Product Description
The ultimate resource for separated and divorced parents, written by an internationally acclaimed expert on divorce and its impact on children.

This comprehensive and empowering guide is filled with practical, effective ways to minimize the effects of divorce on children, and offers immediate solutions to the most critical parenting problems divorce brings. In this go-to resource, Christina McGhee addresses the issues of utmost importance to parents:

• How and when to tell the children about the divorce

• Guiding children through transition

•Helping children cope with having two homes

•Dealing with finances

•Managing a difficult relationship with an ex

•And more

Offering advice on explaining things to every age group-from toddlers to teenagers-in plain, consistent, and age-appropriate terms, Parenting Apart also offers practical suggestions for parents to help them maintain their own sense of stability and take care of their own well-being while taking care of their kids. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Must-Have Resource for Families of Divorce
Christina McGhee's knowledge and practical advice is amazing.Instead of just trying to "get through" such a difficult life change, Christina helps families THRIVE, find the positive and make family adjustments less stressful.Tons of realistic and usable tips for all families members ranging from dealing with finances to breaking the news to kids; communicating with your ex-spouse to children living out of two homes; and taking care of yourself to strengthening family bonds.She covers it all!This is the perfect resource for anyone coping with Divorce. ... Read more

Product Description
You May Be Single, But You re Not Alone.

Being a great dad is challenging enough when you re part of a two-person team. But now you re raising your kids single-handedly. How can you provide the emotional, physical, and spiritual support your children need, cover all the details of running a household, and still earn a living to support your family? Being a solo dad could easily be the toughest job of your life.

The good news is you re not alone. Inside this book you ll find the support, advice, and encouragement you need to succeed. Here are practical solutions for everything you re facing from conflicting emotions to day-to-day time management. You ll find useful pointers on a daughter s unique needs, a son s inner struggles, and even how to recruit trusted friends to pitch in. With plenty of humor and real-world insight, The Single Dad s Survival Guide will show you how to expand on your natural, built-in abilities so you can come out on top as a parenting team of one.

Find logistical help on everyday challenges, including finances, family schedules, household management, and staying on top of your work.

Take advantage of practical guidance on everything
from supporting and nurturing your kids to protecting your own emotional health.

Learn how to get past anger, hurt, and fatigue to stand strong as the man
your children need most a man who provides security,
stability, and spiritual guidance during one of the toughest times in their life.

It s all here to help you succeed as a solo dad. Single parenting takes everything you ve got so learn how to give it your all. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

OK - Good for encouragement, short on practical advice.
As a single father raising two children, I was looking for and expected a lot more specific and practical helpful advice.Its an easy read, but I estimate this book to be approximately 90% "encouragement".

I think this is a book the author would have liked to have available when in this same circumstance, but it may be better categorized for most people as a 'spiritualistic' guide than a plain survival guide.Author does a good job covering the need to take care of yourself while taking care of a family and to get help when needed.

I do NOT recommend it to men needing specific help with problems.

I DO recommend it to men looking for encouragement and fundamental Christian Bible passages to help you through problems.

Could have used a disclaimer
I ordered this book and only upon receiving it did I realize that it was written from a Christian perspective.I think a disclaimer would have been useful:Warning - God-Based, or something like that.This guy, upon discovering his daughter has just had her period, goes out and buys her a rose and a card "containing a statement she could use as a budding woman in service to God."

Is that creepy, or is it just me?

Anyway, I think the book is completely hopeless.

A wealth of wisdom directly applicable to all parents
The Single Dad's Survival Guide by Mike Klumpp is a logical and "father friendly" guide emphasizing on how to deal with the practical as well as the emotional issues in the challenges and issues involved with being a single male parent today. From dealing with logistical problems like household management; to protecting one's own mental health while coping with strong-willed young ones; to resources one can contact when ones needs assistance; to overcoming anger, hurt, and fatigue in difficult times, and so much more, The Single Dad's Survival Guide is an absolute "must-read" which offers up a wealth of wisdom directly applicable to all parents regardless of gender or marital status -- for any spouse home alone for a week while the other is on a business trip will grapple with some of the parenting issues and problems discussed herein. ... Read more

Product Description
When the reality of separation, divorce, or widowhood sinks in, encountering life as a single mother can be an overwhelming experience. Share in the stories of other single moms who have faced past hurts, dealt with present fears, and built a future of promise, while they contended with life's everyday pressures. Through the pages of this practical book, Michele Howe offers sensitive, compassionate advice for women who are confronting the challenge of being a single mom. Be encouraged; with God's help, hope and healing are not only possible, but promised.

Topics include:• Helping children cope• Strengthening family identity• Raising a masculine son in a house of females• Caring for children with special needs• Creating balance in every area of life, despite burdensome and exhausting situations• Returning to the workforce

Bonus feature: "Funstarts"
201 Ideas for Enriching Family Fun
Create special family times by trying some of these free and low-cost creative activity ideas. Great for all ages! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Great Ideas For Family Fun
This is a great book for single moms, with some especially helpful tips for single moms who are raising sons. The book is well-written and fun to read; you'll enjoy this one!

I also liked the dozens of ideas for family fun --- on the cheap. Simple ideas of how to have fun with your kids without spending a fortune doing it. What single mom has money to spare? I don't know any who do.

It's easy to recommend this book to any single mom who wants some help in raising great kids.

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

Disappointed
You know, I was disappointed in this book.I read the reviews and thought it was going to be great, but it wasn't.This book is geared towards women who are older and have been married a long time, mostly stay-at-home-moms, who found themselves, all of a sudden, divorced and forced to go out and work.I recommend it for those women; not for younger, single moms.Young single moms who are already working full time jobs & raising children know the stuff in this book already.

Hope and Healing are not only Possible... But Promised!
Some years ago, a close friend called to ask me if I thought her marriage was in trouble. Within a few months, my friend wasn't wondering any longer. She knew. About that same time another close friend called with the news of her own impending divorce. Both of these women found themselves facing life and parenting on their own.

At the time, the pain of their abandonment felt like death to all who loved them. This heavy chain of unresolved emotions, of dreams and broken promises, left my friends and their children in agonzing pain. Together we wept. One day led to another, weeks turned to months, and months to years. Eventually, healing found root in their hearts and lives. But time alone did not soften the blows. Jesus Christ and his redemptive power at work in my friends' lives did. In ways I can only describe as miraclous, God brought completeness and genuine healing to these moms and their children.

Today, my friends and their children are thriving, not circumstantially, but providentially. Each day continues to birng new trials and struggles as they labor to make their houses into homes where God is the Lord. The fruit of their labor has already multiplied in the hearts of their children and those whom they influence.

Single mom, this book was written in celebration of you. My prayer is that this text, born of the pain carried by other single moms, will bring help and healing along the way.

"O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me... You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever (Psalm 30:2, 11-12).

Practical hope
This book provides single moms with upbeat, hopeful, and simple ideas tohelp better parent their children through times of crisis as well at theups and downs of everyday life. Although it's targeted at the singlemother, married moms and dads will find sound biblical advice from thebeginning to end. Going It Alone helps single moms realize they're notalone at all!

Great Book
I thought is was a great book.It challenges women to go beyond survivingto truly living.The book contains practical ideas and would be helpfulfor any parent. ... Read more

Product Description
Life today is hard and it can be quite difficult to be a parent these days even if you have a partner to help you out. More so, it can be extremely challenging if you are raising a child on your own. Being a single parent is physically and mentally demanding. You will be called to make decisions on matters you don't even want to ponder on. Many times you will be called to draw on strength and determination even if you feel extremely unhappy and discouraged. During the most difficult days, you will need to persevere and acquire new strength and courage to see you through without distressing your child. Here are some tips to help you through:Find a good support system. This is absolutely vital. Without a network of family, friends and people who are in a similar situation as you to get some form of support from, you will break down.Whether it is someone you can talk things through and help you come up with a decision, or people who will provide you with money and sustain you and your child for over a period time, a reliable support system can make sense out of the numerous demands of single parenting. Be there for your children. While it is an emotionally trying time for you given your current situation, do not forget that your children depend on you to assure them that everything is going to be all right.Get more tips inside in this ultimate collection of tips to being the best single parent to your child. ... Read more

Product Description
65 Pages Explaing How To Become The Best Parent For Your Child. ... Read more

Product Description
This book provides single moms with a simple, practical method for creating success. They will learn how to develop a support system, create a vision, and improve their attitude. They will design a solid plan and identify the action steps which will move them into the life they desire. Their kids will enjoy the positive benefits of having a happy, successful mom, too! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Extremely useful and entertaining at the same time
This book is a boon to divorcing women or single mothers.Jeanne has a wealth of knowledge and understanding which she delivers with humor, which is greatly needed in this situation.I highly recommend this book.

Great Motivation for Single Mothers
THE SUCCESSFUL SINGLE MOM has a lot to offer the newly divorced mother in regard to personal and professionalsgoal setting after divorce.The author is honest about the feelings of fear and rejection that accompany the end of a marriage and the emotional paralysis that can result.That said, the book moves quickly from acknowledging those feelings, getting whatever help is necessary from professionals, clergy or friends and planning a future for you and your children.
This book will be particularly helpful to women who want to start their own bussiness.The author has much to offer in this area as she ran her own business before her divorce and shares a number of her keys to building and maintaining a successful business.In addition, she has developed a 100 Day Plan, complete with worksheets, to encourage women to begin setting goals for themselves. This plan,however, is not for everyone as each woman must find her own way and the pace that works for her.A large part of the divorce experience is learning about yourself and developing your own style for creating a life for you and your family.Whatever choices you eventually make, this book will get you thinking and moving!Jeanne L. Ward Author of YOU'RE IT! SUCCESSFUL SINGLE MOTHERING AFTER DIVORCE

A must read for single moms!
This is a great book for single moms. The author has a great sense of humor and gives you some advice that are easy to put into practice.

A Must Read!!
This is the best book for anyone who needs some help finding direction in their life.The author has a great sense of humor and is able to connect with the reader.The tools and techniques are not overwhelming or intimidating and are easy to put into practice.I highly reccommend this book to anyone starting out on a new adventure in life!!!

A Short, Helpful Book for Single Moms
This book is short (about 100 pages) but helpful. It appears to be self-published but the cover art is nice and the printing is professional.

I enjoyed reading this advice and encouragement from a former single mom who is now a successful business coach and life coach. She kept me well entertained on these pages, in part because I've been there too and her words rang true to my own experience.

I recommend this book for single moms needing encouragement; you'll find an author here who understands what you are going through!

Lauren Hodges,
Apple Valley, CA
Another book you might enjoy:Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent ... Read more

Product Description
Are youready to take charge of your happiness? The new science of positivepsychology demonstrates that happiness is a choice that can be achievedthrough the application of concrete practices. And anyone can learn howto apply them. 

There areapproximately 90 million mothers in the UnitedStates and Canada alone, and given thecurrent divorce rate, a great number of them will find themselves assingle mothers at some point in their lives. But this book is truly forall mothers. Single Mother in Charge: How to SuccessfullyPursue Happiness employs the latest research on the scienceof happiness to show mothers how to be stronger, happier, and morebalanced. Through it, they will learn to use their own power to improvethe quality of their lives and those of their children.


Thishands-on guide starts with three critical lessons for personaltransformation: the right belief, the right attitude, and takingaction. Readers will be taught how to transform feelings of fear,anxiety, guilt, and low self-esteem into a positive, confidentattitude. Once these barriers to happiness have come down, the mothercan adopt the 22 "happiness strategies" outlined in the book to createa happier and healthier life for herself and her family. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Exactly what single mothers have needed.
As a single mother, I know all too well the challenges that are part of this enormous responsibility that we all have. Sandy's book is more than just a book of advice, it's practical solutions backed by scientific facts that are eye opening, and challenging, and thought provoking.

Instead of letting ourselves get swept away with sad thoughts, as can often occur, Sandy really shows how empowering single parenting can be, and that is something that the single parenting community has needed for quite some time.

As she states, there are 90 million single moms in the USA and Canada, and we are not alone. We do not have to let our single parenting status be a burden, we have to really embrace our status and make the most of it, for our sake for our kids sake.

Using examples from history and science, Sandy dispels commonly held negative myths about single mothering and breaks down 22 proven strategies for letting happiness in our lives.

This book really helped change my attitude and has helped my worldview of single parenting tremendously. Great job, Sandy, I really appreciate this book and I know many other single mothers will, too. ... Read more

Product Description
In Quality Time for Dad, most of the questions a single father may WANT to ask, but never did, can be answered right here! In simple, to the point format. Everything from fevers to food and more is included in this simple to read book! Find out how to avoid becoming a Disneyland Dad, find a babysitter, avoid angry exchanges, set up your home for the various age groups and MORE!! If you plan on having your children following a divorce for any length of time, Quality Time For Dad is a must!! ... Read more

Product Description
Written by a psychologist who's successfully navigated single motherhood herself, this book helps single moms believe they and their families deserve the best life has to offer. Packed with practical tips, smart strategies, and ways to improve the well-being of single moms and their children, this book shows single moms how to improve their leadership and parenting skills. It tackles pressing issues such as self-care, a support network, organizing, finances, discipline, and more. Teresa Whitehurst reminds single moms that they don't need to be overwhelmed and that God loves them, is on their side, and wants to guide and support them every step of the way.While they may get weary, they need never feel alone. ... Read more

Product Description
The day Angela Thomas sold the only thing she had, the diamond from her engagement ring, to take care of her kids was the day she began to believe they were going to make it. In that decision, the faith she had always talked about became the faith she was going to learn how to live. In the years since, God has given Angela a passionate desire . . . to live an amazing life, even while raising four kids as a single mom. In this book she shares her hard-earned wisdom on loneliness, dating, finances, and parenting, encouraging every solo mom. "As a gift to our children," she says, "we can become healthy moms who are strong and amazing women in spite of our circumstances." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

A MUST for every single mom!
This book is appropriate for any single mom with children of any age. It was so encouraging to me as a new single mom. Angela is an outstanding example of how a single mom should be and is so encouraging to single moms. This book was truly a blessing for me!

A Single Mother in Search of a Life Plan
Jeanne L. Ward Author of YOU'RE IT! SUCCESSFUL SINGLE MOTHERING AFTER DIVORCE Angela Thomas's book has as its underlying theme that faith in God is the key element for surviving and growing during the single mother experience.Despite this strong message the author gives off a number of mixed signals about her new and demanding role and how she feels about it.Early on in the book she states that her single parent situation is not the way things are meant to be.At the end of the book she echoes the same sentiment. In between there is a lot of positive discussion about moving on both personally and professionally which she does in many ways.But I was still left with a feeling of sad exhaustion as she tried to reconcile her strong religious beliefs and upbringing with her current place in the world as a single mother of four. There also seemed to be unresolved issues with herformer husband,which came to the forefront when she discussed her longing for "hunky man" to enter her life.
The author is at her best when she talks about raising her children and how important it is to give them holidays,parties,laughter and adults that they can count on to be there for them.At every turn she is determined to create a real home for her children,whether in their first small dwelling or the home that they purchased.The trips she planned with each individual child were wonderful as was her creativity in funding them. Perhaps the life plan that Angela is waiting for God to reveal is already in place.

Great book!
I really enjoyed this book, along with another Angela Thomas book, "Do You Think I'm Beautiful?" This book helped me reconnect with the pain that my kids go through related to the divorce. This, in turn, helps me respond to my kids in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Touching
Angela Thomas shares her raw emotions, frailties, and survival strength during her journey of loss and getting back on her feet. You don't have to be a "practicing Christian" to appreciate the real life sharing and messages. Applicable to women with or without children who have lost spouse through divorce or death.

Encouraging
I am not very religious, I believe in a god, most of the times....life has given me reason to doubt...But I did love this book!It helped to encourage me to be positive, 'try' not to lose focus on what important (kids), others truly do understand!I loved Angela's humor in the book.There was a spot in the beginning that it felt like the religion was preachy, but I honestly just skipped a few pages.I had days when things were very hard, and I read this book to brighten me, push me in the right direction.I honestly don't end up reading most of the books I buy, but I did read this one (besides those few pages I skipped)!I am keeping it to 'refresh' my focus at times I need it. It will be a item i may give as a gift to other single moms.
The only reason I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 was because of the religious overhaul, and the push about using the dream of some 'hunky' man to save me in the end....not my dream....gave it up a long time ago.I did appreciate the fact that angela was so honest, and sincere, and truly heartfelt.I think she did a great job of making sure you understand this is just 'her' story, and hopefully by reading it, we can take something from it.Which I did, this book is a definate keeper! Thanks so much Angela for your book!It gave me some guidance! ... Read more

Product Description
In-depth answers to important questions single parents have. With biblical insight, Barnes points the way to personal and family healing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A MUST FOR SINGLE PARENTS
THIS BOOK IS A GREAT TOOL FOR THE FATHER OR MOTHER, SUDDENLY THUST INTO A POSITION THEY WERE NOT PREPARED FOR. THIS PARTICULAR COPY IS IN PERFECT CONDITION. ... Read more

Product Description
The Best Kept Secret studies the often-overlooked group of single, African American custodial fathers. While the media focuses on the increase of single mothers and the decline in marriage in the black community, Roberta Coles paints a nuanced picture of single black dads. Based on qualitative research, the author looks at the parenting experience of these fathers, who may have become single parents through nonmarital births, divorce, widowhood and adoption. The fathers, ranging in age from 20 to 76, discuss their motivations for taking custody of their children, what roles they enact as parents, what they hope for their children, how they socialize their children in a diverse society, how parenting daughters differs from sons, and what parenting has done for them personally. Coles then recommends policy changes to improve the situations for children and single parents-particularly often-unseen fathers. Filled with dynamic interviews and intriguing case studies, The Best Kept Secret shows that single black custodial fathers do exist and looks at the ways raising children has shaped their lives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Revealing Look at an Untold Story
Having worked with men in this category, I was delighted to find Roberta Coles doing in-depth interviews and taking a deeper, closer look at these single dads.

Her study is anecdotal and case-based --- probably the right choice for this particular topic. It's difficult to quantify this sub-section of single parents, yet Coles has done us a great favor by looking at the quality of their lives and the meaning behind their daily choices.

Well written, highly interesting and long overdue. An expensive book, but a good read.

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

Product Description
In today's world of two-income families, preparing a son to provide for a single-income family seems an overwhelming task. Christian parents will find it helpful to have a purpose and plan as they raise sons who will one day be responsible for supporting a family. Steve Maxwell presents the groundwork for preparing your son to be a wage-earning adult. He gives practical suggestions and direction to parents for working with their sons from preschool age all the way through to adulthood. You will be challenged to evaluate your own life and example you are setting for your son...Scripture quotations from the King James Version. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Preparing Sons
There are a few ideas that I didn't agree with, but for the most I would say it has some good ideas.

Very convicting, drives you to your knees
Wow, I feel awful after reading this book, that is awfully convicted of my sin and need to change.This book is very convicting to the soul about how you are raising your sons (and daughters).The book centers around you being the model for your child, and the rest will fall in line.I can't recommend this book more, for yourself or for a group study.Each chapter has questions at the end that will be very good for a study on parenting.

I especially like how Steven approaches "work".I am guilty of the "put my 40 hours in, let me have my nights and weekends".This is completely against God's word when you think about it.Six days we should work, then we rest.

Overall, outstanding book, and Steven does an excellent job of backing up what he says with scripture.

Preparing Sons is Better Than Repairing Sons
With a title like that there should be no doubt as to the content of a book.

Steven Maxwell and his wife Teri have authored several books that have been a great practical help to Christian families, particularly homeschool families. They have eight children, some of whom have written some fictional accounts of the life of a family called the Moody family.My boys have enjoyed us reading these stories to them, as they are a little snapshot of the life of a homeschool family, complete with the ups and downs that come with the territory.

Steve writes this book in order to help parents train their sons to provide for a single-income family.Modern American middle-class economics being what they are, it is almost a presupposition that each household is a dual-income family.Take a look at housing costs for "middle-class" homes and you will see what I am talking about.
So, how do parents raise sons to have the skills to be able to be the sole providers of their family?

Maxwell shows that living rightly regarding work is a mark of Christian character. He says, "Parents should teach their children that work is a gift from God. Workers with that attitude are a pleasure to work with and will have a positive influence on other employees. Their job will be secure and their wages will increase. What are your children's attitudes regarding work?"

Furthermore, we must listen to God's perspective on money...
"We are not to worry about how much income our sons can earn for their families. However, as we build the foundation of our sons' futures, we need to "count the cost" and consider that there are many important things we need to teach and train them in. If they are pleasing to the Lord, He will provide them with the income that is right for them."

Chapter four answers the question, "What does it take to make ends meet?" by showing the difference between "needs" and "wants". Again, this is an issue of character formation in our sons (and daughters).

The three pillars of training sons are: your training, your example, and your prayer. Maxwell shares his consternation with the popular misunderstanding of Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child...", and says:
"I'm seeing children who are being raised to be children all of their lives. They are being trained, but not in the way they should go. It appears that either parents do not have Scriptural goals for their children, or they are not raising their children consistent with their goals. The result will be the same. Parents need to ask themselves what their goals are for their children. They then should examine those goals to see if they are consistent with Scripture. In another twenty years, the entertainment-focused Christian youth of today will be entertainment-focused adults who act much like they did in their teen years."

and also...

"If the years of one's youth mean one fun activity or sport after another, when do children learn to enjoy work? Must our children always have great fun while being educated? Will it spoil their childhood if they don't have lots of playtime? Am I more concerned that my child will shake his finger in my face and whine, "You deprived me of being a child!" or of him not being a man of God who is able to provide adequately for a family?"

Such is the straight-talking that makes up this book by Maxwell.He goes on further to explain age-by-age how it is that we should teach our sons about money, work, economics, spending, etc., and closes with the chapter, "Will he be prepared?"

Will our sons be prepared? As the father of four sons, I pray that I may be faithful and that God will bless my efforts at raising my boys to be God-honoring and responsible in their vocational lives. This book provides much fodder for discussion and thought.

An Outstanding Book - Much Needed!
This is a great book on raising our sons to provide for one income families. It is unique as far as I know - and it covers a topic that needed to be addressed. It is written from a strong Christian standpoint.[A non-Christian could still gain much valuable insight, but needs to be aware of where the author is coming from].

The book is full of excellent ideas and instructions on raising up our boys to be fiscally responsible adults [and fathers]. The author covers the topic very thoroughly.He discusses what makes a good wage earner, where some men go wrong, what character traits are essential to a good provider, and how parents can cultivate these things in their boys.

He gives stage by stage instructions for each part of a boy's life, beginning from the preschool stage on up. This book would be perfect for the parents of young boys - to teach them everything they need to know at each point in their son's development; but even the parents of teens could really gain a lot from reading what Mr. Maxwell has to say.

The book is based on Mr. Maxwell's experience in raising his own sons [very successfully] to be good providers, and his advice is extremely valuable. His arguments are logical and surprising in that most of us have never given enough thought to this issue.We SHOULD be giving thought to this issue though, and I am so glad we have Mr. Maxwell's book to lead us. Our sons will benefit greatly, and thus so will our grandchildren.

I highly recommend this book for every Christian parent of boys - and the book's basic principles can be applied to daughters as well - we want them to be industrious, diligent, and hard working in their own domains.

much needed in today's world
this book is terrific! it's a how to manuel , so to speak,on how to rear sons to be true leaders of the home and to be the sole breadwinner. discusses aspects i never thought of as obstacles in this training.
much needed in today's society where money is the end all of everything. ... Read more

Product Description

Every single parent has a different story to tell, but a common thread of hope and comfort unites them all.

Being a single parent can sometimes seem overwhelming. But the joys and triumphs of this special responsibility are incalculable.

Whether you are a single parent because of divorce or widowhood, by choice or by surprise, you are part of an extraordinary club, shouldering the many obligations and responsibilities of parenting alone.

Chicken Soup for the Single Parent's Soul shares the joys, challenges and humorous moments of single moms and dads, who cope daily with the unique pressures, constraints and sacrifices this important role brings. From daily struggles to amazing triumphs, this book captures the breadth of experiences that define single parenting.

Within these pages you will find inspiration and advice for getting through the difficult times, reassurance for those days when you worry you're not living up to expectations and reminders of the unique influence you have on your children's lives.

Customer Reviews (6)

I really loved the book.
i really loved the book, but i was also disappointed. i went searching for a book i can read that i can relate to my situation. ive never been married divorced or widowed. Hopefully they will do another installment that will include more for single young parents that had tramatic experences from the other person and life challenges when the child is older. HINT HINT

Single Parent Alert!
I think this is a great book for single parents, especially the newly single and clueless (and I'm not just saying that because it contains one of my essays).

Buy two copies. I always find a single parent who needs one.

Mary Lynn

Cry, Laugh, Learn
I didn't know about this title until I found it here on Amazon. I've enjoyed some of the other books in this series so I was very interested to read the single parenting book.

This book moved me: I laughed, I cried, I found myself in these pages. It is really well done and I guess I could call it a "devotional book" for single parents. Overall it is inspiring and helpful. Really well done!

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

Excellent "pick me up" book
If you're a single parent, then no doubt you've undergone some struggles in your life - then you can relate to the stories in this book. Lots of stories of encouragement! My favorite thing about this book is that it is full of short stories - after all when do we single parents have time to read an entire book in a short setting?I loved to keep this book in my bag - I would read it for 10 minutes while waiting for school to let out - waiting to pick up from volley ball practice - you know, all those rare little moments we single parents have alone and quiet time.Fun enjoyable way to pass the time, without forgetting where you are in a long book.

Chicken Soup for the Soul fan
Finally!I don't know what took so long, but it's about time Chicken Soup did a book for Single Parents!Chicken Soup for the SINGLE PARENT'S Soul is an awesome book, and one of the best Chicken Soup books yet.I especially love the stories "I Love You Daddy," "Divine Order," and "Small Moments."There is also one from a boy who is autistic called "Forgiving My Dad" that is really beautiful.I bought the book for myself (I'm a single mom of three) and bought it for two of my single parent friends.It is a great way to say "I believe in you" and "you're going to make it." ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Alexander weaves her honest, firsthand account as a single mother with the stories of other single parents. She reveals how single parents cope with the dual roles of mother and father, overwhelming financial demands, and a high level of stress both at home and at work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

superb, sophisticated book
I highly recommend this beautifully crafted book on single parenthood. The author has written a sophisticated, honest analyses of single parenthood. She incorporates material from her own fascinating life story, intriguing personal stories from other single parents, and intelligent psychosocial analysis as she discuesses the multiple facets of single parenthood. The writing is elegant, but very readable, warm, engaging and inspiring - it literally kept me up late at night for a full week. The book is not at all a typical self-help book (i.e., no list of "to do's" or one message fits all problems). But I found reading the book to be very helpful - deeply satisfying both my emotional needs and intellectual questions. The author makes clear both the sacrifices and unique fulfillments of single parenthood. Among other things, she covers how single parenthood happens (chance or choice); how not to be a victim; guilt and responsibility; transformation and forgiveness; self-care; co-parenting; finances; spirituality and existential issues; childcare and housing; discipline practices and appropriate boundaries; dating; custody issues; and communual support (friends, family, workplace). Really terrific read.

single parent
single parent : psychosocial aspect and adaptatio ... Read more

Product Description
An inspirational and poignant pictorial memoir that chronicles a teenage mother's sentimental education, as told through cartoons and searing text. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Personal truth.
This is one of the most popular books in my "Hot Topics" section of the Teen Library.

All too many of my patrons can relate to the story of an already emotionally abused girl whose first sexual experiences are rape and who becomes pregnant as a result.Through gritty work, optimism, and luck she gets an education and resolves to help others do the same.Part of that resolution is telling her story, through this beautifully illustrated and starkly written graphic novel.

Problem 1: Not enough information.Her rape results in her pregnancy, so you can hardly fault her for being unprepared.But she leaps into a live- in relationship with the first person who __seems__ tender toward her, and I am left to wonder, did she then learn about contraceptives? Or was she just lucky?Since this is meant to be a teaching book, this is a huge omission.

Problem 2: Personal view.Yes, it is meant to be personal, and that's why it's so poignant, but her view of teenaged motherhood is in its way as skewed and judgemental as those she attacks.Arnoldi says in the back of the book that teenaged mothers should go to college, and if they can't get a babysitter, bring the child to class.Don't let a prejudiced instructor keep you from getting an education.She seems unaware that she is very lucky to have had a healthy and exceptionally good-natured child.I worked hard for my 2 degrees, and I have taught at the college level, and I had a baby with colic.Any professor who invited me and my screaming baby to leave would have been right to do so.Not prejudiced or unkind, but interested in quality education.

I hope that this book comes back in print, and with additions to the story, both background and "where are they now?" parts.It would be a title I'd be glad to have in multiple copies.

Resistance art that is truly amazing!
I've always been a fan of feminist comics.I wrote my thesis in 2003 on underground feminist comix as resistance art and include Arnoldi's work because it's so outside the norm.Autobiographic with stark images of people who've abused her turning into monsters.Her story of resistance and self-preservation is inspirational and moving.Her artwork is simple; it doesn't need to be more complex.Her story has enough complexity.It's a phenomenal read for an adult but it's also a great book to share with teens.I've used it in middle school and high school therapy groups and had a great response.I can't recommend this book enough!

The Heroism of Solidarity
Arnoldi's graphic-novel about a single mother is great. It is not only a direct and clear critique of the problems facing young single-mothers today (an increasingly large demographic in the U.S.), but it is also a hopeful and inspiring story about the way out of those problems -- a way out created by young single mothers cooperating as they find solidarity with one another. Although the story is simply told and very easy to read, it is not a simple story, and she weaves together issues of sexuality, family, and labor union politics.

great story in comic
I'm not a teen mother (or any sort of mother), but after reading a story about her struggles and her decision to put it in a comic form, I was intrigued. Her drawings describe her transition from being neglected by her mother and having no other place to go, other than to live with her sister and abusive brother-in-law. She was raped by a stranger in a car, after she left her sisters house and was again rejected from her mother, which left her to wonder the streets. She had the child from the rape, and shedreampt of leaving the town and attending college. When she was fired from her factory jobafter exposing hazardous working environments, she took off with her new boyfriend to Arizona. When her boyfriend began beating her, she left him, even camping out in the desert under the stars. Eventually she met up with a positive peer group, and began attending college. Great story, helps analyze the variety of circumstances that can happen to teenage mothers, particulaly alot of the negative social backlash that affects them.

Surprisingly powerful
I don't have a lot of experience with graphic novels, but this one is really powerful. It almost moved me to tears in several places. I love the illustrations in which she imagines what's going on in her daughter's brain. A great book to share with teen moms or any young mom who needs some encouragement about pursuing a college degree. Accessible even for those who aren't big readers. ... Read more

Product Description
This comprehensive guide features practical solutions for surviving and succeeding as a single mother.
This comprehensive guide features practical solutions for surviving and succeeding as a single mother. Anderson offers real answers to real problems, covering:
Children
Careers
Finances
Credit
Taxes
Insurance
Retirement
Affording your own home
Post-divorce legal concerns
Wills
Home Repair
Burglar-proofing your home
Blended families
Resources
Romance
Physical and emotional well-being
Starting your own single mother's group

... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Another helpful book - "On Your Own For The First Time"
For another lifesaver for the single mom...."On Your Own For The First Time" by Jeff Bowers.For those mom's who find themselves having to do it ALL after years of having help, I found this book saved me on things I never knew and gave me great advice!What a guide, what a great tool!

Perfect for Single Moms Out There
I think that all single moms should get this book.With a baby on it's way in less than two weeks, I feel so much more at ease about bringing this baby into the world, and doing so with confidence.It's highly inclusive of financial, emotional, and time-management issues.Great guide to get you single moms started! ... Read more