http://www.thesinglemotherschronicles.com
…please join us there!
Thanks!
Swati
Single Mom Falls in Love…Again… October 15, 2009
Falling in love and staying there is all about the little things, isn’t it? Okay, the big things help, but really, I relish feeling it in everyday moments. Last Monday, I made a feeble offer to cook food for the three of us, me, my boyfriend and my daughter. My boyfriend remarked that I looked tired (which I was) and proposed we order Thai food. A smile appeared on my face and I nodded; but my little eight year old angel shook her head, no. “I had Thai last night at daddy’s house mom.” To which my boyfriend said, “Why don’t I go to the store, honey, and I’ll make us some stroganoff, okay?” My smile returned and I nodded again. He went to the store, made us a delicious meal that filled my condo with comforting aromas; but alas, my little one was upset. “Why did he get to pick our dinner and not us?” Sigh. So, some guilt later, I went to bed. The next day, my boyfriend and I were in the car and he said, “I have an idea. Let’s take her (my daughter) to the grocery store tomorrow night and we’ll let her pick out whatever she wants to have for dinner and then go home and make it.” If he hadn’t been driving, I would have leapt into his lap and showered him with kisses. And that’s why I fell in love with him again, a mere 14 months into our relationship.
Helpful tips for all parents October 13, 2009
Hi Single Moms: This article has some great tips on getting organized when it comes to your kids – and thus creating some time for yourself! Actually, it’s helpful whether you are a single parent or a married parent. I could really use a “home base” as this article proposes, to organize my daughter’s school stuff, forms, activities and everything else. Right now, our “base” is all over the living room. Surprisingly, this system is not working – haha…there’s also a good reminder in here about asking for help, which is something a lot of us have trouble doing. Please share any other ideas you may have.
p.s. I am in no way advocating or not advocating Fox news 
…it’s really about the article!
Reading a book at bedtime…mom zero, kid one. October 12, 2009
One night last week, as we began our bedtime rituals, I told my daughter I would read one book to her if she got into bed at time (which I admit I only do sporadically now that she can read – she’s 8). She immediately turned into a masterful negotiator, “Mom, two books.” And of course I stuck to my guns, repeating that I would read one book of her choice if she got into bed on time. Minutes later, she called me to tell me she was ready. I got to her room and she was sitting in her bed, with a playful, “I win” look on her face. She had picked out two books: The Monster at the End of This Book and Duck for President. Now she had me, those are two of my favorite books, along with Go Dog Go. “Mom, if you don’t read these two to me, I’m getting Go Do Go too.” She had me. I read both books to her that night; after all she had the better strategy. And I decided to read her more books at night, despite the fact that she can read.
No, single mothers should not be stigmatized October 9, 2009
Articles like this one make me sad about how easy it is for people to opine about all that is wrong with single mothers. I am Indian, and I have felt the eye of judgment pass over me as a single mother both within my community and outside of it. Does anyone think I planned to go into a marriage and then divorce? No. It’s the last thing I wanted for my child or myself. This article implies that maybe a “stigma” with single motherhood would lead to fewer daddy-less children. Maybe – but is that what we are after? Aren’t we after a loving home, good parenting and a stable environment? Do I want someone to stick around because they are more worried about what the neighbors will say and not at all concerned about parenting responsibilities? And, if someone is a single mother by choice, that’s her choice. Should she not fulfill her desire to be a parent if she can? I think so. What do you think? http://amyalkon.mensnewsdaily.com/?p=752
Are you munching on kiddie snacks? October 7, 2009
Are you munching on kiddie snacks? This article is a short and sweet reminder about healthy eating habits for all of us moms…I’ve tried the “brush your teeth right after you eat so you don’t snack” trick – it really works! I am lucky on this front though…my daughter is a healthy eater so we usually have good food options around. Like anyone, I do give in those pre-cooked whole chickens every now and then…but really, do I have to munch mindlessly on cookies? No, but it sure is fun!
Sneaking Kids’ Foods Is Ruining Your Diet! | momlogic.com
http://go.meebo.com/momlogic.com/6g
http://www.omaha.com/article/20091004/NEWS01/710049897 October 5, 2009
Interesting article…68% of American mothers of children under 18 work outside the home…
October 2, 2009
Today was picture day at school. Last year, I was so busy with “everything else,” I actually FORGOT about it! So, my daughter’s second grade picture was taken in a t-shirt with ballerinas on it; she was rather grumpy, despite my feeble attempt at remedying the situation by telling her that she looked cute. Well my little goose reminded me of the fiasco last week, so we immediately went to her room and she picked out a dress to wear. Thank goodness, I thought to myself, this will all go so much better than second grade….famous last words! Here’s what happened this morning as we got ready for 3rd grade picture day…she really wanted strawberry raspberry jam on her toast and ate it rather quietly, even for her. As we started to leave, I noted a giant red spot on the front of her dress, right in the center (“it’s a little jam mom”)…she looked so pitifully sad, but was determined not to complain. And she did not want to change…so I dabbed it with a Clorox pen. Then she quietly said she was hungry again, so I went back to the frig for her favorite snack, mandarin oranges, hoping to coax forth a smile. Naturally, we missed the bus. And “sad” now turned to one step away from tragic. I drove her to school, but on the way, a suddenly yelping sound started coming from the backseat…yes, juice and syrup from the mandarin oranges had spilled all over her! Now she was a walking fruit basket, smelling slightly of strawberry and raspberry jam, mixed with mandarin orange juice, followed by a faint hint of Clorox. Her hair was all over the place, head band falling out, eyes red, and dress now stained from the juice of the oranges. Then, a loud mournful bellow: “Mom, this is the worst day ever!” I know what you’re thinking: someday I will look back on it and laugh. When that day comes, I’ll let you know. Sigh. In the mean time, do tell if you have any picture day tales!
Hello world! September 9, 2009
Hello World:
Today is the first day of my Single Working Mom blog and I am JAZZED about it! I will be sharing my experiences and I hope you share your stories and your comments too. I will also use this blog to: 1) keep everyone updated on the goings on with my single working mom book; 2) share non-essential details about my daily life (it’ll be just like chatting with me); 3) share links to single mom related news and articles; 4) post stuff that strikes my fancy….
I’m glad you are joining me on this journey.
Swati
