Saturday December 19, 2009
This week's highlights include tips for dealing with grief during the holidays, a successful child support amnesty program, and how to handle gift-giving inequality in step-families.
On the Blogs:
After a Loss, Those Days Leading Up to the Holiday Can Be Overwhelming - Joseph shares practical tips for coping with loss during the holidays on the New Jersey Star Ledger's "Good Grief" blog.
Kidless During the Holidays - Tom asks what other single moms and dads do when their kids are spending the holiday with their other parent.
In the News:
Amnesty Program Generated $100,000 in Child Support Payments - Nearly 400 individuals--all of whom had bench warrants out for their arrest--met with officials to create viable payment plans during a recent amnesty program in Las Vegas.
Counseling Scheme Lifts the Gloom for Depressed Parents - A UK-based program called "Place for Parents" is providing the support struggling parents need, helping them secure a fresh start for themselves and their children.
Stepdad Plays Scrooge to Spouse's Son - Columnist Lauren Forcella presents a common dilemma: how to handle the in-equitable distribution of gifts.
Photo © njgphoto of www.istockphoto.com.
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Saturday December 19, 2009
On the sixth day of kindness,
I gave a gift to me:
Six forum comrades
Five "Thanks, but no thanks,"
Four helpful kids
Three best friends,
Two great big hugs,
And an evening out just for me.
Do you ever find that when you really need someone to talk to, everyone you might think of calling is either asleep, working, or busy? Or do you sometimes hesitate to complain to your friends about the challenges you face, because you think they just won't "get it?"
That's what I really appreciate about the Single Parents Forum here at About.com. Read More...
More About.com Sites Celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas:
Family Crafts | Baby's First Year | Young Adults | Baby Products | School-Age Children | Homeschooling | Adoption | Gifted Children | Cats | Laundry | Flea Markets | Fresh Aquariums | Pool and Patio | Trees and Shrubs
Related: Read the Entire "12 Days of Christmas" Series
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Friday December 18, 2009
On the fifth day of kindness,
I gave a gift to me:
Five "Thanks, but no thanks,"
Four helpful kids
Three best friends,
Two great big hugs,
And an evening out just for me.
When someone asks you to do something, what's your typical response? I usually find that before I even consider whether it works for me, or whether I even want to do it, I'm already trying to figure out in my head how I can do it.
For example, a parent that I volunteer with for one of my kids' extra-curricular activities asked me to chaperon a school-sponsored field trip over winter break. I immediately began to think about how I could make it work, even though it's taking place on a day that doesn't fit my schedule, and I'd have to get a babysitter for my younger child if I said yes.
Fortunately, I realized it before I wrote back to the volunteer coordinator, and declined the invitation. And do you know what? Saying "No" felt great! It's okay not to take on everything. Read More...
More About.com Sites Celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas: Family Crafts | Baby's First Year | Young Adults | Baby Products | School-Age Children | Homeschooling | Adoption | Gifted Children | Cats | Laundry | Flea Markets | Fresh Aquariums | Pool and Patio | Trees and Shrubs
Related: Read the Entire "12 Days of Kindness" Series
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Thursday December 17, 2009
At this time, the long-awaited reunion between David Goldman and his son, Sean, has been postponed. According to the Associated Press, the Brazilian Supreme Court has decided to hear the case. This mean that any potential reunion between Sean and David Goldman will have to wait until court resumes in February, following a scheduled recess.
One can only hope that this delay will result in a positive outcome for the Goldman family, and that having the matter settled by the Brazilian Supreme Court will minimize future appeals and the continuation of what has been a long, drawn out battle.
When you've been in a similar situation--hopes dashed, disappointed beyond belief--how did you cope with it? Let our readers know by sharing your story.
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