Dear Single Mother...

This post is in response to the question from the single mother dated September 18 on how to balance everything when your a single mom. The best advice I can give to you is to forget about trying to be super mom and thinking you have to be everything to everyone. Taking time for yourself when you can and spending time with your kids is the most important thing you should do. Engage the kids in the household duties and assign them chores and give them a small allowance if you can afford it. It not only teaches the kids responsibility at a young age (which is very important) but also frees up some of your time by having them help around the house. Stop worrying about preparing gourmet meals and having your house spotless all the time because in the big scheme of things, it really isn't that important. Kids grow up so fast and you don't want regrets later about the time you didn't spend with them. The more time you spend with them, the more you will know about them and the people they hang around with which is very important. Keep the lines of communications open. Don't be afraid to talk to your kids about any subject, sex, drugs, relationships, etc. You want them to be comfortable coming to you to discuss such things and it will allow you to have a better handle on what is going on in their life as well. Remember, the kids will be grown and gone before you know it so make the most of the time you have with them now. You'll never regret the memories you've made with them and they as adults will appreciate you for those memories as well. Good luck!