If only there were a way to subtly give this list to your extended family, right? As tempting as it may be to e-mail it to them or share it with your social network, consider setting the example by helping another single mom you know -- perhaps someone you work with or who lives in your neighborhood.
Remember, too, that it doesn't have to take much time or effort to be an encouraging, supportive friend. Start by asking her how her kids are doing, or offering to share the job of carpooling to and from school or extra-curricular activities.
Once you open the door, you may be surprised to find the kind of mutually-supportive friendship you've been looking for all along.
Things are supposed to be easier in the summer, right? But the opportunity for more flexibility can actually make it harder to compromise with your ex about issues like overnights, transportation, and child support payments.
Before you get into a battle, take a moment to consider the other person's point of view, as well as your kids' needs. For help with specific issues, read 5 Summer Parenting Questions Answered.
Begin by thinking about what you'd like your new-and-improved social life to look like. Are you hoping to date again? Develop close friendships with one or two individuals you can count on and commiserate with? Have something to do while your kids visit with your ex?
When you're the new kid in school, the teacher assigns you a guide to show you where to put your backpack, how to find the lunch room, and help you navigate your new setting. But as a newly-single parent, you may be completely on your own. And even if you have a friend who's been through it, her experience may be completely different from what you're going through.
The trick is to learn how to fight fair. It takes time and effort to develop a healthy co-parenting relationship where you can collaborate with one another as equals -- and it's hard work! But think about the end goal. If your effort to stop arguing with your ex leads to a greater sense of security for your kids -- and ultimately to less stress for you -- then it will be worth the effort.
What helps you? Take a moment to share anything that's helped you collaborate with your ex by leaving a comment below.
I know... summer hasn't even started yet! But if you think you'll need help paying for your kids' back-to-school supplies this fall, go ahead and contact agencies in your area to be included in their 2012 backpack drives. And to learn more about how to find a school supply giveaway in your area, read Free Backpacks and Donated School Supplies. (The first item on the list may surprise you!)
And if you know of any backpack drives scheduled for 2012, please add them to our growing list. This will make it easier for our readers to access donated school supplies in the fall.
Holidays like Mother's Day and Father's Day can be a bit tricky. Just yesterday I had a dad ask me whether he should give up his Sunday afternoon visit so that the kids could spend the day with their mom, and my advice was to consider what he'd like her to do if the tables were turned. If nothing else, you're modeling for your ex the kind of collaborative co-parenting relationship you'd like to build.
Do you remember when you were pregnant and everyone told you to get more rest, eat well, and take care of yourself? Prenatal care is essential to a baby's health, but a mom's need to take care of herself doesn't stop when the baby is born.
As parents - moms and dads, alike - we need to recognize that taking care of ourselvesis part of taking care of our kids. That means making sure that we're getting enough rest, exercising regularly, eating nutritious meals, and incorporating some mental "down time" into every day.
Best of all, being intentional about taking care of yourself doesn't have to require a lot of time. Start by incorporating just one or two self-care practices into your regular routine. For a list of ideas, read Avoid Single Parent Burnout: 30 Self-Care Strategies for Single Parents.
It feels good when someone recognizes the hard work you're doing as a single parent, doesn't it? Whether it's family, friends, or your kids' teachers, it's just nice to have someone say, "Hey, you're doing a really great job!"
Typically, that kind of acknowledgment doesn't happen with enough frequency, though. That's why you have to recognize and celebrate your own efforts, because even when no one else is there to see it, you know all of the work you do for your family.
So, moms, don't let this Mother's Day pass by like it's any other day. You deserve some honor and recognition! Keep in mind, too, that you don't have to wait around for someone else to "get it" or for your kids to be old enough to acknowledge the holiday on their own. Go ahead and celebrate it for yourself, in recognition of all the ways you've grown into a better parent since that very first day your baby was placed into your arms.
And if you're a single dad reading this, I want you to do the same for Father's Day next month. Don't be shy about giving yourself credit! Read More...
Many divorcing parents are forced to continue living with their soon-to-be-ex-spouses because they can't afford to maintain two households. If you're in this situation, you may be wondering how to make it livable, how much to tell your kids, and how to minimize the tension and conflict that surround you.
One of the most important factors will be creating some space for yourself, whether that's going for a walk each evening, or getting out with some friends you can confide in. This will help you process your grief and maintain your determination and resolve for the days ahead. For more tips, read the article How to Live With Your Ex While Preparing for Divorce.
In addition, if you've been in this situation before, I'm sure you have a lot of wisdom to share, so I hope you'll take a moment to participate in the accompanying "Readers Respond" feature on how to live with your ex. Your advice may be just what another single mom or dad needed to hear today!
View Channel
If only there were a way to subtly give this list to your extended family, right? As tempting as it may be to 
Things are supposed to be easier in the summer, right? But the opportunity for more flexibility can actually make it harder to compromise with your ex about issues like overnights, transportation, and child support payments.
Begin by thinking about what you'd like your new-and-improved social life to look like. Are you hoping to 
When you're the 
"Now that we're separated, we argue even more than we did when we were together! It just makes me want to give up and stop trying to work together."
I know... summer hasn't even started yet! But if you think you'll need help paying for your kids' 
Do you remember when you were pregnant and everyone told you to get more rest, eat well, and take care of yourself? Prenatal care is essential to a baby's health, but a mom's need to take care of herself doesn't stop when the baby is born.
It feels good when someone recognizes the hard work you're doing as a single parent, doesn't it? Whether it's family, friends, or your kids' teachers, it's just nice to have someone say, "Hey, you're doing a really great job!"
Many