What’s Holding You Back?

Logan and I both went to the doctor today. We both have Influenza Type A, which basically means we both have this tiny microscopic germ that has taken over our bodies and left us feeling rather miserable. Not only are we both feeling a little miserable, we’ve also been banned from going back to school for the rest of the week. Logan’s not too concerned about this of course, but I know it will leave me trying to play catch-up in the weeks to come, which as a single mother is rather daunting in and of itself, but to be … Continue reading

Going to School with Kids

I have been asked several times over the last year how I could possibly manage to continue going to school with a child all while parenting alone. “How do you have time to do homework?” “Who watches your son for you?” “How do you find time to study?” “How do you keep your grades up?” All questions that have continued to come up time and time again. For the record, it hasn’t been an easy task, but here are some things that may help you attempt the college journey as a single mother. First off, don’t forget to check out … Continue reading

Getting Ready for Back to School: Organizing School Supplies

I have to admit that as my children get older, the school supplies get easier…at least in the school system that they attend. They require fewer school supplies in high school, which makes my life easier and my pocketbook more full. However, I have always used a method of getting ready for school that not only saves me money but keeps us well stocked for at least a good portion of the school year. But it all begins in July. I regret not thinking about this last month but school was honestly the last thing on my mind. So perhaps … Continue reading

Back to School on a Budget

The summer is coming to a close which means if your little ones haven’t already started back to school they will be soon. This is an exciting time as your children are starting on their new school adventures, but it can also be a very stressful time as it adds some pretty significant expenses on to an already tight budget. Stores everywhere are advertising their notorious back to school sales and it’s time to start collecting those ads! I am a bargain shopper. I’m all about getting the most bang for your buck. As a single mom, money is always … Continue reading

Maintaining Control of School Papers

In my last housekeeping blog I wrote about keeping order of school supplies in your home. Now is also a good time to start thinking about how you are going to keep order of the papers that will be coming home throughout the school year. Let’s first establish one thing…you cannot possibly keep every single piece of paper that your child brings home. If you do, you will find paper piles cluttering your house. So if you can learn to let go of some things, it will help. When my children were younger I basically had three options of what … Continue reading

Going to High School Part Time

I was never the kind of kid who would skip class. No, in high school I was a superstar: diligent, focused, and driven. Now I look back and I wonder exactly what I was driving towards so intensely. While it’s unlikely that I would have come up out of my focused state to look around, smell the flowers, and consider other options and opportunities, I can promote that saner alternative to those who are students now. High school can be a pressure cooker, but why? There are many skills to be learned in the great, wide world. Taking some time … Continue reading

Are Homeschool Parents Arrogant?

I happened upon a magazine article yesterday that discussed the pros and cons of homeschooling. It listed all the traditional concerns—socialization, keeping up with peers, etc.—and then an additional concern was raised. Are homeschool parents arrogant for thinking they can possibly teach their children everything they need to know? I had to stop and think about that for a minute. To be honest, the question took me aback. I’d never considered it before. Do I, as a homeschool mother, think I’m better than everyone else? Do I think I have some kind of special power that no one else has? … Continue reading

Thinking About Going Back To School?

Your economic situation doesn’t have to stay where it is. As a single parent you may qualify for various grants that can help you get a certificate or degree and create a better life for you and your kids. This will also give you some time for yourself, so it’s like killing two birds with one stone. It’s hard enough being a single parent and working a full time job—whether you work from home or at a typical nine to five job. Top this off with taking care of the bills, the kids, the house, and it doesn’t leave much … Continue reading

Going to the Pool

How old was your baby when you first took him swimming? Was it a positive experience? Summer is approaching, and we just bought our baby’s first swimming suit. The purchase may have been unnecessary, but we really enjoyed picking through the adorable styles and prints. When we arrived home, I started thinking about whether our baby would ever enter a pool or lake this summer. I don’t hesitate to bring her in the water because of fears that she will drown. We’ll always have two adults around at all times (one holding her, one there on the rare chance that … Continue reading

Explaining Illness to Your Preschooler

Last night as I was busily typing on the computer, my daughter wandered into my office. In her “I want to ask you something but you will say no” voice, she said, “Mom?” “Yes, dear.” “Mom?” “Yes.” “I have diabetes.” Well no, she doesn’t have diabetes. I have diabetes, and I wear an insulin pump, count carbohydrates, and all of that fun stuff. She watches me use my pump, change my pump sites, insert big needles into various parts of my anatomy. Sometimes I poke her finger to check and see if her blood sugar is all right, and once … Continue reading