Mosaic Parenting

Single parents do not have luxury of the other parent there with them to share the parenting load. It is by definition this way. So, in order to provide what is missing, the single parent has to get creative and do some mosaic parenting.

Mosaic parenting is giving your child access to bits and pieces of people who offer parent-like qualities. Teachers, coaches, youth ministers etc all help. Uncles, aunts, older cousins, grandparents are in the mix as well.

It is important to provide positive adult connections to children that go beyond yourself. It is not that you are inadequate, but rather that the diversity of positive adult relationships provides a net of strength that no one person is capable of giving.

Go ahead, do some mosaic parenting.

How do you know?

How do parents know what their children are doing?

There is a lot of research out there that says that parent monitoring predicts parent knowledge of their kid's behavior. It makes sense, right? Watch them and keep tabs and then you will know.

But there is a problem. Recent and more sophisticated research says that the number one way parents know what their kids (teens in the study I am thinking about) are doing is that their kids tell them what they are doing.

So, the question is, what kind of relationship would predict a child desiring to disclose information to his or her parents?

Any thoughts?

The finalists

The ideas you all have shared are terrific. Let's do this: everyone vote for three and we'll see which ones move to the top. This is just for fun since different advice works better or worse for different people. But I do want to see which ideas work for the most people.

Go head and make three choices on the comments section.

A. Putting others needs ahead of your own
B. Set a good example
C. Consistent routines
D. Boundaries
E. Make time for yourself
F. Guard your kids
G. Family traditions
H. Routines
I. Lower your expectations
J. Know your limitations and accept your limitations

Successful Single Mother

What makes a single mom successful?

Financially making ends meet? Being a good role model for her children? Spending time with her children? Keeping up with the laundry? Making sure her children are getting the best education? Nutritious means? Meaningful connections with technology?

How do you measure success for a single mother?