Tag Archives: single parent

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 →

You Can’t Fill Every Role As A Single Parent

Single parents often feel very alone, almost like you’re the only one in the world facing these particular problems and challenges. Although everyone does have their personal uphill battles, according to the US Census Bureau, in 2006 there were 12.9 million one-parent families in the United States. Of those, 10.4 million were single mothers. Assuredly, today there are millions more. So, the good news is that we really aren’t alone. The bad news is, it’s still a tough job fulfilling so many roles. Is it really possible to be everything to your child or children? As a self-proclaimed workaholic and … Continue reading →

Changes in Marriage in USA

The other day I touched on some of the changes that have occurred with woman and work over generations. Of course this has had a huge impact on marriage as well. Looking back to the early seventies, and in particular 1972, here are some of the differences the women’s movement has made in marriage. These statistics are taken from the Time magazine article by Nancy Gibbs based on –’a statistical look back at the journey of American Women,’ by Andréa Ford and Deidre Van Dyk. In 1972 women over the age of 15 who were married was 62%. These days … Continue reading →

Single Parenting: Rake In the Cash with a Second Income

One thing that single parents need the most besides a little more sleep is a second income. Being a single parent means producing a dual income on a one-income check. Since this is impossible, the next best thing is for a single parent to find ways that they can bring in an extra income while staying home. Most single parents work all day. The very thought of having to take care of the kids, the house, themselves and go back out to work their second job is mind boggling. There are numerous ways that one can generate more money without … Continue reading →

Saving Money on Groceries When You Both Work

A lot of the frugal living advice out there concerning groceries assumes that you have time to cut all of the coupons, are home during the day to simmer the homemade chicken stock and prepare inexpensive meals from scratch. But what if you are a two income family or a single parent who just doesn’t have the ability to use some of the regular frugal living techniques? I’m here to help. Some frugal practices can be adapted to your lifestyle if you are commuting to work on a daily basis. The crock pot or slow cooker, for example, can be … Continue reading →

Can You Live on One Income? Insurance and Auto

Living on one income and having one partner stay home is a dream for many families. And sometimes living on one income can actually put you ahead in terms of savings and expenses. Could you live on one income? In this continuing series, I’ll talk about some of the factors, such as reduced standard expenses that will help you consider this important decision. If you missed the first article, just click here: Can You Live on One Income? Taxes Explained. Insurance: You may reduce your health insurance payments with a second income. How? Well assuming that the stay at home … Continue reading →

A Single Parent’s Valentine

As you might imagine, Valentine’s Day has never been one of my favorite holiday. As my kids would say, “Duh!” Even all those years I was married (or because of), it wasn’t really like a Hallmark commercial or romantic pulp fiction novel. No diamonds or rooms filled with red roses. Add to that the fact that my relationships since my marriage haven’t exactly been in the ribbons of romance and I know that if I had my own way I would skip right over Valentine’s Day. Instead, however, I’ve decided that I don’t want my sour experiences to seep over … Continue reading →

Home-making as a Single Parent

I think that the term “home-making” can be intimidating–either we imagine a frumpy, dedicated housewife, or we might think of the high-pressure perfection of a Martha Stewart-type. For single parents, many of us feel like we could never compete or compare–or that we don’t have the time or resources for home-making so why bother? Well, maybe we’re not Martha Stewart or June Cleever, but we can make a comfortable and pleasant home for our families regardless. For me, I had to separate home-making from perfection. Having a cozy, comfortable home doesn’t have to mean that it looks like a movie … Continue reading →

Movies Week in Review: January 7th – January 12th

Looking for some great movies to watch? Whether you prefer the old classics or the new releases, this week you’ll find something that will appeal to you. First is “I’d Climb the Highest Mountain,” an unrated film starring Susan Hayward as a young bride going to live in the mission field of Georgia with her idealistic husband. Together they face trial and tragedy, and she feels like quitting and going home to her parents, but in the end they grow closer together and more committed to the ministry. I greatly enjoyed this film. Next comes “Swing Time,” a Fred Astaire/Ginger … Continue reading →

Single Parent Holiday Memories

It is not always the trips to Disneyland and the “perfect” family holidays that our children remember with fondness. Since I have been a single parent for such a long time (or so it seems to me), I can look back and when I’m reminiscing with my kids–some of their most pleasantly memorable holidays are the ones that are far from perfect… The first “single mom year”–my kids were rather young–first grade, kindergarten and preschool. I was working full time after having been out of the full time work force for a few years and I was also going to … Continue reading →