Preparing Yourself for the Death of a Parent

Many people fear the death of a much-loved parent and wonder how they will cope when the event arrives. After all, losing a mother or a father is a once in a lifetime occurrence since we are only given one parent. That parent may be a birth parent or a much loved step-parent who took over when our biological parent was unavailable for a variety of reasons. Whatever, the case, it is a difficult milestone in our lives to lose a parent. Everyone copes with this event in different ways – not all of them healthy. But to help minimize … Continue reading

Step Mothers and Biological Mothers in the Blended Family

A tricky subject is approached when we talk about step mothers and biological mothers. It gets even tricker when you add the step-mother and biological mother into a new family where both parents have children. To quickly dispel the myth, most step mothers never come into the role to replace the biological mother. It is not our job as their step mother to replace that maternal role that rightfully belongs to someone else. But then where do we stand in our role? It almost depends on the type of family you are involved in. If you are part of a … Continue reading

Preparing to Be a Step-Mother

There are so many ways that a step-mother can prepare for her role in the family. It isn’t often that we wake up one morning and we didn’t have time to prepare, so it is ridiculous to think that there isn’t a way to both mentally and physically prepare for being a step-mother. I’m not talking about going out and getting in shape and fit because you are going to be chasing children around. Not at all. The physical aspect of preparing for your new role as a step-mother involves simply learning a little about the new family before the … Continue reading

Meghan McCain Follows in Jenna Bush’s Footsteps

Her father has yet to secure the job presently held by George W. Bush (though he’s gunning for it), but that’s not stopping Meghan McCain from trying to emulate current first daughter Jenna Bush. Meghan McCain, the daughter of Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain just announced that like Jenna Bush she is author material and will be writing a children’s book. “I am truly excited about the opportunity to write a children’s book about my father, who is not only a fantastic dad, but also a great American,” the 23-year-old said in a statement earlier this week. Meghan McCain’s … Continue reading

Preparing for Difficult Situations

It is not only single parents and single parent families who deal with difficult situations and circumstances, true—but there are some situations that we single parents get that the average two-parent family doesn’t: custody battles and conversations, court appearances, meetings with exes and ex-in-laws, possible counseling, mediation and therapy meetings, meeting with grief counselors, lawyers, etc.—you get the picture. While each of these circumstances is unique and each person’s life asks different things of them, there are things that we can do as single parents to prepare ourselves and our children for these difficult and challenging situations. I believe that … Continue reading

Stepfather – Preparing your Children

After going through a divorce or death of a spouse, chances are you will one-day, begin to date and perhaps even marry. For you, the prospect of starting life over again is a beautiful opportunity but keep in mind that even if your children love your fiancé and vice versa, marrying him is viewed by the children somewhat differently from you. Therefore, if you are planning to marry, it is important you prepare your children, answering questions and being honest about the changes to expect. Although it is difficult for the kids to grow up without a father, most people … Continue reading

My Thoughts on Mothering Special Kids

In April, during spring break I had the rare opportunity to be almost-childless for a week. My four sons were sent off to California, to be with their father. My two stepdaughters were sent off to St. George, to be with their mother. That left seven full days with only my three-year-old to manage. Let’s see… what could I do with a free week? I wouldn’t have to be my son Garrett’s blood sugar sheriff. I wouldn’t have to worry about ADHD medications for my stepdaughters, or keeping them on track with their homework. I wouldn’t have to do Sunni’s … Continue reading

How Premarital Counseling Might Help Marriages

What comes next? The other week one of the local radio station’s morning talk program held a discussion on marriage. A young engaged woman called in. She said that she signed herself and her fiance up for premarital counseling. She did so, she claimed, because her husband-to-be doesn’t know anything about what a modern marriage ought to be like. Her beloved was raised by his socially conservative grandmother. Now that they’re approaching their married life it came out that he believes she will do all of the work around the house and take care of the kids. We’ve looked at … Continue reading

Developing a Meal Plan

I have shared in a few blogs my lack of meal planning. Which in turn means I don’t always feed my family well…or at all. In fact, my children are frequently complaining about their mother not preparing dinner and yes, I do feel guilty about that. As a housekeeper, I take my role as caring for the home and family very seriously. But let’s face it…I am human and I am imperfect. There are some areas that I do better in. But I also have those areas I really struggle with. I have had good intentions about changing this but … Continue reading

Giving Thanks for My Home Based Businesses

Tomorrow is my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. I love the idea of dedicating an entire day to reflecting on things that we are thankful for and spending time with loved ones. In fact, one of the things that I enjoy the most about it is that the arrival of Thanksgiving gets people in a grateful and appreciative mood before the actual holiday as well as during and after it. Today, I would like to join my fellow bloggers Richele McFarlin and Stephanie Romero in expressing thanks for my home based businesses. My two home based businesses have given me the freedom … Continue reading