It's easy for moms to get caught up in daily chores and never get around to talking about important issues with their daughters. Even if you do find the time, sitting down for ‘a talk’ probably isn't high on your daughter's list either. You both may find it awkward to bring up topics like dealing with kids who are mean at school, being a good friend and handling conflict between the two of you.
The holiday season is once again upon us with its parties, twinkling lights and, of course, gifts. Ah, yes... the gifts! For parents, it is always a challenge to keep the gift-giving in check, and to remind children to appreciate all that they receive. It can be frustrating - especially if you find that the amount of money or effort spent on your child's gifts does not seem to equal the amount of appreciation expressed toward the givers or the gifts.
Last summer, my husband and I combined our preschoolers’ two bedrooms into a joint bedroom to make the unused room a fun-filled play centre. Although our children adored sharing a room (and I adored designing my dream playroom), my husband and I felt something missing after only a day. We quickly realized the source of our discontent: less one-on-one time with our children.
While TV commercials and retail ads proclaim the holidays as a time for peace and joy (and lots of gifts), many feel that it is the season for family obligations and unpleasant visits with contentious relatives. That feeling of discomfort is compounded for single dads, who many times face awkward gatherings with former in-laws or touchy ex-wives who request or require ‘family time’ with their children. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The holidays don’t have to be loaded with rough patches for single dads, and with a few key tips, you can show your children a happy holiday season.
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