Single Parenting & Families
Single parenting is a challenge, but a very rewarding one. I believe that being a parent is just about the most important responsibility a person can have, and it is critical to our children's future that we strive to be the best parents we can be.
I've always found Focus on the Family publications and programs to be very helpful to me as a single parent. Check them out!
Jill's Single Parent Support Page -- another great site for single parents! Excellent original content as well as lots of links and resources.
Quality time and what do you do with it?
This is a question that parents must answer if they want to be successful. I have to admit, it's a difficult one for me at times, with a teenage daughter. Here are some ideas for quality time together:
- Talk: take an interest in their ideas, be understanding, gently lead -- don't lecture!
- Dining Out: a nice restaurant if affordable, otherwise, let them choose their favorite fast food
- Picnics: check the weather forecast & take insect repellent if necessary
- Hiking: develop a love of nature and the outdoors, and it's healthy for you!
- Frisbee: low-cost fun!
- Movies: find out something about it in advance, don't depend solely on it's rating (PG, etc)
- Trips: discover how many affordable things to do are within an hour or two's drive
- Church: family activities, help develop strong character & good values
- Museums: but keep it interesting... they may not care about 8th century Mayan artifacts
- Shopping: break down and roam the mall with them -- you don't have to spend much
- Bicycle riding: helps you both stay in shape
- Games: these can be boring to adults, but may mean so much to the children that it's definitely worth the effort -- try to be enthusiastic (don't overdo it) and if you're bored anyway, try not to let it show
- Tennis: be patient if skill levels are uneven, and don't 'overcoach' -- the idea is just to knock the ball around and have a good time
- Bowling: be patient, expect gutter balls; call ahead to make sure lanes will be open and no leagues are scheduled
- Flea markets: this can be a welcome break for Mom or Dad, and provide valuable consumer education for the child -- you may both find bargains!
and let them invite a friend along sometimes...
Still we find ourselves trying to find new things to do. Email us with your ideas!!
Click here to send me 
Sex and Your Child