Divorced Dads Out in the Cold

An article in the Sun Herald on Sunday by Danielle Teutsch, highlighted some of the problem being faced by families where there is divorce. The Australian Institute of Family Studies tells us that 22 percent of Australian children have divorced or separated parents. Around 45,000 children are currently affected by divorce. Half of the divorces in Australia involve children. As Mick and I go into schools to teach children it is apparent to us just how many of the children are affected. Many have a father living in another state that they only get to see once or twice a … Continue reading

Overdue Intro From A New SP Blogger

Yes, my introduction is long overdue. As one of the new Single Parenting bloggers, I’ve wanted to say hello to Jacky Gamble who’s another SP blogger, and to everyone here at Families.com, but I’ve been so intently focused on writing informative pieces that this kept slipping my mind. Here I am at last. I’ve been a single parent for about 7 years now. After my second divorce I truly felt it was better to go it alone with my five daughters. It seemed apparent that I hadn’t chosen husbands wisely, so it was high time for me to get out … Continue reading

Do You Miss That Extra Paycheck Since Splitting Up?

If you miss having a second income since your divorce or feel you may have permanently messed up your children with the breakup, read on and see why this was truly the best decision you could have made. The truth is that many single parents live on one paycheck, myself included, but it’s not easy to leave financial security behind and venture off on your own. As a life and relationship coach, I’ve helped thousands of women over the years to get out of unhealthy relationships, raise their confidence, and find more fulfilling lives and loves. When a woman is … Continue reading

Are Dating Sites A Good Place To Find True Love?

By the time I got divorced, my oldest daughter was in her late teens and my youngest was 10. Although I wasn’t ready to run to the altar any time soon, I did find that I wanted to date, and perhaps find my true “Mr. Right.” Flying solo on yet another Valentin’s Day wasn’t something I looked forward to. Not wanting to leave things in the hands of fate, I signed up on a few respected online dating sites. I didn’t go crazy with the dating thing, and I always tried to be very careful about who I talked to. … Continue reading

What is Your Marriage Worth?

Can you put a monetary value on happiness? Apparently you can, according to Professor Paul Frijters. The man, named best Australian Economist under 40 years of age, has attempted to put a monetary value on major events in people’s lives. What is interesting when you read the figures he has come up with is the difference between how major events affect women and men. Take marriage for example. The monetary value Professor Frijters has on marriage for a woman is +$15,600. The monetary value of marriage for a man is pegged at +$31,600. The monetary value of the birth of … Continue reading

What Is a No Fault Divorce?

Question: “What is a no-fault divorce, and how is this different from a regular divorce?” You may have heard the term “no fault divorce” before. It seems that most couples who are facing divorce have this term as the “reason” for the divorce. Why? In order to begin divorce proceedings, one member of the marriage must file for divorce. Eventually, if the couple wants to go forward with the divorce, the case will go before a judge who will decide if the divorce will be granted. The spouse who files for divorce must state a reason for desiring a divorce. … Continue reading

Don’t Ignore Problems in Marriage

In any marriage there are difficult times and often they can be worked through as we talk them out. But much as we might like to think we can handle any problems in our marriage and work them out on our own, sometimes we may need to admit that we need help. This blog was prompted by a comment posted in response to another blog. In Packed to the Rafters, an Aussie TV show very popular here at present the husband Dave, had this to say ‘men have a way of dealing with problems. They ignore them.’ There’s a certain … Continue reading

When Your Spouse Wants a Divorce

What do you do when your spouse wants to get a divorce but you do not? In many no fault states, you may not be able to prevent it. Furthermore, trying to live in a marriage when the other person believes that he or she is single cannot be the happiest of situations, so what can you do? While it may be difficult when your spouse comes to you and says, “I want a divorce,” try to remain calm. Sometimes the statement is made in the heat of the moment of an argument with no real intention behind it. Obviously … Continue reading

The Present Box

In a traditional family and an occasion arises that presents are called for, the other parent steps up to the plate, usually, and takes the child shopping for the celebratory parent. They might also help them to make a gift and/or a pretty card for the event. There is no problem. In a nontraditional family without the mother/father thing happening, the grandparents most likely will take over this responsibility for the absent parent. What happens when there is no other parent or grandparent? What about a friend or another close relative? You might not have that either. What next? First … Continue reading

Dealing with the In-Laws

When there is an issue with the extended family, how you you deal with it without causing harm to or conflict within your marriage? The in-laws are and important part of your spouse’s life, which automatically makes them an important part of your life. While it isn’t always easy to have complete family harmony, it is crucial to understand the needs of the extended family and work though conflict. Work together When an issue comes up with the in-laws, you should first solve it with your spouse. Discuss the issue together and avoid accusatory statements, such as “Your mother always…” … Continue reading