[nancynic]

Hi,

It's not easy being a single parent. When issues arise with kids about discipline or communication or making decisions, it's nice to have a support network or someone to call to talk things over with.

Who do you go to for support? Friends? Neighbors? Family members? the Internet? Parenting books?

Let us know ... and let's make this forum one of support for single parents. Tell us what you are struggling with or what works well for you. We want to hear from you.

NancyNic

[jodyk]

For immediate advice, I call my sister or my mom. For general advice, I look in "What to Expect: The Toddler Years" or in Penelope Leach's book (I forgot which one I have). For Foster Parenting advice, I go to the foster parent section of this website or to www.fosterparents.com.

[nancynic]

Hi Jody,
I'm so happy you are finding the help you need ... a little support goes a long way and is a boost to morale! Thanks for your post and I hope you find the parenting forums helpful.
NancyNic

[missphd2b]

I am just beginning the adoption process, so I don't have a child now. However, I have already begun to call my mom and ask her opinion on different situations. Since she raised me as a single parent, she has a lot of knowledge on how to handle things.

[Dark Fate]

I do not currently have a child.
But Plan to adopt as a single parent and I will be talking with my mom,Dad, and grandparents they will all be my support group.
They are very supportive of me in this already

[maimms]

Nancy.... thanks so much for asking...... I joined these boards a few weeks back after adopting my 12yr old daughter, Sandy..... I am a single mom...55 yrs old... and a first-time parent.

For advice and education, I've been reading several books... "Parenting the Hurt Child" and "Reviving Ophelia"...both are excellent. For day-to-day support, I'll consult my sister, who raised a daughter by herself (my niece is now 24 and also a single mother to a 3 1/2 yr old)...also some friends. When I'm having a particularly tough situation, I'll consult with my daughter's therapist or my adoption worker. They've been an enormous help. I also have been using these boards which is giving me much comfort.

Right now my daughter and I are going through the adjustment phase... she has started 'acting out'...defiance, refusual to go to school. Much of the time, she is quite 'normal', but I have to be so careful in not letting my guard down because she is very skilled at manipulation.

Most days I get up, take a deep breath and just hope for the best and I have one goal-- to make it through the day in one piece.

Thanks for asking.
Marge... mom to Sandy.

[alicia hunter]

I use my mom as my main support. She is also single and neither of us liked living alone, so we decided to share a home. It has worked out great because I now have help when I just need a break or am not feeling well. I also have my dad for babysitting and get support from a few close friends. I LOVE BEING A SINGLE PARENT!!! I don't think I'd even want to marry.

[nancynic]

Hi,

It's a strength to know when we need help and to ask for it ... and it's so important to get some support when we are going through difficult times. Just as we want to help those we care about, others want to help us too.

Thanks for your posts ... because each post gives support and ideas to others!

Nancy

[tfergycnm]

This is a great question and a wonderful forum for the single parents. We should rely on each other more!

I frequently bounce ideas and concerns off my mother - who I think was excellent at her job of motherhood. She was a fantastic role model; but, things have definitely changed in the past 35 years since my childhood.

I found a FABULOUS book that I would recommend to anyone who just needs a foundation of healthy discipline. It's titled: Kids are Worth It by Barbara Coloroso. She gives tons of examples and advice. The book is also very reasonable in price -- but worth every penny spent.

I also rely on many of the "How to Raise an Adopted Child" books for the concerns regarding adoption questions. I have a few of those also if you need references.

I suppose I am a textbook parent -- I do alot of reading.

tfergycnm

[nancynic]

Hi,

Thanks so much for your post and for the titles of the books you find helpful. It's very important to be 'educated' as a parent and there are so many good books on parenting, but it's especially nice to hear about books which someone recommends.

NancyNic
Parent Forums Moderator