EmpoweringParents.com

Yes, it is time to get our kids back on a school schedule. My blog post might just be a reminder for some, but it could be a very important checklist for the new single parent. With that in mind, I’ve gathered a lot of great suggestions from other single parents who have been there before, and know what works.

Read more »

As single parents, we live in a  vulnerable environment. Under some circumstances, when an ex-spouse loses his/her job, it affects the other ex-spouse directly. “Emergency Funds” and reserves dry up twice as fast when one party has to pay child support or spousal support (or both.) With the loss of one income, we start feeling the heat.  So, what happens? The “Domino Effect” takes place: both sides of the single parent family suffer financial hardship. Bills get prioritized based on necessity. Parents live off of their credit cards to pay for gas and groceries.

Read more »

My 13 year old son with ADHD is as big as I am and when he refuses to comply, I often lose my temper. That’s when my son’s ability to manipulate goes into high gear. As soon as I lose it, he dramatically flinches. My guilt meter shoots off the chart. Pretty soon, consequences for his behavior are forgotten. It’s an unhealthy cycle that does nothing to help my son learn problem solving skills.

Read more »

Certain holidays and celebrations can be a little bit more difficult than others for a single parent. Valentine’s Day used to be one of those holidays for me, but I learned some fun personal and practical family activities to celebrate without feeling the “Valentine Blues” as a single dad.

Read more »

One of the most important things a single parent can do at the end of the year is to get your family involved in Life Planning.

Life planning is more than just goal-setting and new year’s resolutions. It’s about living your life next year with purpose and passion. Its foundation is based on your discovery of your fundamental happiness, and then planning the rest of your year of activities around that happiness. My good friends, Dan Harkavy and Bill Hart at BuildingChampions.com have been teaching me how to do this, and I wanted to share it with you and make this coming year your “happiest” and most productive ever with you and your family.

Read more »

When I was first started as a parent blogger for EP, it was suggested that I look at parenting from a “Dad’s” point of view. Funny, in all the years I’ve been parenting, I never considered my point of view being other than just a parents’ viewpoint.You see, for a period of five and one half years, I was a single parent of three children, Frank III, Louis (Lou), and Dominica (Mini). When I became a full-time single parent, they were ten, eight, and seven.

Read more »

A little while ago, I blogged about starting to address my 13-year-old son’s offensive language. The changes started slowly, but he showed some improvement with consistent feedback. Whenever he slipped, he lost a specific video game or went to bed earlier. But the issue still hangs on. We both need more practice.

Read more »

Here’s a great project for all Moms and Dads to do with their kids this Thanksgiving. I want you to play the “interviewer”… like a news reporter. But this time, the celebrity you are about to interview is your child. This is a great way to start some real conversations with your kids. (Anyone taking a long car ride this holiday?) It’s also a good way to practice the art of listening — something we all need a reminder to do once in awhile. Take a look at these 10 questions and please blog back your (or your child’s) answers to share with other readers of EP: You might be surprised at what you hear!

Read more »