Living in LOVE : Remembering why you marriedWritten by Samantha Olea, http://thebestmoms.com
The kids are yelling, dog is barking, and you just found out that your spouse forgot to do one thing that you needed them to do today…again! This scenario may sound typical for your family, or your scenario could be worse. Maybe you and your spouse are arguing more and more, and connecting less and less? You may have even asked yourself, “Is this marriage a mistake?”. Though you knew your life wouldn’t be like Brady Bunch, you may find yourself surprised at just how much work a marriage can be – and its twice as hard if only one person is working at it. If this is your situation, ask yourself why you married your spouse? I know it sounds silly, but really…why did you marry them? “Because we were in love”- well, that’s easy answer-go deeper. See, life happens…kids are born, cars breakdown, jobs are lost, and through all of ups and downs that are inevitable, its important that you remember why you married this person. Reflect: 1-Think of first time you saw your spouse. What is one thing that stood out to you about them? 2-Remember one time when you were sad, angry or disappointed and your spouse really came through for you. What happened? How did it make you feel? 3-What is one thing funny thing you know about your spouse that no one else knows? 4-Think back to your single life, before you met your spouse. What was it like? Now, really think – what is one small thing your spouse does to make you happy that you are here and not back there? 5-Remember a time when your spouse did something out of ordinary and surprised you. What did that moment feel like? 6-Remember first time you saw your spouse holding your child. How did that make you feel? Remind: 1-In a quiet time when both you and your spouse are sitting together, bring up your first date. Bring up your happiest memories of this day. 2-Think of a funny story about when you first were married – good choices are dinners gone bad, ruined laundry, etc. 3-Talk about when you first became parents. What were your fears and hopes. Mention something positive about their parenting, and their connecting to your children.
| | Words of Wisdom for Single ParentsWritten by Sarah Mitchell
The cost of being a parent and raising a child in todays world is constantly increasing. The risk of your child becoming involved in problem behaviour is also greater. Parents must work together as a team to ensure brightest future for their children. But what if there is no team. No other person to rely upon. This is what millions of single parents deal with everyday. But it is not only parent who sees this as a gloomy situation. Children are quite often left thinking that they are reason for a separation or divorce. It is child who must attend father and son day at school without a dad. They have to grow up with all stigma attached to coming from a "broken home". These are just a few of many potential problems that a single parents household are faced with. This article is aimed at providing single parents with some strategies for raising a good child despite what other people may say. Concentrate on positives Although it may be impossible to see at first, there are some positives for single parents. The main one being less fighting, bickering and tension around house. This will benefit your child in long run as it becomes a more child friendly environment. Try to see your situation as a new found freedom and feeling of independence. Develop a new relationship with your child A child must obviously be comforted at such a time, but also made to see that you are boss. Do not let your child think that because there is now only one parent around, they can do whatever they please. Children need rules and routine, regardless of how many parents are around. Ask for help if you need it Suddenly single parents will probably find that their workload doubles or triples at first. If your children are old enough, be sure to set them some chores around house each day to take pressure off yourself a little. Speak to other parents as much as you can. You will be surprised how often they will be happy to help out. It may just be taking your child to movies or to a sports game on a Saturday morning, but every little bit helps. Above all, don't feel as though you have to do absolutely everything on your own.
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