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	<title>Working Parents &#187; single working parents</title>
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		<title>Single Working Parents Cut Costs on Baby Expenses</title>
		<link>http://www.workingparents.net/single-working-parents/single-working-parents-cut-costs-on-baby-expenses/</link>
		<comments>http://www.workingparents.net/single-working-parents/single-working-parents-cut-costs-on-baby-expenses/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:41:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mrubin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[single working parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[article]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.workingparents.net/?p=419</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.familyfinancesource.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/working-moms-paid-less.jpg" width="200" /><p>Having a baby increases your family expenses one hundred fold, and can sometimes be too much to handle financially as a single working parent. If you thought buying a home (one time purchase), or getting a dog was expensive, just wait until there is another human being in the home! They might be small, but they cost just as much as any other roommate!

Cutting your spending and reorganizing your budget can take some time when you have a baby. A lot of habits need to be changed or broken, and the concept of hand-me-downs needs to be accepted with open arms.

Here are some quick tips to help decrease your expenses when a new baby comes into your life:
<ul>
	<li>As I said before, take whatever hand-me-downs you can get, whether it is in the form of clothing, strollers, cribs, etc.</li>
	<li>Spending money on baby formula is going to add up quickly. Breastfeeding is not only natural, but actually better for your baby. It cuts costs on formula, bottles, nipples and cleaning racks.</li>
	<li>When you do buy something “new” and don’t get a hand-me-down instead of shopping at Target or Babies-R-Us, shop at second hand stores. Their merchandise is just as good quality as the super stores, and sometimes accepts trade-ins which can decrease your expenses even more!</li>
	<li>As long as you don’t mind cleaning them, cloth diapers really do make a difference, both on the environment as well as your wallet</li>
	<li>Instead of using a stroller to get your baby around, try a baby sling. They are cheaper than strollers and other carriers, although they can sometimes put a strain on your back or shoulder.</li>
</ul></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.familyfinancesource.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/working-moms-paid-less.jpg" width="200" /><p>Having a baby increases your family expenses one hundred fold, and can sometimes be too much to handle financially as a single working parent. If you thought buying a home (one time purchase), or getting a dog was expensive, just wait until there is another human being in the home! They might be small, but they cost just as much as any other roommate!

Cutting your spending and reorganizing your budget can take some time when you have a baby. A lot of habits need to be changed or broken, and the concept of hand-me-downs needs to be accepted with open arms.

Here are some quick tips to help decrease your expenses when a new baby comes into your life:
<ul>
	<li>As I said before, take whatever hand-me-downs you can get, whether it is in the form of clothing, strollers, cribs, etc.</li>
	<li>Spending money on baby formula is going to add up quickly. Breastfeeding is not only natural, but actually better for your baby. It cuts costs on formula, bottles, nipples and cleaning racks.</li>
	<li>When you do buy something “new” and don’t get a hand-me-down instead of shopping at Target or Babies-R-Us, shop at second hand stores. Their merchandise is just as good quality as the super stores, and sometimes accepts trade-ins which can decrease your expenses even more!</li>
	<li>As long as you don’t mind cleaning them, cloth diapers really do make a difference, both on the environment as well as your wallet</li>
	<li>Instead of using a stroller to get your baby around, try a baby sling. They are cheaper than strollers and other carriers, although they can sometimes put a strain on your back or shoulder.</li>
</ul></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Single Working Parent Stresses and How to Overcome Them</title>
		<link>http://www.workingparents.net/single-working-parents/single-working-parent-stresses-and-how-to-overcome-them/</link>
		<comments>http://www.workingparents.net/single-working-parents/single-working-parent-stresses-and-how-to-overcome-them/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 28 Jan 2011 19:23:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mrubin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[single working parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[article]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.workingparents.net/?p=392</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.workingparents.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/iStock_000001737879XSmall.jpg" width="200" /><p>There are many stressed the <a href="http://www.workingparents.net/category/singleworkingparents/" target="_self">single working parent</a> deals with on a regular basis that the rest of us can only dream about… and those dreams are usually in our nightmares.

However stressful you’re life might be it is imperative to have a strong work life balance. Sometimes the stresses of a single working parent can be too much. That is why we’re giving you tips on how to overcome some of the more stressful instances that happen in a one-parent family.  The following was taken from a Healthy Children article; to read the entire thing click here.
<h2>Supporting Your Family</h2>
When you are the only person bringing in an income time and money can be tight and take a lot of your time. This means that your school-age child may see less of you and have less money to buy things they were accustomed to having. That can stress your rela­tionship between parent and child and can add to resentment of you for getting divorced. Make sure your children understand your economic realities and that you need to work more than you would like. A routine after-school phone call to him from work may ease the distance he feels between you.
<h2>Task Overload</h2>
Many <a href="http://www.workingparents.net/category/singleworkingparents/" target="_self">single working parents</a> feel chronically fatigued. They often feel physically and emotionally exhausted and find themselves yelling more at their children. As their youngsters move through middle childhood and nor­mally become more opinionated and challenging of their parents' points of view, more arguments may develop. Unless single parents set aside some down time to rest and recuperate, they can experience burnout and depression. Having a lit­tle emotional support or help around the house from another adult can go a long way toward helping you to cope.
<h2>Daycare</h2>
For middle-years children, many options are available, from commercial <a href="http://www.workingparents.net/category/daycare/" target="_self">daycare</a> centers to after-school programs sponsored by community organizations like YMCAs and Boys and Girls Clubs. Babysitters can also give single parents a break to pursue their own interests for a few hours a week.
<h2>Changes in Child Behavior</h2>
A child's difficult behavior in the aftermath of his parents' separation tends to be temporary and will probably diminish as the crisis of divorce subsides. However, there are a number of troublesome behavioral patterns that, if per­sistent, are signs of more serious problems.</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.workingparents.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/iStock_000001737879XSmall.jpg" width="200" /><p>There are many stressed the <a href="http://www.workingparents.net/category/singleworkingparents/" target="_self">single working parent</a> deals with on a regular basis that the rest of us can only dream about… and those dreams are usually in our nightmares.

However stressful you’re life might be it is imperative to have a strong work life balance. Sometimes the stresses of a single working parent can be too much. That is why we’re giving you tips on how to overcome some of the more stressful instances that happen in a one-parent family.  The following was taken from a Healthy Children article; to read the entire thing click here.
<h2>Supporting Your Family</h2>
When you are the only person bringing in an income time and money can be tight and take a lot of your time. This means that your school-age child may see less of you and have less money to buy things they were accustomed to having. That can stress your rela­tionship between parent and child and can add to resentment of you for getting divorced. Make sure your children understand your economic realities and that you need to work more than you would like. A routine after-school phone call to him from work may ease the distance he feels between you.
<h2>Task Overload</h2>
Many <a href="http://www.workingparents.net/category/singleworkingparents/" target="_self">single working parents</a> feel chronically fatigued. They often feel physically and emotionally exhausted and find themselves yelling more at their children. As their youngsters move through middle childhood and nor­mally become more opinionated and challenging of their parents' points of view, more arguments may develop. Unless single parents set aside some down time to rest and recuperate, they can experience burnout and depression. Having a lit­tle emotional support or help around the house from another adult can go a long way toward helping you to cope.
<h2>Daycare</h2>
For middle-years children, many options are available, from commercial <a href="http://www.workingparents.net/category/daycare/" target="_self">daycare</a> centers to after-school programs sponsored by community organizations like YMCAs and Boys and Girls Clubs. Babysitters can also give single parents a break to pursue their own interests for a few hours a week.
<h2>Changes in Child Behavior</h2>
A child's difficult behavior in the aftermath of his parents' separation tends to be temporary and will probably diminish as the crisis of divorce subsides. However, there are a number of troublesome behavioral patterns that, if per­sistent, are signs of more serious problems.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Single Parents Guide to Saving</title>
		<link>http://www.workingparents.net/single-working-parents/single-parents-guide-to-saving/</link>
		<comments>http://www.workingparents.net/single-working-parents/single-parents-guide-to-saving/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:42:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mrubin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[single working parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[article]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.workingparents.net/?p=365</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.workingparents.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/singleworkingparents-how-to-save.jpg" width="200" /><p>Building a home, raising children and being the breadwinner is hard enough as it is, and it’s even more challenging when you’re doing it alone as a single parent. Single parents bear the brunt of it all and they own up the role of the financial provider. Its tough having to meet the demands of home and work, making sure you have enough for the present but are putting something away for the future.

Parents often have the same goal, which is to be able to give the best there is for their children. Often times there are challenges when it comes to saving, so here are some ways that you can save more money:
<h2><span style="font-weight: normal;">Always have an Emergency Fund</span></h2>
A crisis always comes at the worst possible time. There are <a href="http://www.workingparents.net/category/singleworkingparents/" target="_self">single parent-families</a> that fold under the pressure when a hard crisis comes up. Or there are times that we deplete our savings when some surprise repairs, or when something breaks down inside our house. Sometimes we rely on emergency loans, borrow money from other people or are forced to charge the fee on our credit cards, unknowingly putting ourselves in a crunch. What you need is your own personal resource that you can tap into when your dishwasher suddenly breaks, your car needs repairs, or for other unexpected reasons.

You don’t have to put a big chunk of your monthly salary aside. You can start small with a $20 set aside per paycheck. You can go higher than that but be warned against anything lower than $20 because you need to build this emergency fund as soon as possible.

Remember that this emergency fund should be stored apart from your checking account, college fund savings, or any other savings account that you have. Save up to $500-$1000 and find a high-yield account with very little bank fees. Put money into that account until it grows to cover at least 3 months worth of living expenses.
<h2><span style="font-weight: normal;">Budget is your best friend</span></h2>
It’s easy to let money slip by month after month and sometimes it does, without you ever realizing it. You have work, you get paid, and you pay bills and provide for your family with the money you have. This is why it’s extremely important to have a budget.

Examine your spending habits by observing and writing down your necessities every month. There are so much that sometimes it gets overwhelming. You need to focus on the things you must pay like car payments, mortgage, setting aside some money for savings, college/retirement funds, paying back debt, child care, food and groceries and utility bills.

Create a realistic budget centered on paying for all those important things above. Budget helps you focus and helps you getting things under control. It’s extremely important that you plan ahead.
<h2><span style="font-weight: normal;">A Savings Account with a Purpose</span></h2>
Ever wanted to save up to buy some nice couch to replace that old, moldy one you have in the living room? What about to landscape or create a garden? Or to finally have that much-needed vacation? I’m sure you have something you want to save money up for with a specific goal in mind. It’s important that when you want something, you actually buy it with your own money not depend on credit cards to bring it to you.

Always ensure that you’ve built up your Emergency Fund account to at least 3 months worth of living expenses. Once you’ve completed that, move on to this savings account and put the same amount in every paycheck. This savings account helps you to pay things with cash, and train you to stop depending on credit cards entirely.

Do some research; acquire knowledge by talking to finance professionals. Single parents rely on one income, so it’s even harder for them compared to two-income families. With these tips, you can help yourself by making smart choices when it comes to money management.

<hr />This article was originally written for Parenting Tips by Dave</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.workingparents.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/singleworkingparents-how-to-save.jpg" width="200" /><p>Building a home, raising children and being the breadwinner is hard enough as it is, and it’s even more challenging when you’re doing it alone as a single parent. Single parents bear the brunt of it all and they own up the role of the financial provider. Its tough having to meet the demands of home and work, making sure you have enough for the present but are putting something away for the future.

Parents often have the same goal, which is to be able to give the best there is for their children. Often times there are challenges when it comes to saving, so here are some ways that you can save more money:
<h2><span style="font-weight: normal;">Always have an Emergency Fund</span></h2>
A crisis always comes at the worst possible time. There are <a href="http://www.workingparents.net/category/singleworkingparents/" target="_self">single parent-families</a> that fold under the pressure when a hard crisis comes up. Or there are times that we deplete our savings when some surprise repairs, or when something breaks down inside our house. Sometimes we rely on emergency loans, borrow money from other people or are forced to charge the fee on our credit cards, unknowingly putting ourselves in a crunch. What you need is your own personal resource that you can tap into when your dishwasher suddenly breaks, your car needs repairs, or for other unexpected reasons.

You don’t have to put a big chunk of your monthly salary aside. You can start small with a $20 set aside per paycheck. You can go higher than that but be warned against anything lower than $20 because you need to build this emergency fund as soon as possible.

Remember that this emergency fund should be stored apart from your checking account, college fund savings, or any other savings account that you have. Save up to $500-$1000 and find a high-yield account with very little bank fees. Put money into that account until it grows to cover at least 3 months worth of living expenses.
<h2><span style="font-weight: normal;">Budget is your best friend</span></h2>
It’s easy to let money slip by month after month and sometimes it does, without you ever realizing it. You have work, you get paid, and you pay bills and provide for your family with the money you have. This is why it’s extremely important to have a budget.

Examine your spending habits by observing and writing down your necessities every month. There are so much that sometimes it gets overwhelming. You need to focus on the things you must pay like car payments, mortgage, setting aside some money for savings, college/retirement funds, paying back debt, child care, food and groceries and utility bills.

Create a realistic budget centered on paying for all those important things above. Budget helps you focus and helps you getting things under control. It’s extremely important that you plan ahead.
<h2><span style="font-weight: normal;">A Savings Account with a Purpose</span></h2>
Ever wanted to save up to buy some nice couch to replace that old, moldy one you have in the living room? What about to landscape or create a garden? Or to finally have that much-needed vacation? I’m sure you have something you want to save money up for with a specific goal in mind. It’s important that when you want something, you actually buy it with your own money not depend on credit cards to bring it to you.

Always ensure that you’ve built up your Emergency Fund account to at least 3 months worth of living expenses. Once you’ve completed that, move on to this savings account and put the same amount in every paycheck. This savings account helps you to pay things with cash, and train you to stop depending on credit cards entirely.

Do some research; acquire knowledge by talking to finance professionals. Single parents rely on one income, so it’s even harder for them compared to two-income families. With these tips, you can help yourself by making smart choices when it comes to money management.

<hr />This article was originally written for Parenting Tips by Dave</p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>6 Conversations to Have Before You Get Married</title>
		<link>http://www.workingparents.net/single-working-parents/6-conversations-to-have-before-you-get-married/</link>
		<comments>http://www.workingparents.net/single-working-parents/6-conversations-to-have-before-you-get-married/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 03 May 2010 15:50:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mrubin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[single working parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[article]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.workingparents.net/?p=222</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.workingparents.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/woman-yelling-at-man-about-bills.jpg" width="200" /><p>When you are a single working parent, your kids are the center of your world, with your job coming in second. You work to create opportunities for your kids; you work to make your lives together work. When someone else gets thrown in the mix, the routine of your life gets turned upside down. Single working parents can sometimes forget to discuss some major issues before tying the knot.

These conversations are for the benefit the finances of <a href="http://www.workingparents.net/singleworkingparents/" target="_self">single working parents</a>, as well as your <a href="http://www.workingparents.net/worklifebalance/" target="_self">work life balance</a>, your mental health and the happiness of your children’s future.
<ol>
	<li><strong>Credit histories</strong> – debt can really affect a family’s finances, so taking about credit histories, debt in particular, is good to get out in the open</li>
	<li>Whether you want separate or joint accounts – if one is working and the other isn’t, this can be a source of tension, especially if you already have joint accounts with your children</li>
	<li><strong>Long-term financial goals</strong> – if only one of your is a single working parent, your financial goals might be different. One might be saving every penny for future child expenses while the other might not save at all</li>
	<li><strong>Spending styles</strong> – connected with the long-term financial goals, being single working parents’ changes your spending habit dramatically. Are you ready to change them to accommodate a significant other?</li>
	<li><strong>Who will do what?</strong> – who pays the bills, who will chose where to put <a href="http://www.familyfinancesource.com/family-investment/" target="_blank">family investments</a>, whose checking account will be used the most for family spending?</li>
	<li><strong>Responses to needy family members</strong> – are you both comfortable with lending money to family members in need, even if it means sacrificing some money from the child’s college fund or your<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.familytravelfinder.com/" target="_blank"> family vacation</a></span> fund?</li>
</ol></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.workingparents.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/woman-yelling-at-man-about-bills.jpg" width="200" /><p>When you are a single working parent, your kids are the center of your world, with your job coming in second. You work to create opportunities for your kids; you work to make your lives together work. When someone else gets thrown in the mix, the routine of your life gets turned upside down. Single working parents can sometimes forget to discuss some major issues before tying the knot.

These conversations are for the benefit the finances of <a href="http://www.workingparents.net/singleworkingparents/" target="_self">single working parents</a>, as well as your <a href="http://www.workingparents.net/worklifebalance/" target="_self">work life balance</a>, your mental health and the happiness of your children’s future.
<ol>
	<li><strong>Credit histories</strong> – debt can really affect a family’s finances, so taking about credit histories, debt in particular, is good to get out in the open</li>
	<li>Whether you want separate or joint accounts – if one is working and the other isn’t, this can be a source of tension, especially if you already have joint accounts with your children</li>
	<li><strong>Long-term financial goals</strong> – if only one of your is a single working parent, your financial goals might be different. One might be saving every penny for future child expenses while the other might not save at all</li>
	<li><strong>Spending styles</strong> – connected with the long-term financial goals, being single working parents’ changes your spending habit dramatically. Are you ready to change them to accommodate a significant other?</li>
	<li><strong>Who will do what?</strong> – who pays the bills, who will chose where to put <a href="http://www.familyfinancesource.com/family-investment/" target="_blank">family investments</a>, whose checking account will be used the most for family spending?</li>
	<li><strong>Responses to needy family members</strong> – are you both comfortable with lending money to family members in need, even if it means sacrificing some money from the child’s college fund or your<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.familytravelfinder.com/" target="_blank"> family vacation</a></span> fund?</li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Introduce Children to a Love Interest</title>
		<link>http://www.workingparents.net/single-working-parents/how-to-introduce-children-to-a-love-interest/</link>
		<comments>http://www.workingparents.net/single-working-parents/how-to-introduce-children-to-a-love-interest/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:55:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mrubin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[single working parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[article]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.workingparents.net/?p=168</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.workingparents.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/iStock_000010923374XSmall.jpg" width="200" /><p>For single working parents, getting back on the horse and reentering the world of love is about as scary as talking to your kids about sex. There are the constant questions of when should I introduce the kids? How do I introduce the kids? Will they like him/her? Will he/she like the kids?

Figuring out what is going through your mind first is much more important than figuring out what will eventually be going through your kid’s heads. As a single working parent your kids are either used to you being alone, or with the other parent. Before introducing your children to a new love interest, you need to clear up things in your own head first.
<ul>
	<li>Look at your relationship and figure out where it’s going!</li>
</ul>
A lot of times, single working parents worry about introducing their kids to love interests before they realize for themselves what kind of impact this person will have on their own lives. Be honest with yourself and your partner. Is he/she a person you like spending time with, going out and laughing with, but don’t really see a future with? Or could you see this person making you really happy and wanting to take it to a more serious level? Dating when we’re older (and have kids) is different than dating in our early 20s – there is no middle ground with dating; either you’re here for the long run or your just a fad. And the decision needs to be dealt with quickly. If you introduce your children to a love interest before dealing with this simple (yet important) question, it sets up an attachment level between the children and the person you’re dating that could end badly.
<ul>
	<li>Be honest with your kids when telling them about a love interest.</li>
</ul>
Talking to your children about your dating relationship before introducing a significant other is crucial. Most children’s fears are about abandonment, especially after a divorce. Emphasize that you are not leaving them for your significant other, nor are you asking for their approval. Peter Sheras, author and clinical psychologist at the University of Virginia says you should "begin by making your own statement of love and support for your family. Then ask the children questions like 'What would you like for our family? What are you looking for in someone that we might bring into the family?'"
<ul>
	<li>Actually introducing…</li>
</ul>
You’ve realized your love interest is someone you want in your life for a long time. You’ve told your kids you are dating someone by telling them first how much they mean to you and you are not abandoning them. Now comes the hardest part. The intro. Make sure the intro isn’t a few weeks into a new relationship. You decided it was a serious relationship, but wait a few months just to make sure. Also, introducing them as your leaving for a date isn’t the best and leaves the kids with questions. Plan an informal outing that includes everyone where they can all be themselves. <em></em>

<em>Pointers to Remember:</em> <em></em>
<ul>
	<li><em>Be in a committed relationship</em></li>
	<li><em>Be able to envision that person being a part of the family and talk to them about what that could mean</em></li>
	<li><em>Recognize kids of single working parents fear abandonment. </em></li>
	<li><em>Affirm your love and relationship with your children</em></li>
	<li><em>Share enthusiasm for the person you are dating with your kids</em></li>
	<li><em>Plan something fun for the first meeting</em></li>
	<li><em>Be yourself and allow an outing where everyone can be themselves</em></li>
</ul>
<em></em><em></em><em></em>Source: <a href="http://singleparents.about.com/od/datingadvice/a/introducekids_3.htm" target="_blank">SingleParents.About.com</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.workingparents.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/iStock_000010923374XSmall.jpg" width="200" /><p>For single working parents, getting back on the horse and reentering the world of love is about as scary as talking to your kids about sex. There are the constant questions of when should I introduce the kids? How do I introduce the kids? Will they like him/her? Will he/she like the kids?

Figuring out what is going through your mind first is much more important than figuring out what will eventually be going through your kid’s heads. As a single working parent your kids are either used to you being alone, or with the other parent. Before introducing your children to a new love interest, you need to clear up things in your own head first.
<ul>
	<li>Look at your relationship and figure out where it’s going!</li>
</ul>
A lot of times, single working parents worry about introducing their kids to love interests before they realize for themselves what kind of impact this person will have on their own lives. Be honest with yourself and your partner. Is he/she a person you like spending time with, going out and laughing with, but don’t really see a future with? Or could you see this person making you really happy and wanting to take it to a more serious level? Dating when we’re older (and have kids) is different than dating in our early 20s – there is no middle ground with dating; either you’re here for the long run or your just a fad. And the decision needs to be dealt with quickly. If you introduce your children to a love interest before dealing with this simple (yet important) question, it sets up an attachment level between the children and the person you’re dating that could end badly.
<ul>
	<li>Be honest with your kids when telling them about a love interest.</li>
</ul>
Talking to your children about your dating relationship before introducing a significant other is crucial. Most children’s fears are about abandonment, especially after a divorce. Emphasize that you are not leaving them for your significant other, nor are you asking for their approval. Peter Sheras, author and clinical psychologist at the University of Virginia says you should "begin by making your own statement of love and support for your family. Then ask the children questions like 'What would you like for our family? What are you looking for in someone that we might bring into the family?'"
<ul>
	<li>Actually introducing…</li>
</ul>
You’ve realized your love interest is someone you want in your life for a long time. You’ve told your kids you are dating someone by telling them first how much they mean to you and you are not abandoning them. Now comes the hardest part. The intro. Make sure the intro isn’t a few weeks into a new relationship. You decided it was a serious relationship, but wait a few months just to make sure. Also, introducing them as your leaving for a date isn’t the best and leaves the kids with questions. Plan an informal outing that includes everyone where they can all be themselves. <em></em>

<em>Pointers to Remember:</em> <em></em>
<ul>
	<li><em>Be in a committed relationship</em></li>
	<li><em>Be able to envision that person being a part of the family and talk to them about what that could mean</em></li>
	<li><em>Recognize kids of single working parents fear abandonment. </em></li>
	<li><em>Affirm your love and relationship with your children</em></li>
	<li><em>Share enthusiasm for the person you are dating with your kids</em></li>
	<li><em>Plan something fun for the first meeting</em></li>
	<li><em>Be yourself and allow an outing where everyone can be themselves</em></li>
</ul>
<em></em><em></em><em></em>Source: <a href="http://singleparents.about.com/od/datingadvice/a/introducekids_3.htm" target="_blank">SingleParents.About.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
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		<title>Free Activities Single Working Parents can do with their Kids</title>
		<link>http://www.workingparents.net/single-working-parents/free-activities-single-working-parents-can-do-with-their-kids/</link>
		<comments>http://www.workingparents.net/single-working-parents/free-activities-single-working-parents-can-do-with-their-kids/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:57:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mrubin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[single working parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[article]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://67.222.25.241/?p=81</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.workingparents.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/iStock_000007110868Large2.jpg" width="200" /><p>Being a single working parent is hard work. All day you’re at the office working hard so that you can come home and give your children the love and attention they deserve. However, it’s not always that easy. Finding the balance between saving money for your family and doing fun activities for everyone is hard to do, especially if you’re a single working parent.

The following is a list of fun activities, most of which you never have to leave the comfort of your own home to do. All of these activities are free and use items in the house. A lot of them are <a href="http://www.greenparentingsolutions.com/greenkids/" target="_self">green friendly</a> as well.  They’ve been separated into categories based on the age of the child. A lot of single working parents are so busy with the work they bring home; they forget the little activities kids like to do. Even the teenagers who swear they’d rather just watch T.V. want to spend some sort of bonding time with their parents. You may just find yourself having a great time as well.<del datetime="2010-01-20T10:52" cite="mailto:Andrew%20McShane"> </del>

<strong>Toddlers/Young Children</strong>
<ul>
	<li>Build a tent with sheets and couch cushions<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Read a book together. Take turns reading!<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Listen to a book on tape while playing in the bathtub<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Play with a toy they usually play with on their own: a videogame, legos, dolls, etc.<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Go to the park<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Sit outside and watch the stars<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Give each other new hair dos. <strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Teach them how to cook small things<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Plant seeds with something you’ve eaten like watermelon or apples<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Wash the car together<strong> </strong></li>
</ul>
<strong> </strong>

<strong>Tweens/Teenager</strong>
<ul>
	<li>Paint your toes together—give each other manicures and pedicures<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Create kitchen science projects with ideas from the web with ingredients from the kitchen<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Ask <em>them </em>to educate <em>you</em>—how to play a certain video game, update you on the latest drama on one of their favorite T.V. shows, etc.<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Rearrange the bedroom furniture<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Go to the park<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Sit outside and watch the stars<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Teach them how to play solitaire or chess<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Visit a free museum or zoo<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Teach your dog new tricks together</li>
</ul>
These activities and exercises are great ways to keep a nice balance between work and the rest of the world. Your children are a great way to keep a balance, but there are plenty of other ways too. To find out more, check out our <a href="http://www.workingparents.net/worklifebalance/" target="_self">Work-Balance page</a>!

<strong> </strong>

<strong> </strong>

There are countless other activities to do with your children, all of which single working parents are fully capable of doing. For a complete list of activities check out About.com's 101 Absolutely Free Kids Activities article.

Source: <a href="http://singleparents.about.com/od/havingfu1/a/absolutely_free_kids_activities.htm">About.com Single Parents</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.workingparents.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/iStock_000007110868Large2.jpg" width="200" /><p>Being a single working parent is hard work. All day you’re at the office working hard so that you can come home and give your children the love and attention they deserve. However, it’s not always that easy. Finding the balance between saving money for your family and doing fun activities for everyone is hard to do, especially if you’re a single working parent.

The following is a list of fun activities, most of which you never have to leave the comfort of your own home to do. All of these activities are free and use items in the house. A lot of them are <a href="http://www.greenparentingsolutions.com/greenkids/" target="_self">green friendly</a> as well.  They’ve been separated into categories based on the age of the child. A lot of single working parents are so busy with the work they bring home; they forget the little activities kids like to do. Even the teenagers who swear they’d rather just watch T.V. want to spend some sort of bonding time with their parents. You may just find yourself having a great time as well.<del datetime="2010-01-20T10:52" cite="mailto:Andrew%20McShane"> </del>

<strong>Toddlers/Young Children</strong>
<ul>
	<li>Build a tent with sheets and couch cushions<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Read a book together. Take turns reading!<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Listen to a book on tape while playing in the bathtub<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Play with a toy they usually play with on their own: a videogame, legos, dolls, etc.<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Go to the park<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Sit outside and watch the stars<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Give each other new hair dos. <strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Teach them how to cook small things<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Plant seeds with something you’ve eaten like watermelon or apples<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Wash the car together<strong> </strong></li>
</ul>
<strong> </strong>

<strong>Tweens/Teenager</strong>
<ul>
	<li>Paint your toes together—give each other manicures and pedicures<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Create kitchen science projects with ideas from the web with ingredients from the kitchen<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Ask <em>them </em>to educate <em>you</em>—how to play a certain video game, update you on the latest drama on one of their favorite T.V. shows, etc.<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Rearrange the bedroom furniture<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Go to the park<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Sit outside and watch the stars<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Teach them how to play solitaire or chess<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Visit a free museum or zoo<strong> </strong></li>
	<li>Teach your dog new tricks together</li>
</ul>
These activities and exercises are great ways to keep a nice balance between work and the rest of the world. Your children are a great way to keep a balance, but there are plenty of other ways too. To find out more, check out our <a href="http://www.workingparents.net/worklifebalance/" target="_self">Work-Balance page</a>!

<strong> </strong>

<strong> </strong>

There are countless other activities to do with your children, all of which single working parents are fully capable of doing. For a complete list of activities check out About.com's 101 Absolutely Free Kids Activities article.

Source: <a href="http://singleparents.about.com/od/havingfu1/a/absolutely_free_kids_activities.htm">About.com Single Parents</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Singlefather.org Gives Help to Male Single Working Parents</title>
		<link>http://www.workingparents.net/single-working-parents/singlefather-org-gives-help-to-male-single-working-parents/</link>
		<comments>http://www.workingparents.net/single-working-parents/singlefather-org-gives-help-to-male-single-working-parents/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:52:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>mrubin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[single working parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blog]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://67.222.25.241/?p=75</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.workingparents.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/iStock_000000413871Large.jpg" width="200" /><p>It seems like whenever someone brings up a single working parent, the thought immediately jumps to single working mothers. There are countless web sites dedicated to helping single mothers. When ‘single working parent’ gets typed into Google, the first 10 links are about single mother sites.

<a href="www.singlefather.org" target="_blank">Singlefather.org</a> is a site specifically geared towards fathers who are without a significant other and who are completely raising a child on their own or have joint custody. The tag line of the site is “resources and support for <em>responsible</em> single fathers.” The site is the internet voice of the Responsible Single Fathers organization and works with women’s groups, legislators, social service organizations and other agencies to “help our nation’s children by supporting their fathers as they cope with broken relationships.”

The site encompasses a lot of information for the single working parent. The introduction page talks about the societal stereotyping of a single father and how single working parents-both mothers and fathers-can help change the stereotype of a single father being associated with being a dead-beat dad and turn it into a term that radiates respect.

The sources featured on the site include a blog site to a featured dad page. The featured dad page changes every month to a new person. Everything is completely confidential; no real names are given unless the user wants personal information given out. The page has a Q&amp;A page that the site has generated and talks about his struggles as a single dad, traditions he has with his children, etc. It’s an excellent inspirational page for single dads because it highlights a father who is successful and a single working parent.

The site is completely user based. There are no experts or doctors chiming in—just real life single working parents helping out other single dads.

Executive Director Vince Regan said “The world is full of experts on a number of subjects, but single fathers who have lived through the turmoil of divorce and the resulting conflicts have a wealth of positive information to share with fathers who are just beginning down that same road."

There is also a resources area that has essays written about issues pertaining to parenthood. The essays go over how to get a divorce lawyer to knowing if your child needs therapy to dealing with the emotional turmoil of becoming a widower. The articles and links section have similar content to help make certain situations of being a single working parent much easier to handle.

The site is a powerful tool for fathers who are working single parents. It is definitely worth checking out.

For more information on resources for single working parents, check out our <a href="http://www.workingparents.net/daycare/" target="_self">day care page</a> and information on raising your child <a href="http://www.greenparentingsolutions.com/" target="_self">environmentally knowledgeable</a>.

Source: <a href="http://www.singlefather.org/index.php">SingleFather.org</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.workingparents.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/iStock_000000413871Large.jpg" width="200" /><p>It seems like whenever someone brings up a single working parent, the thought immediately jumps to single working mothers. There are countless web sites dedicated to helping single mothers. When ‘single working parent’ gets typed into Google, the first 10 links are about single mother sites.

<a href="www.singlefather.org" target="_blank">Singlefather.org</a> is a site specifically geared towards fathers who are without a significant other and who are completely raising a child on their own or have joint custody. The tag line of the site is “resources and support for <em>responsible</em> single fathers.” The site is the internet voice of the Responsible Single Fathers organization and works with women’s groups, legislators, social service organizations and other agencies to “help our nation’s children by supporting their fathers as they cope with broken relationships.”

The site encompasses a lot of information for the single working parent. The introduction page talks about the societal stereotyping of a single father and how single working parents-both mothers and fathers-can help change the stereotype of a single father being associated with being a dead-beat dad and turn it into a term that radiates respect.

The sources featured on the site include a blog site to a featured dad page. The featured dad page changes every month to a new person. Everything is completely confidential; no real names are given unless the user wants personal information given out. The page has a Q&amp;A page that the site has generated and talks about his struggles as a single dad, traditions he has with his children, etc. It’s an excellent inspirational page for single dads because it highlights a father who is successful and a single working parent.

The site is completely user based. There are no experts or doctors chiming in—just real life single working parents helping out other single dads.

Executive Director Vince Regan said “The world is full of experts on a number of subjects, but single fathers who have lived through the turmoil of divorce and the resulting conflicts have a wealth of positive information to share with fathers who are just beginning down that same road."

There is also a resources area that has essays written about issues pertaining to parenthood. The essays go over how to get a divorce lawyer to knowing if your child needs therapy to dealing with the emotional turmoil of becoming a widower. The articles and links section have similar content to help make certain situations of being a single working parent much easier to handle.

The site is a powerful tool for fathers who are working single parents. It is definitely worth checking out.

For more information on resources for single working parents, check out our <a href="http://www.workingparents.net/daycare/" target="_self">day care page</a> and information on raising your child <a href="http://www.greenparentingsolutions.com/" target="_self">environmentally knowledgeable</a>.

Source: <a href="http://www.singlefather.org/index.php">SingleFather.org</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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