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Do They Have Your Permission to Take the Rituals with Them?

Many of us feel pretty proud and protective of our family rituals. After all, they help bond and define our family as a special, unique entity and they give us ways to connect to one another. Have you ever stopped to think about whether or not you want or hope your child takes any of these rituals out into the world with him or her? Which family rituals did you bring into your current family with you from somewhere else? Recently, my kids were sitting around talking about different memories from their childhood and inevitably, they started talking about family … Continue reading →

Answering the Probing “Relationship” Question

I try to remind myself that I am not alone—I am in a big club of other single parents who are constantly asked by well-meaning friends and family members if there is “anyone special” in my life or if I have any “relationship” prospects. Even knowing that I am not alone and that there are others coping with these often rude, insensitive and annoying queries, it doesn’t mean that I enjoy it! I know that everyone from my mother to my best friends is really trying to be concerned about my well-being but there are several things wrong with asking … Continue reading →

There is More Than One Side to Every Story

As much as I would like to think that I am perpetually right or that my perspective is correct, I also know that things look different depending on what side of the fence a person is standing on. For single parent families, it seems we can be so tempted to draw a line in the sand and assume that our side is “right” while the other side is “wrong.” Alas, there are usual multiple sides to every story—and as many “sides” as there are individuals involved. It is not always easy for me to remain neutral when it comes to … Continue reading →

Integrating Someone New into Family Rituals

One of the issues that come up for single parents who begin dating is when and how to integrate a new adult person into established family rituals and activities. It is seldom just a simple matter of having someone come along or join in. There might be some resentment and annoyance on the part of the child or children, you may wonder if rituals will be changed or ruined by adding a new person, and there might also be concern as to whether it is appropriate or not. I think that this can be such a touchy and tough subject … Continue reading →