or something similar on the weekend, and serving it with bread and some fresh veggies during the week. Or grill a few chicken breasts on Sunday, and use them in sandwiches, salads and on their own in the coming days.

Less Screen, More Movement

Everyone knows that kids are spending more time looking at screens and less time playing outdoors. As parents, it’s up to us to work against this trend.

Set guidelines about how much time is allowed in front of the TV, computer, game system, or MP3 player, and offer alternatives through family activities, organized sports or a dance class or even some household chores.

Vitamins and Supplements

A child who is in good health with no underlying conditions, and who eats a well rounded nutritious diet may not actually need to take a vitamin or food supplement. And it’s certainly not recommended to up the sugar intake with candy-like vitamins.

However, a child with a vitamin deficiency, compromised immune system or a hatred for vegetables could benefit greatly from supplementing with vitamins or food capsules. Always speak with your doctor or pediatrician before beginning a regimen, but know that proper supplementation can support your child’s health.

Talk about Health

Health should not be a topic that children think only comes up when someone is sick. Good health is not only about the absence of disease, but the body’s ability to protect itself. A child that understands healthy lifestyle and prevention is in better shape to stay healthy.

Involve your child in the grocery shopping, meal planning and other health related decisions. Teach them that they have some control over the condition of their bodies, and work to instill good habits. They’ll thank you for it down the road!

As an employee, either in a corporate or home office environment, you’ve probably heard about time management. The concept of managing your time in order to get your work done isn’t a new idea, though with the hassles of life, it has become more of an important aspect.

But how do you do that if you have a child?

Trying to corral one or more children is a task for two parents is hard enough, so to remove one adult, the shift in power can be evident.

For those parents who work from home, trying to get work done, while trying to watch and keep children entertained can be frustrating and even a little downing when it comes to splitting time for each.

But how do you manage your time between work and home?

1. Set a schedule – setting up a schedule is important if you want to manage your time. This is especially important so that you can have the best of both worlds. Set up a schedule for both of you, while making sure to include your child in the scheduling process so that you each know what works.
2. Stick to said schedule – unless in the cases of an emergency, you and your child should stick to the schedule. It’s been said that it can take around 3 weeks for a new schedule to set in our brains to the point where we are able to do it by memory; so it’s important that you get up at the same time everyday, do your scheduled projects, and get stuff done.
3. Designate an area for office – if you’re working from home, one of the first things you should do is designate an area of the home that is for the office. In many cases, this means turning a spare bedroom into an office or using a garage or storage room; however, some cases it means just having the office in the living room. Make sure you talk to your child (as well as other family members and friends) and let them know that from a specified time, you are at work. This may take some time, as many people see working from home as being flexible – which it is – but it is still a job.
4. Schedule down time – one of the main issues with people working from home or even at an office is that they don’t schedule downtime. This should be the time in which you and your child sit down and discuss the day, but many adults get stuck in ‘work mode’. When making the schedule from above, put in free time or play time; if you’re working in an office, try to schedule the weekends as free time or any day in which you are off. If you work from home, choose an off day to spend time with your child.

The important thing to remember is that learning a new schedule will take some time to implement, but once you have gotten into a route, setting up work and play time will be not only easy, but enjoyable too.

Every parent struggles with this milestone. Potty training, or teaching your child to use the toilet, can be challenging for anyone.

With all the different methods out there, you might not be sure which ways are the most effective.

Even then, you might not be sure if your child is the appropriate age to start potty training. If that is the case, wonder no longer.

When to start potty training?

• No matter how tired you get of changing diapers, you need to make sure your child is ready and willing to learn how to use the bathroom on his or her own. Most say that around the age of 2, your child should start to learn the toilet, however the truth is, there is no “right” age. Some children learn as early as 1 to use the bathroom while others do not start using the bathroom until age 5. On that note, it is also never too early to start teaching the child that diapers are not meant to be forever, and that he or she will eventually have to use the bathroom. Some children may actually show signs of wanting to use the bathroom. Nonetheless, the typical age to potty train a child ranges from 2-4 years old.

How to potty train your child

Now that you know the “when”, it is time to know the “how.” There are a few ways to potty train your child that has been proven to be effective.

Method 1

• This method involves no complexities. You simply stop using diapers on your child and put him or her into underwear. Since no one likes to feel dirty, it will encourage your child to not go into his or her underwear. In order for this to be effective, you must make sure your child understands there is an alternative to relieve oneself. Once you stop using diapers on your child, you have to promote going to the bathroom. You do this by constantly taking your child to the toilet, especially after meals. Note that there will be accidents during this process. Once your child actually uses the toilet to relieve his or herself, praise your child and provide positive reinforcement. After a few times, your child should get the idea, leaving you and your child diaper free.

Method 2

• This method involves treats and prizes for using the bathroom. Some children just insist on not using the toilet because they do not see the reward in it. Incentives will give your child the motivation he or she may need in order to overcome the dependency on diapers. Some good incentives for a child using the bathroom can range from their favorite treat to a trip the park. This method is shown to be effective in boys especially as they tend to be less enthused about potty training.

Potty training does not have to be such a difficult chore. With the right attitude and knowledge, you and your child can accomplish this task with relative ease. It is important to not get frustrated during this process and to also understand when your child is ready.

In these tough economic times, it might seem hard to balance a healthy meal with that of fast food. Fast food, by its very design, is extremely convenient, but not at all healthy.

Parents everywhere are striving to get the kids and themselves fed, but after a hard day’s work, who has the time or energy?

Added to that is the fact that many healthy items or meals can be very expensive.

If you’re trying to budget, the decision between the healthier snacks and the unhealthy snacks usually comes down to price, with the unhealthy stuff winning in the end. As a single parent, how do you and your child stay healthy when there’s so much to do?

Easy – keep it simple!

• Do Some Research – the Internet really is a great place to search for things (usually). Try doing searches for types of meals that you can freeze for another time or ones that you can make quickly. Pick a variety of meals that have the same ingredients so that shopping and prep will be easy.
• Start by Planning – the easiest way to get into a healthy eating pattern is to start planning healthy meals. Obviously, home cooked meals are going to be the best and it’s better to plan them out beforehand. Gather your child (or children) together on the weekends to start planning what to have for the next week. Make sure that each meal has all the veggies and fruits that both you and your child needs for the day.
• Pick a Theme – when planning your weekly (or even monthly) meals, try picking a theme. It can be anything from having Mexican or Chinese to having chicken or pork for the week. This will make it easier to pick up items from the store.
• Get Supplies – The best way to make your money go further is to buy things in bulk or to buy food items that will go in a variety of meals. Do research to see if you have large market places, such as a Costco or Sam’s Club in your area; then pick your food. Again, try to pick meals in which several ingredients are the same, as it makes shopping easier.
• Get Cooking – As with the planning, try to get meals made up beforehand, so that a simple reheat or microwave option is available. This cuts down on the time needed to make a meal. If possible, have older children start preparing meals when they come home from school; you should only allow this if you feel that your child is old enough to use knives or to use the stove by themselves.
• Eating Out is Still An Option – just because you’re trying to get healthy, doesn’t mean that eating out or fast food is dead to you. It’s the amount of times that you’re eating it and the quantity that is dangerous; try limiting these meals as special occasions, like birthdays or as a once a month tradition for the whole family to get together.