Relevant parenting resources for single parents.
Leaving kids home alone for the first time can be incredible unnerving. What was the most important factor for you in deciding that your kids were old enough to stay home alone, and what advice did you give them that put your mind at ease?
After school is a time not only to get homework done, but also to relax and unwind. Find out how to incorporate a consistent after school routine for your kids.
To kids, emergencies are something that mom and dad usually handle. What if you weren't home, though? Would your kids know what to do? Prepare your kids for emergencies with these practical tips.
Quality time can be hard to find. Between working full-time, managing your home, and balancing all of your other responsibilities, taking time to play with your kids may feel like one more thing on your to-do list. However, maintaining your relationship with your children is one of the most important things you do on a daily basis--and, fortunately, it doesn't have to cost much time, either. I…
Movie night is a great way to stay connected with your kids. Find out how to incorporate a cheap movie night routine for your family.
The H1N1 influenza virus has created a lot of media hype and confusion. Get the facts about the H1N1 influenza virus, so that you can stay healthy, care for your kids, and minimize fear.
H1N1 prevention is especially important for single parents who are caring for a sick child or children. Put these H1N1 prevention tips into practice so that you can stay well while you care for your loved ones.
H1N1 symptoms are similar to symptoms of the seasonal flu. Find out what H1N1 symptoms to look for, to determine whether your child needs additional medication attention, or can be cared for at home.
Do you know the emergency H1N1 symptoms? Find out which H1N1 symptoms are deemed by the CDC to require emergency medical treatment, and which symptoms can generally be treated at home.
Parenting advice is something we all need from time to time. How do you control your emotions while disciplining your kids? Includes tips for single moms and dads parenting alone.
Do you ever wish you could have lunch with a wise single mom or dad, and ask them for advice on every aspect of raising kids on your own? The following suggestions and parenting tips were submitted by our readers:
Kids shots are rarely easy, but there are some things you can do before your kids' next vaccination appointment to make the event go more smoothly. Apply these tips the next time you take your kids for shots or vaccines.
Review of forehead thermometer made by Exergen. This temporal artery thermometer is easy to use and completely eliminates my kids' concerns about putting a thermometer under their tongue. Plus, it gives a quick and accurate reading you can count on.
For parents, getting kids to master responsibility is a chore. Kids need the consistency of our expectations and rules, though. Share the strategies that have worked well in your house, including the use of chore charts, positive reinforcement, and consequences for incomplete chores.
When you need to calm down, what works best for you? Do you count to ten? Leave the room? Here, our readers share their best strategies for giving themselves a quick "time out" instead of taking anger and frustration out on their kids.
Custody visitation plans are often canceled, and this leads to disappointment for kids who were anxiously awaiting that visit with mom or dad. Find out how to help your kids handle his or her visitation disappointment and move forward, knowing that he or she can continue to be full of hope and joy, whether that parent chooses to be involved or not.
Feel like your kids' behavior is out of control? These five steps will help you create and enforce a set of rules, so that your entire family can enjoy more peace and harmony. It's never too late to step in and gain control of your kids' behavior.
Mentoring programs offer children a reliable, safe way to develop a significant relationship with a caring adult. If you're looking to enroll your child in a mentoring program, know that there are a variety of options available to you:
You hear it all the time:
"Daddy would let me" or
"Mommy is never mean to me like you are." So how do you deal with having completely different parenting styles without compromising your values or constantly coming off to your children like you're always "the bad guy?" Here are some tips for establishing your own authority even when the other parent continually gives in to the k…
Are you concerned about the extent of your child's anger in response the the changes your family has been going through? It's important to recognize that the intensity of kids' anger is just as strong as adults'--if not more so--and they need to be given specific instruction regarding effective and acceptable methods of coping with these intense emotions. Parents should aim for introducing a mi…
Are you looking for new ways to build a sense of unity within your family unit? Do you wish your kids had less of the "gimmes" and more of a sense of appreciation for all that they do have? Consider engaging in some volunteer work that you can do along with your children to build their character and contribute to the larger community around you. While these kinds of activities are beneficial f…
Feel like your kids' behavior is out of control? These five steps will help you create and enforce a set of rules, so that your entire family can enjoy more peace and harmony. It's never too late to step in and gain control of your kids' behavior.
Help you child cope with your divorce by being involved, listening, and taking care of yourself, as well. Apply these practical steps to helping your child cope in the weeks and months initially following your divorce or separation.
Before we delve into how you, as the parent of an angry child, can help him or her to cope with those feelings, let me emphasize to you that anger is a normal, healthy emotion. We all experience anger. It is unavoidable. As your child's parent, however, you are the primary and most influential adult in his or her life. As such, you have an immense opportunity and responsibility to help your a…
Abandonment refers a parent's choice to have no role in his/her child's life. This includes failure to support the child financially, as well as failure to communicate with the child or have any type of active role in the child's life. Remaining parents can help their child's adjustment and ability to cope with this absence being alert to the common effects of abandonment.
One of the amazing things about having children is that they bring out such intense emotions. You'll find that you've never loved anyone like you love your kids! But the process of caring for them can also arouse intense feelings of anger and frustration. Know this: Every parent experiences anger and frustration! You're not alone. The key is to effectively handling your emotions is to give …
How can you get your kids to sleep in their own beds? This is a common concern for many single parents whose children seek the warmth and comfort of sharing a bed at night. Learn how you can get them to sleep in their own beds while also meeting their emotional needs.
When Mom and Dad Separate: Children Can Learn to Cope With Grief from Divorce, written by Marge Heegaard, can be an effective tool for parents who wish to help their children cope with a recent divorce or separation. Read a review of the book and compare prices on retailers who have this book in stock.
One of the best ways to get a little time to yourself is simply to teach your kids how to play independently. Learn some simple strategies for encouraging free play when you are home with your kids.
Children need lots of opportunities to play independently. Find out how unstructured play benefits your kids and how you can encourage self-directed, imaginative play.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has strict guidelines about children's television viewing. But how, exactly, are parents supposed to limit their child's TV viewing and video game time? Includes practical steps for reducing your child's total screen time.
Does your child have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep? Find out how to establish a bedtime routine that works for you with this list of helpful Dos and Don'ts.
Lack of sleep can contribute to behavior problems, irritability, lack of concentration, and even hyperactivity. Find out whether your child is getting enough sleep on a regular basis.
Feeling independent and capable is an important part of your child's development. Find out what you can do to develop your child's independence. Includes specific tips for children of all ages.
