1. Immediately seek help medically and professionally for depression. 2. Live forgiven towards yourself and others. 3. Compromise with that critical "Inner Judge" that only seems to want to persecute you unfairly. 4. Put down your pride and take ALL help you can get -- if people offer, accept; if you need help, ask! 5. Implement "quickie" stress relievers such as deep breathing, going to a getaway in mind, a quick 10 minute hot shower... 6. Get organized and/or ask for help in doing so. It's especially important to do so around daily routines such as morning rituals, after-school rituals, chores, mealtimes, baths, bedtimes and family fun time. 7. Keep clutter-bug out of your life. Commit to only looking at mail once. Recycle household items continually -- if you're out of space, it's time to recycle. Get your kids involved. 8. Create a single parent co-op, where you can switch on and off with transporting kids, doing house or apartment projects, babysitting for each other... 9. Are you doing for your children what they can do for themselves? Feed their sense of mastery and independence. They often will feel great knowing they have helped their family out in some way. 10. Keep a sense of humor. Many a single mother has told me, "If I didn't laugh I don't know what I'd do." 11. Get your children involved in camps, church, Sunday Bible School, Big Brother/Big Sister Programs, mentoring programs. Let others offer what you don't have time or energy to offer. 12. Seek financial advice. Having direction and a plan sure beats constant worrying! 13. Keep a family calendar. It's nice to allow your kids to be in activities, but don't overdo it -- one per season is a good rule. 14. Make a list of stressors. Decide what you have direct control over and focus there, first -- in ways that you can. With other items, learn to let go. 15. Take itty-bitty timeouts just for you! I once knew of a mom that bought a wild-looking red bath robe. The rule was when mom came out of her room with that robe on, no one was allowed to ask for anything unless house was on fire. 16. Playing off co-op idea above, create a single mothers support group. Single mothers are one of THE most creative and resourceful groups on planet! Why not take full advantage of that! Rotate child care from meeting to meeting, receive support directly from others who've been there and pool your resources.

There's no doubt about it, you've been carved out for a very special job here on earth. Your job description is longer than Santa's gift list.

The ideas above do work and are working in single mothers' lives right now. Pick just one area and begin there. When it's ALL overwhelming, simply start where you're at. If you need help, just let me know.

* Restaurant Rendezvous Take turns choosing a favorite restaurant to host your family meetings. For this option, choose an afternoon or evening in middle of week, or at off-peak times, to avoid heavy crowds. End meeting before dessert arrives, so everyone can indulge their sweet tooth happily.

* Hobby Haven I know of several families who hold their meetings at places that cater to their favorite hobbies. For instance, one family conducts their meeting at a bowling alley. Once meeting is over, they enjoy bowling together. Another family combines their gathering with their love of books, by meeting at a café in their favorite bookstore. And yet another family I know holds their weekly meeting after a joyful round of put-put golf. This option combines family communication and fun.

However, and wherever, your family decides to host meetings, remember this all-important point: Always end each meeting with a hug!