We all wait. We wait for the phone to ring, We wait for an email reply. We wait for the test results. We wait for seasons to change. We wait for babies to be born. And we wait for the perfect mate. These three keys to waiting well can build a promising future. The first key — Acceptance. It takes …

If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in. — Rachel Carson Bonding With Children Bonding begins when the physical connection, the umbilical cord, is cut. Emotional attachments are more than …

Single moms on Valentine’s Day can feel more alone than any other day of the year. I know. I well remember that feeling. You may feel like something or someone is missing. You may not know what to do with yourself. Here are two thoughts on the subject from a Tough Old Bird with a Soft Spot for Single Moms. Valentine’s …

As we begin a new year, what better time to plan for the future and set goals? But as single parents, we can find that difficult to do.  Most of the time survival is at the forefront of our minds. I often see three areas that trouble single mothers: the need for more education, the need for clarity of purpose …

The approaching Christmas holiday can cause stress for single parents. I remember standing in the checkout line at Toys”R”Us a few days before the first Christmas after the divorce. I had to wait until I received my December paycheck before I could buy my three kids’ presents. Most single parents struggle to provide Christmas for their children. These four simple …

It has to be one of the most difficult things ever to watch your child cope with life’s heartaches. Even when we know that learning and spiritual growth come about during life’s trials, it isn’t easy to watch. It is natural for parents to want to protect their child. Though we all desire for life to be absolutely fair, it …

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23 NIV). Single parents often carry more than their portion of guilt. Guilt over the failed marriage. Guilt over not ever marrying the other parent. Guilt over not being financially able to provide fun things for the children. That guilt …

Vulnerability When we were children, we used to think that when we were grown-up we would no longer be vulnerable. But to grow up is to accept vulnerability… To be alive is to be vulnerable.    –Madeleine L’Engle As a single mom, I wanted to appear that I had it all under control, which was seldom the truth. But the …

When I was raising three kids as a single mother, I was often too exhausted to think straight. I needed direction or a director. Now I’m a tough old bird with a soft spot for single moms, and I learned a few things along the way. Single parents must make an effort to bond with their children. This is important …

I recently met with a mother of young children whose husband has left. He has a girlfriend and has filed for divorce. Her heart and life are ripped to shreds. She is looking directly into a deep and rugged path through a long valley. If you are in such a place, realize that you are facing a rough path, and …