Tag Archives: respite

When the Noise Gets to You

I know that my years of parenting have increased my tolerance for all sorts of things: mess, chaos, whining, and noise. It is amazing how quickly we acclimate. Even if we used to be the most calm and mellow person, craving and appreciating our quiet alone time–we do get used to the noise and rambunctiousness of family life. Well, at least most of us get used to it and for most of the time… I was at a coffee shop the other day and while it was a busy place, it was relatively calm–there was the constant buzz of adult … Continue reading →

Support for Single Adoptive Parents

How can single adoptive parents best find support? Sometimes they feel conspicuous at adoptive parent gatherings, since so many adoptive parents are couples. Other single parents may have trouble commiserating with the single adoptive parent, feeling that the adoptive parent chose to raise the child alone while many single parents were unexpectedly thrust into their situation. Single parent support groups may focus many of their discussions on dealing with ex-spouses and on financial and legal matters. Single parents create networks of support within their extended families and communities, and with other single and/or adoptive parents. These informal networks provide support … Continue reading →

When You Get Overwhelmed, It Might Be Time to Take a Break

I wrote a few days ago about when it is necessary to just push through and finish a project and when it might be best to ease up. I was talking with a friend recently and he pointed out that we really need to listen to what our bodies and brains are telling us about being overstressed and overwhelmed—even in the business world. He shared his theory that when you really feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable—in your stomach, shoulders, etc., it really is time to take a break and let go for awhile in order to stay healthy and gain perspective. … Continue reading →

Making Sure Your House is a Home

You’ve been through a crisis or transition–maybe there has been a separation or a divorce or a death or a move or some other major life “happening” that has led to your status as a single parent. Even if you have embarked on single parenthood by choice, it can still seem overwhelming and things can have a precarious, temporary feel for a while. It is important that even if you’re going through a rough and tumble time, you make sure that you create a home for yourself and your child or children–it isn’t just about having shelter and a roof … Continue reading →

A Week at Royal Family Kids’ Camps

These are some excerpts and prayers from my journal during my first week ever at Royal Family Kids’ Camps. Royal Family Kids’ Camp is a one week camp for abused and neglected children. The experience is intense and incomparable to anything I’ve done. . .including the last 10 years in the inner city. During this week, my job was to be a ‘roving counselor’. Roving counselors pick up the slack when there are things that need to be done, and they also help if two kids are too much for one counselor. *All kids’ names have been changed. Kevin, who … Continue reading →

Adoptive Parents Need Rest

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The adoption community uses a term that describes a brief rest from duty for adoptive parents. Respite is defined as a short time of relief from a difficult assignment. It is absolutely necessary for adoptive parents to occasionally be able to take it easy for a while. Our first respite weekend came as a surprise. As a Christmas present, our grown children arranged for us to have a Saturday night at the finest hotel in Galveston. They stayed with our crew and paid for a meal at a fine restaurant. It’s about a two hour drive down there from our … Continue reading →

Parent’s Work Out

We see the signs everywhere inviting parents to take a night out to themselves and leave their children at their Church, daycare, dance school or gymnastics school. Time out for parents is a decidedly necessary opportunity in a day and age when so many of us are working two jobs or busy raising families that parents need Parent’s Work Out almost as much as they need a Parent’s Night Out. Frankly, I’m tired a lot more often than I am not. Finding time to work out seems to just add another chore to the day, especially in the beginning. It … Continue reading →