Problem solving and conflict resolution for children should begin being taught early on. If you’re a parent of multiple children in your family this becomes apparent as it won’t take siblings long at all to become engaged in some type of ‘sharing’ violation with one another. Children of a family with other children almost immediately are engaged in a social type of activity albeit only with their brothers and sisters early on. Conflicts and resolving those conflicts soon become part of their day.

At an early age children are in more of a self exploration and self discovery mode. From there and from a socialization progression you will see kids playing together but not as a coordinated group. In other words, the next progression is to see a group of children ‘geographically’ playing together but they all still have their own toys and objects. The next step of the socialization of play is around 2 to 3 years old where you’ll see kids begin activities that begin to require interaction and subsequently problem solving and conflict resolution.

Conflict Resolution For Children

As a homeschooling parents you have the opportunity to actually teach conflict resolution and problem solving techniques and skills rather than just solving them. As a part of conflict resolution it’s important to get children to express themselves and their feelings and get past their initial emotional reaction. This will initially take some time and practice, and you should take the time to get back to, and discuss the conflict that occurred at a later time or date after the emotions have calmed sufficiently down. Discussing previous conflicts and how they could have reacted and handled them is a key in their emotional growth.

As all children do early on, before they have the ability to concisely express themselves, they learn that many times crying and even screaming resolves their conflict because as parents we try to assuage the behavior by getting them what they want or need. The time needed for this emotional growth and self education just isn’t available in the public schools. But as a homeschooling parent this should be a practiced activity.

Understanding and teaching conflict resolution to your children is an integral part of their social development and growth. Without these tools, children will grow into adults resolving problems the only way the have ever known how to do – with emotional behavior, and sadly, many times with force.

There is a tremendous amount of excellent information on these techniques and teaching them to children of all ages. Make them part of your day, and a part of your child’s life and they will grow in depth and confidence.

Problem Solving And Conflict Resolution For Children is a post from: Single Moms Guide

One of the leading problems effecting today’s youth is that of childhood obesity. One of the most important parenting tips that could ultimately save a child’s life is to deal with the problem early and yet with great sensitivity. The truth is that dealing with this delicate parenting issue early may help to save a child from dealing with obesity and other related illnesses in later life.

Over the years, the presence of obesity in children has dramatically increased. Many experts attribute the surge to over exposure to video games, television and computers. Others suspect that the increasing problem stems from poor eating habits and still others believe it may be a little bit of both.

Childhood Obesity

Among other problems, obese children are at higher risk for developing diabetes and heart related illnesses. Health professionals are commonly worried that children who battle with weight early in life may face obesity later in adulthood, which could have a very negative impact on their health.

A child who is overweight or has recently been diagnosed with obesity, should not be singled out from the family as being the only one needing to make a change in their lifestyle. This is one of the most important parenting techniques to use when dealing with childhood obesity and is also one that will greatly impact a child’s self-esteem. If parenting isn’t done properly in this situation, the child may forever feel inferior or begin to identify themselves by how much they weigh, which is an unhealthy possibility. It is important that the entire family join together and participate in healthier meals, less television time and increased levels of activity, including walking.

Among the best parenting remedies used to combat obesity is preparing more fruits, vegetables and less foods that are high in fat. Positive parenting techniques will involve having healthy snacks available for your family and encouraging them over junk foods. Additionally, set a schedule for the family to take a brisk walk or spend some time doing some type of physical activity, including a game of basketball, softball, volleyball, etc. Anything that will get your child up and moving instead of spending all of his/her time in front of the television or video game will be to their benefit and will lend to the positive impact of good parenting. And finally, be vocal during your child’s medical visits. This includes asking the doctor questions about any concerns that you may have, as well as taking his/her advice when it comes to the health of your child.

Parenting and Dealing With Childhood Obesity is a post from: Single Moms Guide

A traditional kids summer camp is one that generally begins in June and continues through August. This type of recreation is a popular activity among children of all ages as it gives them the opportunity to experience new things, meet new people and embark on a journey of independence. With that being said, the following are 5 popular reasons to enroll your child in a traditional kids summer camp.

Independence. During their experience at a traditional kids summer camp, children will experience their first taste of independence. Being away from home for the first time can be scary, but new friends and fun activities will help to make the transition easier. This will also be an important step toward college preparation, which often requires that the child leave home for months at a time.

Traditional Kids Summer Camp

Responsibility. A traditional kids summer camp will teach children to be responsible in a variety of ways, including the organization of their personal items. While away, they will be personally responsible for maintaining their living quarters and personal items. In addition, they will be required to pack their belongings at the end of their stay and will have to learn the responsibility of organizing their items for the trip home.

Teamwork. One of the most important experiences at a traditional summer camp is that of learning to work together as a team. Whether it be during a sports event, a canoeing trip or other group activity, teamwork is often required. Much like in adulthood where teamwork is essential to everyday life, children will learn the valuable lessons of working with their peers toward achieving a common goal.

Friendship. While at a traditional kids summer camp, new friends will be met and there is plenty of fun to be had. Learning to make friends and how to be a good friend is an important life lesson that is not only important at a traditional summer camp, but also in every day. Situations are always presented when individuals are placed with new faces in school, the workforce, families, etc. Therefore, it is important for children to learn the value of friendship and how it can make every day a little brighter.

Experiences. Traveling to new places, embarking on an exciting journey and exploring the wilderness are all a part of what makes a traditional kids summer camp so special. A nature hike, sailing on a blanket of calm water or sitting around the campfire with friends are just a few of the experiences that a child may encounter while enrolled in a traditional kids summer camp.

Traditional Kids Summer Camp is a post from: Single Moms Guide

Various Types of Financial Aid for Single Moms In Illinois

Childcare – The Illinois Department of Human Services offers childcare assistance to needy families who need a way to go back to work, head back to school, or finish their high school degree. The Child Care Assistance Program is offered based on income. If you do not qualify, consider partnering with another family who works an opposite shift to share childcare duties or utilizing the help of relatives who may be home when you are working.

Healthcare – Affording medical care for your children is a challenge when you live on one income. If you do not have adequate healthcare coverage for your family, you may be able to get help through the state’s Medicaid programs. FamilyCare offers coverage for adults who are the primary caregivers for children 18 or younger. The program, which is offered based on income, covers all types of care, including dental and vision. Any child in the state of Illinois who does not have full insurance coverage can get coverage through AllKids, regardless of the parent’s income. Families with higher incomes will pay a fee for the coverage, but it is available.

Food and Supplies – Single moms often struggle to buy healthy food for their kids. Illinois offers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to needy families. eligibility is based on income and family size. SNAP is awarded through the Illinois Link system, which also provides cash assistance to very needy families through an electronic debit card. WIC is another program offered to families with young children or pregnant women.

Transportation – Moms who are eligible for WIC can get transportation assistance through the WIC office. Most major Illinois cities operate an affordable public transportation system, offering single moms a reliable way to get to and from work.

Rent Assistance – the Illinois Housing Development Authority offers assistance with paying for rent through the Rental Housing Support Program. This offers needy families access to subsidized rent apartments or homes. It is one of the largest rent assistance programs in the nations. The IHDA also offers several Section 8 housing options. Single moms living in the city of Chicago will find that other options exist because of the high cost of living in the state’s largest city.

Educational Grants – The Internet makes going back to school all the more possible for single moms. To find aid, file the FAFSA and talk to your school’s department of financial aid. A variety of state specific programs are also available to Illinois residents leaded back to school.

When raising kids as a single parent the financial aid for single moms in Illinois is an added assist to any family in financial difficulty. The more money given is a helpful and generously received opportunity for a boost to life in the state.

Financial Aid for Single Moms In Illinois is a post from: Single Moms Guide

Option One

As a single mom, you could get a baby sitter for a few hours a couple days a week. This baby sitter can take care of the children so that you can get your work done for your work at home job. Just because you work at home, it does not mean that you can get work done with your children in the house. It will happen that when you sit down to do work that your children will need you for something. This is a much better option then daycare. A baby sitter will be less expensive for a couple of hours a day then sending your children to a daycare center. Have your baby sitter take your children out to the playground for a few hours of work at home time.

Option Two

Many single moms that work at home, choose to work once their children have gone to bed for the night. There are many work at home jobs that allow you the freedom to work any time that you would like. One such work at home job is freelance writing. Dedicate a few hours after your children go to bed to your work at home job. If your children are young, you can also squeeze in some work when they lay down for their nap. As a single mom, this is the option that I use to get my work done.

Option Three

As your children grow, they will soon start attending school. Whether it be nursery school or elementary school, this is time that a single mom can get work done for her work at home job. There are going to be single moms who can not use this option because of the age of their children. These single moms can do their work at home job part time until the time when their children start going to school.

How to Work at Home as a Single Mom is a post from: Single Moms Guide

First, living independently can build loads of confidence in a woman. Being able to support her own family and run her own household is a really great experience. Not only does she get to make her own rules and do things her own way, but she also gets to raise her kids the way she wants to without any disagreements from a spouse.

There are many things that a woman has to consider when being a single mom by choice. She has to realize the importance of keeping a budget. When there is only one income coming into a household, keeping and sticking to a budget is vital. The single mom needs to be sure that she can keep a roof over her child’s head. She needs to be able to feed and provide for her children, so her freedom of spending money is very limited.

Being a single mom allows her to have extra bonding time with her kids. Although, a two parent home is ideal, single moms can focus all of their attention on their children without having to share their time. Also, there is less arguing in the household for children to witness like a home with two parents. There is no chance of undermining when it comes to discipline and expecting respect from her children, because she is the only parent and therefore what she says, goes.

A single mom by choice can get lonely at times and sometimes she needs more than just the love of her children. Hiring a babysitter and going out on dates can help with this as well as connecting with other single moms for support and friendship. A mom can easily find other moms on the internet by joining parenting groups, or single mom groups. They are out there. It can be a wonderful experience being a single mom, however, there needs to be other things added to her life as well that children just can’t provide. This is where setting equal time between her children and herself is important. It can get very tiring when a mom does it all by herself, therefore taking some time out for herself is exactly what she needs to boost herself back up again to be the proud single parent that she is.

The Advantages of Being a Single Mom by Choice is a post from: Single Moms Guide

Being a single Mom was challenging on several levels. I did not date much because generally twenty-something guys did not want an instant family. I hired my dependable high school students to baby sit so they could earn extra money and I could continue with my college education in the evenings. When my daughter got the Chicken Pox, I had to rely on my best friend’s Mom to keep my daughter for 10 days while I was teaching since her day care would not allow her to attend while she was contagious. When Christmas came and Santa left that new bicycle or the play kitchen furniture, I had to call on certain grown elves to come over late at night and help Santa with the nuts and bolts.

When you are a single Mom, your children learn responsibility at an early age. I remember waking up one morning after a late night in college classes, and my now five-year old daughter was frying herself some eggs for breakfast because she was hungry and I was sleeping. I totally freaked out because I thought she would hurt herself, but actually she did fine at frying eggs. My daughter liked to help with household chores like helping to load and put away dishes in the dishwasher, washing and folding clothes, and turning the BBQ chicken on the outdoor grill.

Single Mom’s and Dad’s learn to hang together for social activities and child outings. Some of the best times of our lives were spent with other single Mom’s who would host Halloween parties, birthday parties, Easter egg hunts, Christmas parties, skating parties, sleepovers, dinner parties at Chuck E. Cheese, and vacations to the beach. When you are a single parent, finances are limited and you have to make the best life you can for your children in the most creative and entertaining ways possible. Sharing this challenge with other single parents can prove to be very resourceful.

Single Mom’s are also more resourceful in finding financial assistance programs. When I became a single Mom attending college, the county we lived in had a social services program that paid all my child care expenses as long as I was attending college. There are state programs now, like CHIPS that help with health insurance and medical expenses. What I realized as a single Mom is that you CAN make it if you do some research and make some phone calls to get help.

One very memorable story of hope for all single Moms is that of my best friend that I taught with in high school. She was a single Mom with four children and we did a lot of things together, like go to school football games and fly kites in the neighborhood park. She ended up meeting her husband at the Big Brothers Big Sisters program where they both volunteered. She has been married to him for 30 years now. He adopted all four of her children, and together they adopted three more children.

As for me, I married a wonderful man when my daughter was around 10 years old. We did not have any more children, but he was a wonderful stepfather to my daughter. My daughter is now 32 years old, has been married for 10 years to a wonderful man, and is a CPA with a Master’s in Accounting. She was accepted into the United States Air Force Academy when she was 20, which was one of the proudest moments of my life as a Mom. The proudest moment as a single Mom was when my daughter told me I was the best Mom in the world.

The moral of the story is when you think life as a single Mom is more than you can bare, you can always find a way to make life happy. Things will turn out great with some hard work and love. The reward of having your children in your life is greater than any hardship you will have to endure. Best wishes from this single Mom to you.

Life as a Single Mom Has Great Challenges is a post from: Single Moms Guide

The first time around, I became a single mom “the wrong way” with no husband, a low-paying job and no stability. I did, however, manage to finish college and get my bachelor’s degree during my seventh month of pregnancy. I had no choice but to return to work right after the six-week maternity leave (unpaid) and put my tiny baby in daycare for nearly 11 hours a day. Throughout her younger years, I often worked two jobs just to be able to afford a few minor extras. Thirteen years later, the second time around, I had done things “the right way,” this time married, with a house, a solid income and good benefits. I had even managed to save money and was able to take an extended leave and stay home with “baby #2″ for a whole year.

But a few years and a failed marriage later, I found myself a single mom all over again. This time around was more devastating than the first—or so I thought. (My reasons for that thinking belong to another story at another time). Doing things the “right way” in my case, had no better outcome than the other way. Both girls are equally smart, lovable, charming and well-adjusted.

My first-born, now 19, is a bright, confident and outgoing college student who has had very little contact with her dad. On one hand, it was miserable raising her alone. On the other hand, his absence was the one thing that kept the two of us close. The “little one”, who’s five, just started kindergarten, and, unlike her sister, she’s the apple of her dad’s eye. She too is bright, confident and outgoing.

I’ve had it both ways, and as a married, “leisurely” stay-at-home mom (this is what people tend to think), I got NOTHING done around the house… NOTHING. I barely had the energy to take a shower or prepare a decent meal. Somehow, as a working single mother, during the course of a week I am able to work full-time, come home to prepare half-way decent meals (thank God for slow-cookers and quick meals), check homework, read a story, have a chat with my teenager (we even exchange text messages), plan a visit to see her perform with her dance troupe, bake (actually buy) cookies for my little one’s kindergarten class, do dishes, make bath time fun, do laundry, grocery shopping, pay bills, clean house, walk my teenager through a quick college-style cooking session… the list goes on and on and the responsibilities are endless.

With all the responsibilities that I carry, single-motherhood for me means very little “me time.” Although my older daughter is away at college, during her visits home, I hear variations of “mommy, ma, mom, and mother” about a hundred times a day—literally over a hundred. I actually tallied them one day. And on an especially hectic day, one too many times can nearly push me over the edge. Thankfully, I take from the Bible “the faith of a mustard seed,” combined with the patience of a grape seed, the endurance of an apple seed and the multi-tasking skills of an avocado seed, and I respond with the love that takes over when I look in their sweet faces or reflect on tender moments. As I write this very sentence, my little one is calling me, “Moooooommmmmyyyyyyy!” with an incredible, almost believable sense of urgency, but all I can do is say “yes sweetie, just a minute” while I continue typing. Other times it’s the indignant “Mooommm-eee” call. Since she’s in kindergarten and can count to at least a hundred, I can tell her “count to 50 and then I’ll be there.” As a mom, and especially as a single mom, for the sake of sanity, I have learned to distinguish between a truly urgent moment and just another demand for my attention.

Just a few years ago, I was a “teen and toddler mom” dealing with teenage and two-year-old tantrums at the same time. Now that both girls have grown out of those stages and new stages in their lives have begun, I too have grown. Although being a single mom is a demanding job, I take it in stride and count my blessings, and I wouldn’t trade my children for anything.

I’ve learned a lot about children, but one of the biggest things I’ve learned is how to claim a few moments just for myself without feeling guilty about it. Whether it’s sneaking a piece of chocolate late at night (bad girl, I know), or ignoring maybe 10 out of the hundred or so “mommy calls” that I hear each day, or waking up at the crack of dawn to begin my day quietly, or just spending a few extra minutes in the shower, I have found a way to balance it all. Lots of prayer and good vitamins help tremendously!

The circumstances around each of their arrivals were quite different, and they are both so precious. But single-motherhood is not just about my children. Although most of what I do revolves around my children’s needs, and I often feel like a walking, talking “to-do” list, I know that I am not just a single mom. I’m a thriving individual with goals and dreams and a life that I intend to live, and I believe that my girls are better because of it.

I’m a Single Mom Again is a post from: Single Moms Guide

That is, until you find yourself, single again and on your own. Not alone, as if with no one around you. As you look down, there are those little doe eyes, staring up at you as if you are the only person in the world. And it those two set of children eyes that keep you going. Single moms know more than anyone that their children can make the difference in ways that words just can’t express.

Getting through the first holidays is by some of the biggest hurdle any single mom goes through. Yes, finances are the biggest hurdle for a single mom, but sometimes the mental ones are just as tough. There is nothing harder than trying to get through a holiday, alone again. This is the time to stick close to your family. Even if it is uncomfortable at first, yes, you are single again, but it is far better to be with family that loves you than staying at home alone.

Traditions being a Single Mom

Making new traditions is by far one of the most important things a single mom can create. Not only for her children, but for herself; and I speak from experience. Start each holiday new; creating new traditions for you and your children. Not only will they appreciate this later on in life, but so will you. Life isn’t over, only it is just beginning. And with that comes new beginnings. And holidays are a perfect time to start creating new memories with yourself and your children.

Being a single mom to me is the untold story of a mom who gives her all to make sure her little ones have a life. Maybe it is because I was once a single mom, or maybe it is because I’ve watched single mom struggle to make ends meet for their families. It is that same story that is being written across America today with the thousands of single moms struggling to make it in a downward economy.

Being a Single Mom During the Holidays is a post from: Single Moms Guide

If you’re a single mom who has lost her job, have hope. There are things you can do to minimize the impact of your unemployment.

Tip #1 – Don’t Panic!
Well, don’t panic where everyone can see you. Kids can sense when there’s turbulence in Mommyland and it makes them nervous. If you’re feeling a meltdown coming on, step away for a moment, if you’re able. If your children are older and start asking questions, be honest, but positive, “Mom isn’t working at her old job anymore. I’m taking a break to find something better for us”.

Tip #2 – Beat a Dead Horse
I know. You’ve always been told to stop beating a dead horse, but sometimes, this practice is actually pays off. Don’t be too proud to beg. Call your union rep, your HR team, and your manager’s manager. Provided the whole company hasn’t shut down, it wouldn’t hurt to at least ask about other opportunities within your company.

Tip #3 – See the Positive
If you’re a victim of the bad economy, the most uncomfortable question in an interview doesn’t seem so bad. “Why did you leave your most recent employer?” You’re in the same boat as a lot of other people. Another way to use positive thinking to your benefit would be to focus on your strengths when asked about your weaknesses. For example, “What would you say is your biggest challenge is?” would require a reply like “I’m a perfectionist and sometimes that slows me down”. This points out a weakness (being slow) but counters it with a very strong positive (being a perfectionist).

Tip #4 – Be Prepared to Modify Your Plan
I got this suggestion in a fortune cookie once and I use it as one of my life rules for everything else. It means that if everything else fails, maybe it’s time to toss the plan and make a new plan. Change your trade by going to school to do what you love. Go back to an old interest that you gave up when you had kids. Become an entrepreneur. If you were planning on staying in a certain geographical location, it’s a hard choice, but you could consider moving your home or your job to a different city.

Tip #5 – It’s Okay to Say No
It’s okay to turn down anything that just doesn’t make sense for you to bother with. If it’s going to look ridiculous on your resume, don’t just take any old job. This only works as long as you’re not sitting on your butt. While you’re looking for a new job, make use of your free time. Don’t mosey around and watch t.v. Volunteer. You’ll be networking and creating references, skills and positive mental attitude.

#6 – Be Patient
It’s understandable that this tip is easier said than done. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t have a job the day after the big lay off. Finding the right opportunity, marketing yourself and interviewing for the dream spot all take time. If you lose your patience, you could wind up looking frazzled and desperate.

#7 – Cut Back
Since you’re a single mom, you’re used to cutting back here and there. Now is the time to cut back everything but the necessities. Reduce the size of your cable package and maybe change the plan on your cell phone and use less minutes. Call your utility companies and find out if your new smaller income qualifies for a reduced rate on your electricity, gas and water bills. If you have credit card debt and pay more than the minimum payments, now is the time to pay only the minimum.

#8 – Grow Forward
During The Great Depression, women grew gardens and canned food, sewed clothes for themselves and their children and when those wore out they remade the material into something else. You don’t have to build Rome in a day, but you should start doing for yourself where you can instead of buying store bought. If something breaks, fix it instead of buying a new one. If you have a ripped seam, sew it. There are lots of great websites with “how to” guides if you don’t know how to do something.

#9 – Put your ducks in a row
Get all of your legal issues in order. If you’re owed child support and haven’t collected in a while now is the time to get pushy. If people have borrowed money from you, a few phone calls can yield you some payments.

#10 – Pool your resources, ANY resources
Finally, now is not the time to be picky about who you accept assistance from. This kind of help comes in a variety of forms. From something as simple as your sister offering to fill your gas tank to something as life changing as moving back in with your parents.

Ten Tips for the Suddenly Unemployed Single Mom is a post from: Single Moms Guide