[nancynic]

Happy New Year!

I'm wondering what you find most challenging about being a single parent ... let's start a list ... which will give me ideas for topics to bring to the Single Parenting Forum ~

thanks! and thanks for all your posts of 2003 ... it was a great year!

NancyNic

[jodyk]

The most challenging things for me (in no particular order) are:

1. Knowing I'm the only one there to take care of things & if I don't do them, they don't get done.
2. Prioritizing what needs to be done.
3. Accepting that my needs come last -- & sometimes not at all.
4. Making time for myself.
5. Realizing I'm the mommy that someone comes to for comfort.
6. Not having anyone to take over when I'm tired or ill.


But the best things about being a single parent are:

1. Not having to debate my decisions with anyone.
2. Not having to share my foster son with anyone.
3. Not living alone anymore.
4. Realizing not everything needs to be done after all.
5. Taking on this humongous challenge and responsibility (at the ripe old age of 43) & being able to handle it
6. Getting the respect and praise from family and friends for this undertaking.
7. Knowing that, because of me, my fs has a good life & is safe, happy and healthy for as long as he's with me.

[mckenna]

i second jody's list and would add:

Most challenging:

worring about if something would happen to me who will be his mommy

worring if one of us needs extended medical care what would happen if we went for a single income household to a no income household

not being able to run to the store quickly and have dad watch the kids

most rewarding:

not being "played" against another parent in decision making

getting all the hugs and kisses

being a mommy regardless of my marital status

having a bond with my son that no one else shares but us

[nancynic]

Hi !

I noticed on both of your posts, that you PROS list was longer than the cons list!

Way to go! You make the world a better place for all of us.

NancyNic

[KCE67]

Pro's

I got to witness ALL the firsts! First tooth, first word, first steps, first day at school..etc.

Learning that it isn't all about me.

The feeling of accomplishment twice, when they accomplish something and knowing that I had a part in their success.

I get to share my life with some really special people.

The biggest challenges to me are:

-Making those dang ends meet.
-Prioritizing tasks.
-Dealing with ignorant comments from people such as all those who believe I disadvantaged my kids by divorcing their alcoholic, drug abusing father.
-Worrying about EVERYTHING )

[nancynic]

Hi,

Thanks for your post.

It's not easy being a single parent. Let us know how we can help with this forum, ok?

Nancy