Product Description
Being a parent is challenging enough. Being a single parent can seem downright impossible—until now. Drawing on material from his successful Single Parenting That Works curriculum guide and video series, America's favorite parenting expert, Dr. Kevin Leman, brings help and hope to the legions of single parents struggling to raise happy, healthy, well-adjusted children in a loving, caring and biblically grounded way. Using his trademark quirky, no-nonsense approach, Dr. Leman shows parents how to build healthy, mature relationships with their former spouses, how to develop their children's self-esteem, and how to discipline and relate to their kids in accordance with their unique God-given personalities.

Features:

• Building stability for your children by getting your own life in order.
• How forgiveness opens the door to healthy relationships
• Learning to deal with your "ex" with an olive branch rather than a hammer
• Dating and remarriage
• Helping your child thrive in a single parent home

Customer Reviews (7)

Helpful, As Far As It Goes
This is a well-written book from the "birth-order guy", Kevin Leman. I've read several of his other books and I enjoy his writing style. You'll enjoy reading this book.

Having said that, I think there are better single-parenting resources available elsewhere. Look around here on Amazon for other titles and compare the reviews. My personal favorite is "Raising Great Kids On Your Own" which was just recommended by Focus on the Family. It's available here on Amazon also.

Kevin Leman is a smart, accomplished counselor and author: this book is worth the price. Meanwhile look around and compare other titles. If you're a busy single mom on a budget, spend wisely!

Lauren Hodge
Apple Valley, CA
I also highly recommend:
Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent

Hope for single parents
Dr. Leman is very down-to-earth with his advice on how single parents can create a great environment for children even without both parents.Although both parents are ideal, it's not ideal for all situations, and this book gives hope for those who were without it.

dumped and rejected? guilt-laden? take heart!
as a single-mom-to-be, this book has been invaluable in telling me mostly what i already know and a lot of what i need to hear anyway. ladies (and gentlemen), give it a read. it will make you laugh, cry and feel grateful--that even though he (or she) was not ready for children, didn't "want" this particular child, or just didn't feel "into" parenting right now--you CAN find faith in yourself--that YOU did the right thing or are doing the right thing. and, in the end, "adversity will make you bitter or better" (p. 21). i have to believe that adversity will make both me and my son better people. this book has really helped me see that i always had everything right in front of me anyway--and now i have jack, too--and even better--he has me.

LOVE this!
Bob, your review makes me frustrated because it's obvious to me that even though you might have walked away with "tidbits" you missed the MAJOR underlying message that is so essential that Dr. Leman is trying to get us to understand. The message is that the OPPOSITE parent has such a role in shaping their children that a bond can be created that the little girl WILL feel comfortable asking him about a bra--that's the WHOLE point. You seem to forget that the single parent is the ONLY parent that child has, so of course, by using the principles in this book that child will feel comfortable in asking absolutely everything. As a sidebar, as a university professor who uses Dr. Leman's materials in three of the classes that I teach for my graduate students. I use his materials because they are well documented and his bibliography is extensive.

Pick out the good and throw away the rest.
This book had several good tidbits of information to help any single parent.I'm happy to have read it, however there are many opinions of Kevin Leman's that are not backed by facts.I would advise anyone who reads this book to pay attention to the practical advice, but ignore the opinions - some of which lead me to question the sanity of the writer - such as "boys should live with moms and girls are better off with dads."I don't think he'd be saying that if he had a little girl ask him to go bra shopping or bring up the topic of menstruation. ... Read more

Product Description
Long Summary Coming Soon ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The Bes book I've read this far...
Recently been through a divorce myself and dealing with the stress of being a single mom, I was looking for ways to help my children get through this painful ordeal.I'd been doing a little reserch and found thi book and decided to order it.I'm NOT A READER... but I have not been able to put this book down because I can definately relate to almost everything in it! Would highly recommend it!

Lots of Practical Help Here
There is a lot of practical, workable help in this book. I enjoyed it even though I had never even heard of this particular author. At times, also, I wanted to edit the book; it needs to be clearer and more direct at times.

A lot of the material in this book is really about divorce recovery instead of single parenting. So if you're a single parent who is not divorced, or who has already processed your divorce issues, or you're just looking for the parenting help, there may be better titles out there. Michelle Howe, herself a single parent, has a very good book selling here on Amazon. Kevin Leman has a book here also.

I enjoyed this book and I recommend it. Just be aware that a lot of it is not about parenting, it's about divorce issues and divorce recovery. If you need help with those issues, consider this book a "bonus" title.

Lauren Hodge,
Apple Valley, CA
I also highly recommend:
Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent

Extraordinary Christian-based, practical advice
Author, Gary Richmond, is a pastor and leads a divorce support group based in CA that has been in existence for more than 10 years.His sound advice is practical, heart-felt, and INVALUABLE!One could say that the book's 16chapters fall into three major areas of support:(1). the parent &family in crisis...what's happening to us and how to survive, (2). 6chapters focused solely on the children's responses (age specific), whatyou can do to give them the emotional support needed, and God's promise ofhelp, and (3). processing it all, healing, moving on.There's also a bonusthat I've NOT found in the numerous books about divorce I've read so far,and that's the section of FORGIVING...God's and yours!It's the firmfoundation of your future victory and your children's!Be gentle withyourself; get this book and another: "Helping Children SurviveDivorce" by Dr. Archibald D. Hart.You would not have read this farif you didn't truly want the best for your children despite the divorce. You will all be changed; it's your job to accept healing from God and tochannel that to your children.Excellent "Single ParentBookshelf" at the end listing books on various topics of concern to(single) parents where one can look for additional information.I HIGHLYRECOMMEND this book! ... Read more

Product Description
Tips on communicating, coparenting, and child care

Raise happy, healthy, well-adjusted kids

If you’re one of the millions of single parents, this encouraging, practical book is for you. You’ll find helpful solutions to balancing work and family life, developing strong relationships with your kids, managing your time (and money!), and dealing with such challenges as dating and remarriage – along with insightful, inspiring real-life single parent success stories.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Customer Reviews (1)

Helpful
Bought this book while I was pregnant...and it helped calm my jittery nerves about being a single-parent.I no longer feel like I am the only woman in the world who decided to raise my child single. ... Read more

Product Description
“To you the single parent, it is God’s goodness and mercy that has caused this book to come into your hands.He has heard your sighs of exhaustion, and seen your tears of frustration.He has lightened your burden by allowing a friend who understands to carry it with you.I have no doubt that you and your children will be blessed!”

Bishop Charles E. Blake
West Angeles Church of God in Christ

“THE MINISTRY OF SINGLE-PARENTING”

In this New Millennium the single parent family is the norm rather than the exception.We fail to recognize the threat of this perpetual cycle from one generation to another.

The Word of God assures us that “no weapon formed against us will prosper.”God’s Word can counteract this cycle of destruction and build wholeness into the lives of your children.

God has called you to a higher purpose than you’ve ever imagined.He has given you a ministry to shepherd His flock, and to break generational curses in future generations.You have been called to the Ministry of Single Parenting—a high calling!

Experience a Divine sense of purpose and fulfillment in your life.

Accept Your Call to the Ministry! ... Read more

Product Description
This indispensable resource educates single dads about the joys of fathering and gives them the knowledge, skills, and support they need to become actively involved fathers. 45 illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Simple book to point you in the right directions
This book should be given to any new single father.I bought it as an experienced single father looking for some moral support and a deep look at being a single father.This book is more like it's title.It's a survival guide.It won't tell you everything you need to know but at least get you thinking about things you need to worry about.While it didn't provide what I needed, I all ready knew much of what the book was telling, it would be excellent for a new single father due to divorce.

If your a single father due to the death of your spouse this book may not be as helpfull.There is a lot of material on dealing objectively with your ex on support and custody.It doesn't deal with specific laws but more general wisdom for less confrontation while protecting your child and your rights.I found the chapters on dating not much help.As a single father your dating like is as close to dead as it can get.

A book like this is bound to make some (mainly divorced female) people angry.It trys to be practical heads up to a new single father.Unfortunately in the world of divorce there is a take no prisoners mentality.This book doesn't look to stoke the fires of these wars, just protect a father's relationship to his children.

This book is worth the money spent
Wow! This book is worth the money spent and then some. The author defines `the single father' as any man who isn't living with his child's mother. Illustrated with cartoons, this is an indispensable resource for single dads about the joys of fathering. It helps to give dads the knowledge, skills, and support they need to become actively involved fathers.

The most practical guide I eveer seen
I'm adopting a 9 year old boy, and even I'm not in any of the categories this book describes, every page of it had become very useful.I live the same ups and downs, the same joy and the same frustration, so, I'm practicing every advice the author wrote, with extraordinary results.
For the first time since I took the decision of becoming a single father, I found an empathic word and a shoulder to cry in this book.

Difficult subject, helpful book
As a single father (never married to my child's mother), I've looked at asmany books as I could find to get assistance in being a good father underthe circumstances.I've only bought two - Live-Away Dads by WilliamKlatte, and this one.

Mr Brott's book is informative, interesting, easyto read and easy to understand.Contrary to so many books on this subject,I didn't get any sense of anti-anything or anti-anyone posturing.Instead,I got the sense that Mr Brott values children and believes that they needfathers in their lives.His book is designed to encourage fathers toaccept and embrace their relationships with their kids, despite limitationsor changes in their circumstances.The thrust of the book is that thefather-child relationship is important and necessary, and he suggests thatfathers pursue and protect those relationships.To that end, he offerssuggestions and advice about how to do so (from the big subjects, likemeeting someone new, to the small, like setting aside space in your placefor your kids, even if they don't live with you).I found it extremelyhelpful, if for no other reason than I felt less alone.

He seemed to meto be saying that preserving your relationship with your kids doesn't haveto be to the exclusion of anyone else, and doesn't have to be a destructiveprocess, which it all too frequently is.Would that more people agreed.

Some useful information, but a lot of anger at mothers
I took a look at this book to see if it might be something Icould recommend to my son's father, now that we're separated. Whilethere is some good parenting information, there are also some serious problems. Brott clearly isn't completely over his divorce yet. Little digs against mothers crop up even when he is discussing unrelated topics (for example, when he is discussing becoming a stepfather, he feels compelled to claim that mothers are more likely to abuse children than are stepfathers (he gives no reference to back up this bizarre claim). He condemns giving the mother sole or primary custody for various reasons, but supports *fathers* getting sole or primary custody--in his discussions of custody, he fails to focus on the children's best interests, but instead emphasizes the father's rights. Ditto his discussion of child support--he seems to think that mothers use child support payments to indulge themselves, without considering that adequate child support is what is the children's best interest. Furthermore, his proposed visitation schedules for breastfeeding infants are ludicrous--for example, for a one month old, breastfed, he suggests at least 3 hours a day, plus 8 to 12 hours on the weekends--a schedule that is highly likely to prevent breastfeeding from being successfully established. He also claims that extended breastfeeding (past 1 year) is merely a ploy to interfere with the father's relationship with the child. He also suggests giving "tastes" of food to very young babies (newborn to 6 months), apparently unaware that early introduction of solids can increase the risk of allergies developing. One good thing about this book is that he has included lots of information for gay fathers throughout, but I suspect that there are other books for gay fathers which do not have the problems of this book. I decided not to recommend this book to my son's fathers. Instead, I gave him a copy of _Helping_Your_Kids_Cope_With_Divorce_the_Sandcastles_Way_, which includes a wealth of balanced, compassionate, realistic advice for divorced parents of both genders. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Dr. Evans has done it again!
I encourage any and every single parent to read this book by Dr. Tony Evans.
Raising a child in today's world can be extremely challenging and often discouraging. Dr. Evans uses many biblical lessons to strengthen the single parent and to motivate them to stay committed to the task before them.

Hope for Single Parents
"Tony Evans gives Hope to single parents.This is a wonderful book.I shared it with my family members. Gave it to a single parent. I use it as a resource to help others." ... Read more

Product Description
A Positive, Proven Approach to Single Parenting!
As a single parent in our complex world, you face the challenge of doing alone a job that was meant for two people. In addition, self-doubt and guilt may dampen the joy you experience raising your child. What do you do?
Over the years, millions of parents just like you have come to trust Jane Nelsen's classic POSITIVE DISCIPLINE series for its consistant, commonsense approach to child rearing. In this completely revised and updated edition of Positive Discipline for Single Parents you'll learn how to succeed as a single parent in the most important job of your life: raising a child who is responsible, respectful, and resourceful.
Inside this reassuring book, you'll discover how to:
·Identify potential problems and develop skills to prevent them
·Budget time each week for family activities
·Create a respectful coparenting relationship with your former spouse
·Use nonpunitive methods to help your children make wise decisions about their behavior
·And much, much more!
"Provides very important information for single parents, especially in today's violent society. Used as a resource, it can help parents deal with discipline issues in a positive way and in turn help their children become responsible citizens."—Judye Foy, international vice president, Community Relations, Parents Without Partners
"Another great resource for both single parents and therapists . . . practical and enjoyable to read. A must for your parenting library."—Stephen Sprinkel, marriage and family therapistAmazon.com Review
Single parenting can be overwhelming and highly stressful, andsingle parents have relatively few written guides at their disposal tohelp them through the challenges. Positive Discipline for SingleParents is one of the best. Like all of Jane Nelsen's books (Positive Discipline: TheFirst Three Years, Positive DisciplineA-Z, and others), Positive Discipline for SingleParents is as much about general positive parenting skills as itis about the smaller subset of discipline. Nelson and her assortedcoauthors write books that focus on raising children with nonpunitivediscipline, through clear communication techniques and child-positiveapproaches to problem solving. Nelson's parenting recommendationsincorporate understanding misbehavior; encouragement, praise, trust,and respect for children; the use of firm, wise limits; and allowingand providing for natural and logical consequences for misbehavior. InPositive Discipline for Single Parents, Nelson and hercollaborators deal with these issues and more, including ways to facethe challenges presented by the children's other parent, and how tohelp your child accept your dating and sex life. They providesolutions, solace, and respite for parents trying to raise kids ontheir own without losing their minds. --Ericka Lutz ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Easy advice for parenting
Practical information for parenting that will help get confidence and correct those problems with disicpline we all have.

A little disappointed.
I'm not disappointed in the seller, but in the book. There are a lot of positive discipline books out there, and I got this one because I am a single parent who adopted my little girl, but so far the book is talking about being a single parent and not how to do the positive discipline technique. It is like they assume you already bought their first book. So unless you have questions about single parenting, don't get this book.

great reference book
I keep this book handy because I've gone to it many times when I had no idea what to do. It helped when I first became a single parent, and it's helped many times since then, plus I understand parts more and more as the kids grow.

Get Respect Without Getting Loud And Crazy
Like many of us, I didn't exactly plan to become a single mom. When my husband left me I suddenly realized that if my kids were going to turn out well, it was all up to me (and thankfully, God).

"Positive Discipline" takes some basic and effective ideas about raising children and applies them to the world of a post-divorce single parent: just like me.

Here are proven and powerful tips about how to change your children's behavior (like Leman's 'New Kid' book) without getting red in the face.
I wish I'd known these tips when life caught me by surprise.

Helpful hints for all single moms, especially divorced ones.

Barbara Sheldon, M.S.W.
I also highly recommend:
Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent

Great Help for a Struggling Single Mom
I purchased the book to assist my daughter in raising my grandson and to better acclimate us all to our precious new family member.I found the book very enlightening and straight to the point of the tools needed for a single parent and to hopefully adjust to yet a even more fruitful life.It equipped our family with essential info to help raise a strong child but also it helped us in strengthening our daughter and our resolve to make it as workable as possible, especially with the statistics stating otherwise.I know my grandson and our family will be the greatest recipients. ... Read more

Product Description
Being a single mother isn't easy-but with The Complete Single Mother, Third Edition, it just got easier. Long the most popular source of encouragement and advice for single moms, this engaging, enlightening guide explores such important issues as:

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

A much needed resource for single moms
Most books written to help single moms explain what single moms should do to make their lives easier. While those books are needed, Carol's book is different. The Single Mom's Devotional heightens a single mom's awareness of what God has done to help her. The result? Single moms who read this book will be refreshed, encouraged and find hope as they realize the practical implications of God's activity on their behalf.

Disappointing
As a newly single mom, I was excited to receive this book and thought it would be the uplifting book I needed to help me through the difficult time. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. I found the devotionals to be very general and not necessarily specific to single moms. The anecdotes that were contained about being a single mom lacked any emotional connection with the reader. The connections between the anecdotes and the biblical principles and verses seemed forced and lacked meaningful connections.


Although not a devotional book, I found the book Single Moms Raising Sons: Preparing Boys to Be Men When There's No Man Around by Dana S. Chisholm to be a better resource for single mom's. Written from a Christian perspective, this book contains much more authentic connections to Christian principles and verses than this devotional. I would recommend Chisholm's book instead of this devotional.

Great devo!!
I love this book!Very well written, easy to read, and filled with hope and perspective.The devotionals transcend single mothering and relate to all aspects of life.Powerful way to start the day.I strongly recommend getting this book!

WONDERFUL RESOURCE!!
The author is a friend of mine, but even if I didn't know her, I'd still say this little book is WONDERFUL.I find it helpful even though I've never been a single Mom... its truths are applicable to every believer.Carol's thoughts are clear and her theology is right on.I'm not done with it yet but I liked it so much I bought another copy for a friend.

Awesome and Beautiful
This is a beautifully written devotional that will provide encouragement and hope even in seemingly hopeless circumstances.It is filled with insightful truths that we all need to be reminded of no matter what our circumstances.Carol is so eloquent in her presentation and in sharing elements of her own personal experience.The format is also unique in that it offers not only the "short story" at the beginning of each chapter but includes relevant Biblical references, along with questions and themes upon which to ponder and reflect. ... Read more

Product Description
As a single mother to a growing son, you take on many roles: coach, chef, cheerleader, buddy, housekeeper, teacher, disciplinarian, and nurturer.

The Single Mother's Guide to Raising Remarkable Boys helps you juggle all these roles with aplomb. You'll also learn how to help your son:

• Succeed at school
• Excel on the sports field
• Find an appropriate male role model
• Socialize and combat peer pressure
• Deal with sex, drugs, and video games

Customer Reviews (3)

Good read but a little outdated
I bought this book and read it quickly as it was an easy read. It seems a little out dated as it is from the 90's era. There were some good suggestions however, and some things that I will definitely be doing with my son. Good luck to those other single mothers out there.

a parenting book that gets it right
What a beautiful book! The Single Mother's Guide to Raising Remarkable Boys is one of the finest new parenting books that I have seen in a while.The balanced and accurate summary of parenting research is a breath of fresh air.The advice is sensible and well grounded in both research and the experiences of parents. The affirmation of single mothers and the wonderful children they raise is overdue.An engaging writing style also makes the book a good read.

The Single Mother's Guide to Raising Remarkable Boys resonated with me both professionally and personally.Professionally, I have three advanced degrees in behavioral sciences and most of my research has involved parenting and child development.On a personal note, my own mother raised three boys and two girlsas a single mother for many years.From both the professional and personal perspectives I must say that these authors got it right!

I can't think of any parent who wouldn't benefit from the view of parenthood presented here.

David Cournoyer, Ph.D.

Practical, Relevant & Very Helpful
This is an excellent book and the title tells you exactly where the author excels. Written for busy, stressed-out single mothers who are trying to understand (?) and raise boys --- this book is hugely helpful.

After a long time when there didn't seem to be any books for us single moms --- now there is hope. I highly recommend this book to any woman who is raising sons, especially pre-adolescents or adolescents.

I also recommend the book listed below, which is here on Amazon too.

Lauren Hodge
Apple Valley, California

I also highly recommend:
Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent ... Read more

Product Description

One–parent households frame the new landscape of Americanfamily life. But raising kids alone is hard work, and single parenting is astruggle for most. David and Lisa Frisbie provide a practical and proactive plan single moms or single dads can use to...

• nourish their own souls, maintaining a vibrant faith in God and a vital connection to family and friends
• nurture their children, empowering kids to successfully process the trauma of divorce
• manage their households as they assume roles and tasks that may lie well outside their comfort zone
• build a future they can enjoy, making choices about education, careers, finances, and relationships

The Frisbies’ constant travel andongoing counseling ministry provide a rich reservoir of effective strategiesand ideas. Moms and dads who parent alone will find confidence and hope fromthis manageable and optimistic approach.

Customer Reviews (9)

Great Advice and Insight in one book
This book is an excellent resource for single parents who assumed their new role through choice,death or divorce. There is however, a strong emphasis on divorced single parents and the authors offer people the most help in this area.
Before the issue of parenting is addressed the authors focus on an often overlooked aspect of the new single parent - the need to take care of their own physical health ,including fitness,diet and they even recommend a nap when needed.Permission to nap-what could be better?In this mode of self care they highlight the most significant single issue for divorced people,which is to resolve your feelings about your former spouse in order to prevent the cruel situation which some children must endure -hostile rants by one parent about the other parent they love.In other words,how mature you are as a parent will determine how well adjusted your children will be in the future.If there is only going to be one adult in the home it sure needs to be a grown up one!
Part Two of this invaluable book for single parents addresses helping your children adjust to the changes in their life and how to parent your child at any age.The basic theme of this book is that you need to express your deep love and committment to your children on a regular basis.Everything else builds on this..Another theme is that good parents listen,learn and don't preach. Any parent,single or not, can learn a lot from this section.
There were times in reading this book that I felt that the religious emphasis was misleading.For example,the notion that some people do God's will by not re-marrying and waiting for a former spouse (often long re-married) to return flys in the face of the reality that a marriage contractin every sense is between two people.The section on re-marriage was not strong.The interviews with the single parents who decided not to re-marry until their children were older made it sound like re-marriage is a lot like buying a car.You decide you want one and you go out there to see what is available.Many people who re-marry are not out hunting for a spouse like a car but they are raising their children,working and are open to a someone who makes them want to consider re-marriage.The woman interviewed who had re-married sounded as if she had settled for security and not a deep personal relationship.
All single parents, but especially the divorced,will gain a great deal of insight and practical information from this book.Keep it especially handy during the teenage years!
Jeanne L.Ward Author of YOU'RE IT! SUCCESSFUL SINGLE MOTHERING AFTER DIVORCE

Fantastic - A MUST READ For Every Single Parent
I'm so grateful I bought this book. I had read the authors' book "Moving Forward After Divorce" [also excellent] and I picked this one up because I liked the first one so well.

My beloved husband of 15 years abandoned me about 7 months ago for his "online romance" and moved several states away, leaving me alone to raise our 6 young children.To say it has been traumatic and horrible is an understatement.

That is why I SO NEEDED this book.

The authors spend a lot of time talking about how we frame our lives and how our attitude shapes our children. In one section, they are discussing two different mothers - both of whom have been treated really badly by their Exes and left to raise children alone.One of the mothers is sad and talks a lot about the "tragedy" of their lives [and it was very tragic].The other mother acknowledges the tragedy, but chooses to frame things positively ["We are a great family!""Good Things Are Going To Happen To Us!"]. As I was reading the section, I remember being *angry* reading it because they were saying that the first mother was wrong to say the things she did, to frame their lives so negatively, etc.I was thinking "But she's RIGHT!LOOK what her husband did to them!". But as I read what David and Lisa had to say, I gradually realized that they were right - for the sake of the children, a positive mindset was essential.

It was a real turning point for me, and it has been of great benefit to my children - who have come through this amazingly happy and positive, which is astounding under the circumstances.

This whole book is full of absolutely *amazing* advice - as a single parent, you will find every chapter helpful - you will find help you may not even have realized you needed.I truly enjoyed the way they wove the stories of other single parents through the book to illustrate what they were trying to teach - it was very interesting, comforting, and engaging.This book made me feel truly equipped to accomplish the difficult task I have ahead of me - a very welcome thing indeed!

I've read a lot of books on single parenting at this point, and none of them have been as wonderful and helpful as this volume. I highly recommend this book, and I deeply thank the authors for their work - they definitely helped my family!

LOVE LOVE LOVE
This book, I think, is a must read for any single parent, male or female. It offers very practical advice with plenty of realistic stories and ideas.I'm a single parent and this book brings me much relief in some areas and great advice in others. I've read it over and over.And sometimes if I know I'm struggling with a certain area I can just read the chapter pertaining to that to refresh my memory.Would tell any single parent to read this! LOVE IT!

Single Parents Have a Friend in this Wonderful Book
Single parents seeking to find the answers and guidance to raising great kids can begin with this caring and insightful book with Christian values.

The authors embrace raising great kids with love, patience, understanding, and endurance. To guide you to this end, there are three parts to this easy-to-read-and-understand book.

The three parts are:

Part One: Finding your Way to a New You-Learning to care for yourself.

Much like making sure your oxygen mask is on, in an aircraft emergency, before trying to assist your child with their mask, this chapter focuses on your own faith, health and welfare so you can be there for your kids.

Networking, how to network and with whom, is noted as a mainstay to build your support system. This along with taking care of yourself, according the authors, will put you on solid footing.

Part Two: Helping Your Kids Adjust to Trauma and Change-Learning to Nurture Your Children.

Through the stories of parents who are "making the best of their situation," you'll discover how to communicate with your children, and understand how your children process their grief.

Part Three: Facing The Future-Learning to Manage Your New Life.

Relevant topics surface in this segment. Questions and answers about employment options, continuing education, financial realities, dating and relationships, are all covered with poignant stories from men and women learning to live life alone or with a new mate.

As an useful guide, you'll discover more about yourself and how to stay or become the parent you want to be for your child or children starting right now.

Armchair Interviews says: The husband-and-wife team presents an important message.

Raising Kids
Enjoyed the book, and was given a pretty good description of the details inside. :) ... Read more

Product Description
How can a single mother provide her son with the strength and wisdom most boys receive from their fathers?How will her son learn to be a good man without a healthy male influence around?

In today's world, many women--single mothers, grandmothers, even military wives--are left with the responsibility of raising children on their own.Being a single parent comes with many challenges, but for women one of the most difficult is to raise sons to be strong men and good fathers without a healthy male role model in the home.

In Single Moms Raising Sons, Dana Serrano Chisholm speaks from her own experience as a single mother of two boys and inspires other single moms to partner with God--the Father of the fatherless.She teaches them to find strength and wisdom as they allow the Christ to be their partner in very real ways--helping them raise their children.

From financial concerns to passing on macho, Single Moms Raising Sons supplies honest insight, unifying encouragement, and practical applications to guide mothers as they raise their boys to be the solid, Christian men they want them to be. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

amazing so far!
Like another person wrote, I can't put it down. My home is NOT broken, as she states.I am already encouraged! We should start a community of Christian single moms!

It's a must for single moms
As soon as I begun reading this book I could not put it down.It is exactly what single moms need to get our boys started on the perfect Fatherhood and man's path.

Refreshing
The anecdotes shared in this book are refreshingly honest. The lessons she shares from her own life contain many insights into not only the mental and emotional needs of young boys, but also contain practical ways that she was able to address those needs. I plan on using many of her strategies in dealing with my own 3 1/2 year old son.

On another note, though this is written from a Christian perspective, I see how people from other religious traditions could still benefit from the basic principles and wisdom Dana shares throughout the book and make it applicable to their own lives, traditions, and beliefs.

This is not a reference book on being a single mom, but rather it's a light, uplifting read packed with insight and wisdom. I find myself picking it up time and again when I'm having a difficult day.

AMAZING!
This book is perfect for single moms with boys!It gives great, realistic, Christian advice on making your little boy into a great man of God.Its exactly what the Christian world needs to minister to single moms.

The BEST Book!
I love this book.I have tried to read books on raising your child on your own but found them dull, preachy, not applicable, etc.But this book is wonderful, light hearted, humorous, inspiring and insightful.There are many ideas that I am going to use and I also found a closer bond in my faith.I am reassured and a little less worried after finishing this book.It's nice to know I am not alone and I am not the only one who thinks and worries over little things! ... Read more

Product Description
This book, a result of a conference sponsored by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, explores developmental and clinical evidence of how divorce, and the transition to single parenting and stepparenting affects children. Many of the articles collected here look at the legal measures being used to make such transitions easier for families.
... Read more

Product Description
Sandra Aldrich knows what it takes to survive as a single mother today. With heartfelt and genuine words, she shares her experiences and answers such questions as: How will I handle the loneliness? Pay bills with one income? Guide my daughter or son through their growing years? Find the right kind of housing? Deal with dating again? Battle my relatives' expectations? Sandra's practical and spiritually uplifting message is simple: Single mom, you and your children do have bright tomorrows. And they can start today if you will lean on the Lord and ask Him for the strength you need. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Help From Someone Who Is Farther Along
I have days when I really get frustrated, when I'm losing it, when I wonder if I'll ever have what it takes to be a good mom! Plus, I have to be the dad around here, too! Sometimes it's all too much.

I enjoyed reading this book because the author is older and has been through a lot more life experiences than I have. She has survived her traumas and come through it with joy and wisdom. I admire that.

One thing to be aware of: This author is a widow, not divorced. Her experience with being a single parent followed the death of her husband, not being abandoned through divorce. Parenting is still parenting, but be aware that her experience is about widowhood.

This wise woman has a lot to share with all of us, and it's good.

Lauren Hodges,
Apple Valley, CA
I also learned a lot from:Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent

A warm, intimate book
From One Single Mother To Another is a warm, intimate book that begs to be read by every single mother out there. It's no coincidence that the cover features two tea cups since Sandra's style is very much that of two friends chatting over afternoon tea.

I appreciate Sandra's open style, her vulnerability, and her practicality. There is so much spiritual wisdom packed into this book. Whether you are a raising your children on your own due to death, divorce, or some other life choice, this book can help you sort through the issues from parenting to finances, and more.

From One Single Mother to Another (or simply Mom to Mom)
From One Single Mother to Another is written by Sandra P. Aldrich. In the short space of thirteen chapters she describes from the sudden death of her husband up to her children being grown the trials and joys of Christiansingle parenting. Her writing is down to earth and full of wit and wisomacquired only through experience. It is written one to one. It is writtenfor the single parent, not for an organization. It's intent is to encouragesingle parents that the task is possible. One thing she taught her childrenthat stood out to me, another single parent, is this: Single parentfamilies are still a family. They are just smaller by the loss of a parent.She also states her pet peeve, that single parent families are "brokenhomes". She knows from experience that with God's help and lots ofpersonal effort our homes are healed. As a single parent of many years Isay a hearty Thank You! to Ms. Aldrich for her frank, compassionate, andsometimes humerous advice for single parents. ... Read more

Product Description

Combining her own experiences as a single mom with theinsight of other moms, Cynthia Yates—author of Living Well on One Income—shares the practical and emotional way tolive life well when a woman is raising her children alone.

With empathy and biblical wisdom Cynthia addresses topicsthat are relevant topics including how to:

• cope with the fear, responsibility, and management of a family
• lean on the Lord and the church family for the sake of the kids
• manage the financial burden of being a single parent

With suggestions, guidance, and advice to assist motherswith kids of all ages, this resource will become the key to support andnetworking that all these women need.

Customer Reviews (4)

Very pleased
Thanks so much for such quick service.The book is great and arrived on time.

Need A Godly Grandmother? Learn From This One!

Cynthia Yates is that older woman and mentor you always wish you had: now she's not only available, she's writing directly to you as a single mom, giving you helpful hints about how to take care of yourself, how to make decisions and choices, how to move forward, and how to raise great kids.

As a grandmother of three, Yates writes to younger women without preaching, but does manage to convey her wisdom and experience. If you're a woman of faith who is struggling to balance all the demands and challenges of raising great kids in a one-parent household, you'll find help and hope here.

The subtitle gives you very good clues about the content here: you'll get advice about financial issues, discipline and child care, and also about how to move forward on your own journey as a person and parent. Good advice, from a friendly and effective writer.

Dr. David Frisbie
The Center for Marriage & Family Studies
Author of: Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent

"Living Well" Is Such An Attractive Idea
Most days I don't worry about "living well" --- I'm just hanging in there, taking things one day at a time, trying to stay calm and focused. Right after my divorce I didn't believe "living well" was even an option for me. Some days I still doubt it. But I am moving forward, step by step. This book did not tell me anything new, but it did remind me of some useful truth. I am grateful to the author for taking the time to remind me of these things.

Barbara Sheldon, M.S.W.
I also highly recommend: Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent

One of the top books on this topic
Mothers are an essential influence in their children's lives. "I want to make the strongest case I can for your child's need for you," Yates says. "Motherhood is not a trial run. I exhort you to try to be in place for your children - especially if they are young. Provide stability and security for them and nurture them. Never forget that you are the first and foremost teacher your children will ever have."

Living Well as a Single Mom contains candid advice on self-care, time management, finances, choosing safe childcare, discipline, peer pressure, and emergency preparedness. Additional resources are listed at the end of each chapter for quick reference.

Being a single mom is an exhausting job with more to do in a day than can humanly be done. The fact is, the buck stops with the single mom and she can use all the support she can get. People tend to distance themselves from single moms. Yates comes alongside and encourages women to do what must be done, one day at a time.

A speaker on the well-received Divorce Care video program, Yates is also the author of Ditch the Diet and the Budget, and Living Well in Retirement. An award-winning humor columnist, Yates is the proud grandmother of three "grammy" awards.

With straight talk, Living Well as a Single Mom gives nuts and bolts advice, and is one of the top books on this topic. It's a road map to hope in an impossible situation. Put this book in the hands of any single mom, even if she's been single for years. - PeggySue Wells, Christian Book Previews.com
... Read more

Product Description
Being a single parent is a tough job no matter who you are, but if you're a single dad, you likely feel you've entered a strange, new world. Whether your kids are 12 months old or 12 years old, the tips and advice in this comprehensive guide will make the little tricks of parenting feel like second nature to you. Authors Elaine Fantle Shimberg and her son, single father Michael Shimberg, show you how to:

Product Description
In this engaging journey of self-discovery, Patrice Karst, a single mother, shares her practical yet witty advice with single moms everywhere. She covers a wide range of topics that concern the modern woman struggling without a mate, showing how it's possible not only to survive but to triumph. The book features dozens of quick "survival checklists" on topics such as dealing with exhaustion and reasons to be happy about being a single mom. Karst's "Ten Commandments for Single Mothers" begins with "Thou shalt not be afraid to ask for help from anyone at any time (because the offers sure as hell won't come in by themselves)." The Single Mother's Survival Guide also includes wisdom and inspiration for the single mother, touching on goals and dreams, affirmations, and gratitude.Amazon.com Review
Single moms haven't had many books to turn to in times of distress. Mostparenting guides either moralize to her or ignore her altogether. PatriceKarst has righted that wrong with The Single Mother's SurvivalGuide. The book is obviously designed to console--and fast--the poormom who has once again dragged the baby into the bathroom with her becauseshe literally cannot get a moment alone. Flip open to any page and you'llfind earthy bits of inspiration, with a consistently (but not sickeningly)positive slant on childcare, dating, and other facts of single-mom life.Karst never loses her tenacious hold on the realities of parenting: on herlist of"Reasons to Be Happy About Being a Single Mom," the first one is"because it's happening." It's a treat to read a book so completely on theside of the mom. Karst rants against busybodies and smug marrieds: "Thenext person who says to you, 'Well, when you learn to be perfectly contentand happy with yourself and aren't looking for a relationship--then you'llfind one,' slap them for me, will ya?" So the advice isn't exactly revolutionary: love the kids, take a bath, ask for help. Still, this volumemakes a fine companion piece (just ignore the workbook at the back) to thebible of single-parenting, Anne Lamott's Operating Instructions: A Journalof My Son's First Year. --Claire Dederer ... Read more

Customer Reviews (73)

Very cute!Very liberating!
I ordered this book for myself as a single parent.It was cute in a small book size carry in your tote -pop it out- on the bus kind of day.Full of witty antedoctes of being a single parent - good advice - and reminders to take good care of yourself.I was kind of wanting something a little deeper but this is not the book for that kind of read.Good little book.

I have read better but this is a good one.
This was a great book, but i came across another one afterwards and it blew me away. Its called "The Little Book Of Inspiration For Single Moms". It is so touching because it helps you get through hard times and many single parents can relate to the same things discussed in the book. You can get one at [...] > You should get one now because i heard it is about to be advertised on Oprah. This will cause the price to go up.

Single Mothers Unite and get moving!!
If you have recently become a single mother and you are in the paralyzed and overwhelmed stage then THE SINGLE MOTHER'S SURVIVAL GUIDE is the right book for you. The authors upbeat and can do attitude will effect you like six cups of strong coffee and definitely jolt you out of the doldrums and inspire you to get busy and create a new life for you and your children.With passion,humor and a dose of sarcasm the author gives a short overview of the single mother experience.You will need other books for specific information on the topics mentioned, but this book is just what you need to get moving.
The other strong message of this book is that single mothers need to join together and serve as a support system for each other.Need a babysitter? Don't worry about affording one, work out a sharing arrangement with another single mother.Need to vent about the latest antics of your former husband and know you shouldn't talk to your children?Call a single mother friend and vent away. After reading this book you will be ready to form a plan of action with the knowledge that you are not alone or helpless.
Jeanne L. Ward author of YOU'RE IT! SUCCESSFUL SINGLE MOTHERING AFTER DIVORCE

wow!!!!!
When I ordered this book, I just had a feeling it would be a good read. When I started to read it I could not put it down!!:) I had been feeling overwhelmed and a little bit challenged myself from being the single mother of three kids ages 2 years, 10, and 11. Boy being oldest. I plan on rereading it all of the time. Anything to get me through those rough spots as a single mother being alone.

Just what I needed...
I found this book on a day I needed it most. It's a quick, easy read that made me smile, cry and most importantly, gave me hope. No, it's not going to solve all your problems (what book is?), but it does put the challenges of being a single mom in perspective, reminds you you are not alone and offers much needed encouragement. I would buy this for any single mom I know! ... Read more

Product Description
Putting the Pieces Back Together

Step One: I Do Love Myself
Step Two: I Know What I Want
Step Three: My Family Is Still Whole
Step Four: I Can Choose Who I Am

Four simple steps. A world of truth. At last, a source of compassion and support for divorced mothers facing the realities of raising children when their lives are at their most vulnerable and their self-images at their most fragile. Filled with more than a book on coping -- it is a source of understanding, encouragement, and strength that will help single women to nurture their children, resurrect their spirits, and create the life they want.

Customer Reviews (30)

Sent to me by my husband's lover-and it changed my life for good!
This book was actually sent to me anonymously by (I later learned) a woman who had been having an affair with my husband.It arrived at my office in May, 2008.She sent an anonymous note with it which instructed me that my husband had been cheating on me for years, that everyone knew it, and that I needed to start having self-respect and stop my denial. Wow! I had been married for 16 years at that time, had 3 younger children, and was still re-establishing myself in the workplace after taking a 7 year hiatus to raise my children.Well, I devoured the book, and it truly spoke to me.I knew my husband had an affair earlier in our marriage, but I had forgiven him and tried to move on.Yet, there was a voice inside of me
telling me he was still cheating; there were insidious signs of infidelity that could not be ascertained with accuracy; and deep down I knew he was still philandering.For two months my husband lied to me, telling me he did not know who sent the book, but finally the woman called me and told me the whole story of her affair with my husband.In truth, she outed him because he was seeing another woman while he was seeing her! Incredible.But I loved the book and it made a huge difference for me, because it gave me a roadmap for moving forward with my life.

The book remained by Bible for two years. I asked my husband to attend therapy for addictive behavior, which he did begrudgingly, but there was no real change. After gearing up at work, attending group therapy, and trying to get my financial affairs in order, I finally filed for divorce in Janaury 2010.I continually re-read portions of the book during this time, such as "who am I now?"The last time I went to re-read the book, I found my spouse had stolen it while he was in the house!

I will likely re-order another copy, as there are sections of this book worth reading again.To be fair, I think the author ultimately tapped into a lot of money, because her ex had been a former professional athlete in the San Francisco Bay Area (she never reveals what team he played for, which shows dignity and respect.) So, for those of us who might be still living paycheck to paycheck, this author certainly had more financial comfort than we do.Still, this book helped me, along with therapy, to get up the courage to file for divorce, move forward in my life, and realize that some marriages are simply NOT SALVAGEABLE, no matter what all the anti-divorce, divorce will ruin your children's lives, naysayers and anti-divorce experts out there throw at woman who are truly emotionally abused in their marriages.In my case, I was not looking for some elusive "other happiness;" I had to leave to keep my emotional and physical health intact. That is why the author left as well, and she sets forth stories of many woman who truly had no choice but to leave extremely unhealthy, damaging, toxic marriages.I am not pro-divorce by any means, and in many cases I really feel the couple should work it out, but, in those marriages that cannot be saved, this book is a great help to the mother left holding the baggage of the children's emotional well-being, the finances, as well as her own emotional fallout, and helps to provide the courage, hope and optimism to build a better life for both her children and herself.Highly recommended

Honest, but missed the mark of "becoming whole"
I recently became separated, and I recognize many of the painful emotions that were described in the book.I admire the author's honesty in revealing both the admirable and the not-so-admirable emotions/reactions that she and the other single mothers experienced.Overall, I felt the book left me with the sense that there is a community of other single mothers that I would benefit from connecting with.On the positive side, I felt my emotions were validated in many senses and there was comfort in that.

It also left me with the sense that in many (most) cases there is considerable bitterness/anger that carried forward regarding their exes in the years that follow divorce for most single moms, despite the title's claim of "becoming whole".

I expected more advise on regaining soul/sense of self; understanding and learning from my own contributions to the failed relationship; letting go of the bitterness/anger and moving forward to become "whole".Instead, my impression is that the author and many of the interviewed women were interested not only in understanding and dealing with their emotions and their children's reactions, but also in being viewed as in the right or not at fault - there are numerous examples of husbands who seemed to absolutely have nothing whatsoever positive to offer! I am grateful for the time I had with my (to be ex) husband - I had many positive experiences in life, have two beautiful children, learned to parent with him, etc.I hope to come to peace and "become whole" accepting this in addition to coming to terms with my own sense of failure and what I learned from the relationship.If the book's view is more realistic than my own view, my path would instead continue to be fraught with emotional pain, anger, and bitterness.

For EVERY woman considering divorce
I can not say enough about this book.I read it once and then went back with a highlighter and reread it.I strongly recommend reading this book before you make any decisions.It gives you the courage to make the necessary decisions and takes the guilt away.I read this book the end of last summer and figured out my timeline.I told my husband the day after Christmas that I didn't want to be married anymore and I was completely honest with him about everything.Luckily, in my case, the courage to do what I did "scared him straight".It took months and months to regain the trust and finally have the courage to say "I love you, too" without being afraid he was going to revert back to his old self, but he hasn't.In 13 years of marriage, this is the first time I can truly say I am "happily married" and I really do think reading this book had a lot to do with it.I have gotten it for friends to read as well.This book will not tell you what to do, but it will let you know you are not alone and that you should not feel guilty for being placed in this position.Amazing book and an easy read!

Lots of Narratives-Little Insight
This book is filled with narratives of many wealthy women who have managed to survive many yearsof emotional abuse by their husbands. While it was really interesting to read about how poorly one can be treated in the context of a seemingly "happy marriage," I found that this book offered little insight or inspiration about how to establish healthy boundaries, or how to identify unhealthy patterns of both emotional, verbal and even physical abuse.I also found that the network of women that the author usesin her book are women who come from very socially privileged backgrounds. Basically, most of them seem to have married wealthy men early in their lives and were almost always dumped for a younger, beautiful woman. The men they were married to seemed content to simply replace them, and pay them off with alimony and child support.The author didn't explore the lives of women who are much less privileged--those who couldn't afford nannies, expensive cars, vacation homes, trips to Europe etc--before or after the break up.But I'm glad that the author wrote this book. It still gives the reader a glimpse into how utterly horrific bad marriages are for all women. I just don't think it gives you the proper tools about how to avoid emotional pitfalls in the future.

Excellent Book, Amazing Author
I learned of Sheila's book, "The Courage To Be A Single Mother after seeing her on Oprah. Sheila is an amazing author who speaks to the heart of women with children who are trying to pick up the pieces after a failed relationship. Although the book is geared for single mothers who have become single by way of divorce, many of the issues that Sheila addresses in her book such as: custody, finances, becoming whole, feeling good enough as a single mother are applicable regardless of how you came to be a single mother.

You should also familiarize yourself with Sheila's online community 50 Steps On The Path To Yourself where you will gain incredible wisdom and insight from her weekly motivational e-mails.

Cassandra Mack author of, "The Single Mom's Little Book of Wisdom: 42 Tidbits of Wisdom To Help You Survive, Succeed and Stay Strong" and host of The No More Drama Hour of Power, a talk radio show of The New York Carib News ... Read more

Product Description
Here is the first book written specifically for men who date while answering to a higher authority: their children.

As a single father, you’re ready to begin dating again. But are your kids ready? In this much-needed guide, relationship expert Ellie Slott Fisher comes to the rescue with no-nonsense, no-judgments advice on everything from how to ask a woman out to navigating the potential minefield of overnight dates.

Single dads are as nervous as single moms about merging their parental responsibilities with their social lives, but they often don’t have intimate friendships in which to share their concerns. Drawing on her own experience as a single parent, interviews and surveys she conducted with more than a hundred single fathers and their children, and the advice of family therapist Dr. Paul Halpern, Fisher gives the lowdown on a range of tricky topics, including:

•When do I introduce my kids to the woman I’m dating?
•What if they don’t like her?
•Is it acceptable to date someone closer to my child’s age than my own?
•Are sleepovers okay when my kids—or her kids—are home?
•How do I give my children the reassurance they need while pursuing a social life of my own?

Plus, how to avoid one of the biggest dating pitfalls: mistaking lust for love. From dealing with your ex-spouse to protecting your children’s inheritance, and many issues in-between, Fisher gives single fathers the tools they need to be both sexy suitors and devoted dads. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Charming and instructive!

Ellie Slott Fisher has written a guide for single dads - something we've needed for a long time! - and managed to make it humane, funny, whip-smart and totally useful. A great new addition to the dating genre. Brava Ellie!

Great common-sense suggestions!
Ellie Fisher offers great common-sense suggestions, making the prospect of single-parent dating seem a lot less daunting and a lot more natural.And her tone is so reassuring:You feel like you're having a comforting conversation with your best friend.I can't imagine a more helpful book on this subject!

Want to "Get a Life" and Still be a Great Dad?
Getting back into the social scene after a break-up is never easy.Trying to "get a life" and be a responsible single dad can seem impossible. Down to earth and honest, this book gives single dads invaluable practical advice offered no where else.Absolutely a must-read for all single dads! ... Read more

Product Description
The first handbook for the rapidly growing number of American women choosing single motherhood, written by the director of the national organization Single Mothers by Choice. Mattes presents an accessible and personal analysis of the available options and examines the problems, questions and rewards. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

Good resource for someone planning to be SMC
Good resource for someone planning to be SMC!!! It certainly helped me to clear my mind on all doubts I had, and issues I had never thought of.

A good review
A good review of the basic issues, but left me wanting a little more substance and a little less psychoanalysis.

Old and outdated
check when this book was published it is kind of old and outdated information. Also, the book is sort of written assuming that you are having a hard time as well as those around you with your decision to be a single mother by choice. I never had any issues nor did any of my friends or family so that part was a waste for me, I thought that it would give more guidelines as to how to explain it to your child not the people around you.

Good, but I have read better
I bought this book along with Mikki's and Knock Yourself Up when I was researching how to become a single mother by choice.This book does have some great ideas and views on the subject, but I didn't find it as satisfying as the others I have read. She is a psychologist or psychiatrist and I think her book gets more into the mind and emotions and thoughts that need to be settled there.It is a good reference to have though.

A must read for any thinker or tryer
I'm a tryer now, but as soon as I realized I wasn't the only single woman thinking about having children on my own I bought this book. Ms. Mattes is the brave woman who made our cause a public one and opened the doors that I am able to freely walk through in my journey. Her detailed examination of the subject, and practical answers to many of the worries that plagued me in the thinking stage are what make this book one of the must-haves on the subject. I think she might want to publish a new edition every few years just to catch up with the public opinion part of the story, but for the most part, the information is enduring. Add this to your collection as you think, and it will be a resource through all the stages of your journey. ... Read more