| The effects of single parenting have evolved over the | | | | So how do we manage it? |
| years. Many of the core values from years ago have | | | | Single parents have to find a way to get out of the |
| gone by the way side. This vanishing act has resulted | | | | mind set of living life in a crisis mode. Keep a daily |
| in some very difficult and challenging circumstances for | | | | calendar of your activities, reminders and dates/times. |
| single parents. Single parenting was once considered a | | | | Plan ahead and prepare as much of the next days |
| simple matter of families and communities coming | | | | needs the day before as you can. Set yourself up so |
| together in support of the parent. Unfortunately, society | | | | that you can pay your bills online. Getting all the paper |
| has shifted in the last twenty years and single parents | | | | bills off your kitchen counter will go a long way |
| have been left in the lurch. | | | | towards feeling better about your daily situation. Put |
| One of the biggest effects of single parenting is the | | | | yourself out there with other parents you come in |
| constant feeling that we need to live our lives in crisis | | | | contact with. Introduce yourself and ask about ride |
| mode. My girlfriend and I have a saying: | | | | sharing and babysitters in your neighborhood. Find |
| "No Drama!" | | | | some time for friends and a social life, but be cautious |
| When we came together and started dating, we | | | | and takes things slowly. |
| agreed that the one most common denominator we | | | | The effects of single parenting can feel very heavy. |
| both had experienced as single parents was the | | | | You're the only person who can affect the stress in |
| drama that came along with daily life. Just taking care | | | | your life in a positive way. Take a minute to step back |
| of work, meals and kids was enough. However, if you | | | | and analyze your specific situation and make any |
| add trying to have some semblance of a social life on | | | | adjustments you can to affect positive change. |
| top of that, things would always become complicated | | | | Patience and a little networking should help you in |
| in a hurry! | | | | finding a less crisis oriented lifestyle. |