Tag Archives: philosophies

There is More than One Way to Raise a Child

There is something about the experience of raising a child that can make us feel as though one day we are blundering beginners and the next day we are experts. I imagine that once one has raised a child from infancy to adulthood, one feels a sense of accomplishment, yes, and if the child turns out decently, we may also be convinced that we know “the way” and have “the answers.” I think this is one of the reasons that older people can be so steadfast in their childrearing suggestions and advice. I do think it helps us to remember, … Continue reading →

Dating when You Both Have Kids—Part Five—Dealing with Differences and Inequities

I wrote in part two of this series on two single parents dating about how there can be major differences in parenting in philosophies. These are not the only differences that can cause issues when you are dating another single parent—the way that your children view each other and the differences in the lifestyle, rules, expectations, and discipline between the two families can be a big deal. Comparisons are inevitable and both you and your children might find yourselves noticing and focusing on how things are quite different for children in one family than they are for those in the … Continue reading →

Dating when You Both Have Kids–Part Two: the Clash of Parenting Philosophies

Have you ever been on a date with someone who was childless and thought to yourself: “If only he/she had kids, then he/she would understand?!” For some reason, it can be incredibly aggravating to listen to those who don’t have kids talk about what they would or wouldn’t do, or better yet–tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. But, just because we start dating someone who is also a single parent and has plenty of parenting experience–does not mean that the two of us will agree on how to handle behaviors, educational choices, and other parenting philosophies. I am … Continue reading →