To all mother’s and especially single mother’s who are doing their very best to raise strong, happy, and healthy children often times at some expense to their own well being, I applaud you!  Parenthood is an amazing journey and gift full of opportunities and challenges to help us as individuals grow and learn as we strive to be the very best parent we can be.  The role of a parent is not always easy nor perhaps was it meant to be. It is certainly more challenging when we are for whatever reason, a single parent.  The responsibility is the same as with a two parent household, however the role is imbalanced because that single parent bears the bulk of responsibility.  To each of you who are taking your role of being a parent seriously, I hope that you do something special for yourself on Mother’s Day.  Quiet time alone, a temporary vacation from meal preparation, some time with close and supportive friends or family members, whatever your wish might be to honor yourself, is what I wish for you.  Continue to strive to be the very best parent you can be and as long as your child’s other parent is a safe person allow him the privilege of  contributing to your much needed respite on this day.  Welcome his involvement and support of you to foster greater enrichment within your lives.  Happy Mothers Day.

Hello everyone,

I have been invited to serve as special guest on Wednesday, April 27 2016, from 8:00pm until 9:00pm, to speak on the topic of single parenting. In addition, I will provide an overview of my new book “Single and ApParent”.  I hope you can tune in and join me at GRTV/WKTV Comcast Channel 25!

Good night!

For most single parents financial concerns are a constant companion, and we never have to travel far to feel its presence.  With Easter and Spring Break just around the corner, you may feel pressure from wanting to have a get away trip for your child/children and needing a “get away” trip for yourself as a parent.  Take a few minutes right now to “deep breathe” and  as you let that breath out, I thought to suggest a couple of fun and meaningful things you and your child/children can do with minimal cost.  Take a field trip to a State Park you have never gone to before to spend some time with nature. Having been raised in the country on a farm, the peacefulness that comes from that environment is priceless.  There are many joys you and your child will experience such as collecting and examining different rocks, different bushes and plants, even nature’s small animals.  The smell of the woods and forest is beneficial and will provide clarity for both you and your children beyond what any amusement park ever could.  The zoo is also another great escape for you and your children and allows them the experience of learning about different animals and how they live. Everyone can learn from these ventures with little expense while exploring at your own pace.  So, realize even though you might not have the financial means to do exactly what you would like to at this place and time in your life, you still have some great choices with  minimal cost right in your back yard.  So enjoy..and remember to “breathe”.

Of course some single parents might find themselves fighting the feelings of loneliness on Valentine’s Day, which can be a normal feeling for those who may not be in a “healthy” love relationship. I stress “healthy” because that it the only relationship worthy of your time. If you have that, flowers, candy, dinner, and other loving gestures were more than likely a part of your day but if not, do not despair. I hope you love yourself enough to have pampered “you” in some little way today.  Keep looking forward because in a healthy relationship, Valentine’s Day is every day. Would love to hear how you embraced yourself!

Having a career in the sky makes it a little challenging to be on the ground as often as I would like to in order to stay in touch.  Case and point, we are four days into Black History Month already!  I welcome the day when Black history is taught throughout the year as it is at the core of America’s history. There are several things parents can do to reach and teach their children. Your public library, museum, and local YMCA or YWCA are just a few organizations that will probably be commemorating this important event. Most of these organizations charge a minimal fee, if any.  Of course, the library is usually a free service available to all. In addition, I thought you might also appreciate learning of a few books that are excellent reads for you and your children, and we know the importance of reading, right?  What a great opportunity for bonding and learning together!  A few suggestions for “good reads” are:  “Something Beautiful; Precious and the Boo Hag; Princess Truly and the Hungry Bunny Problems; Monster; Nappy Hair; Salt in his Shoes; and  You Can Do it.”  There are so very many more out there so moms and dads, please do just a little research to find these gems. One of our favorite authors when my son was little was Ezra Jack Keats.  Let me know how you are honoring this meaningful month and I would also love to know what some of your favorite books are. Black History Month is also a perfect time to teach tolerance, learn about differences, and to foster understanding of others.  Happy reading!

As I speak with various populations around the issue of parenting, one consistent topic that continues to resonate is the lack of cooperation between parents pertaining to involvement of the “other parent”, also known as “parental alienation”. Some of the reasons might be due to resentment, unaddressed anger, the feeling of betrayal, and jealousy although I am sure there are many, many more “reasons”.  Regardless of the reasons, each is an emotion.  It is of utmost importance the two adults involved arrive at a place of mutual agreement with respect to both parties, for the best interest not only of the child, but also for themselves as adults. Whatever the reason, it can be worked out, but it has to start with a willingness for “civil” and meaningful conversation between both parties. As long as the child is safe with the non custodial parent I encourage you to make every honest and respectful effort to compromise, in reaching an agreed upon goal for mutual involvement of both parents.  A willingness to cooperate from a place of honesty and dedication is the only way to result in a “win/win” for all involved. I speak from experience that it can be done. Would love to hear what issues you are dealing with.

As most of you may know, today we honor the birth, legacy, and passing of an amazing human being whose life was dedicated to justice and equality for oppressed people.  Why? Because history clearly demonstrated the need for the essence of his meaningful work and sacrifice which is equally as important today.  As we go about the important job of raising children, please remember “you” are their first teacher.  Whether we send a positive message about others or toxic, our children are the sponges that will absorb our teachings.  It is critically important to teach children about differences and to teach them acceptance and tolerance. Believe it or not, for the success of humanity our world is depending on you. Rest In Peace Dr. King.

Wishing you and your family the best in the new year!  Happy New Year from “Single and ApParent”!

December 26 commemorates the first day of Kwanzaa, an African tradition based on year end harvest festivals taking place throughout the continent of Africa over thousands of years. Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days with each day observing a basic principle, the first which is “umoja”, meaning unity. One candle is lit every evening in honor of one of the seven principles. It is a celebration of family, community, and culture.  For additional information, click on the link below.  Happy Kwanzaa!

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/kwanzaa

To all single moms and dads out there, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you!