Single Parents

Those who are newly single parents may find themselves in an unusual situation; dating with kids - how does that work? After all, traditionally and probably the last time you were dating, there were no pre-existing children. Making the decision to date involves a lot of consideration about your children and the situation you find yourselves in as a family. Your choices about dating will affect your relationship with your kids as well as the well-being of your family. As the daughter of parents who were each married three times and as a single parent for 15 years, I look back from a wellness perspective to offer a checklist of points to consider about dating and how to decide when it is time for your date to meet the kids.

According to the U.S. Census, in 2010 there were close to 12 million single-family households in America. Given these statistics, if you are a single adult, it would not be surprising that you find yourself attracted to someone who has children. As you read through these suggestions, remember that children come in all ages and some may not even live at home. The tips below will help you thread your way through some of the intricacies of dating a single parent.

Making healthy choices for your kids

Taking a look at the data over the past 50 years we can see that the percentage of overweight or obese children used to be less than 5 percent. Through the years, that percentage has continued to climb to the alarming rate of over 33 percent in 2010.

Health and wellness professionals have been warning us about this trend for decades. Yet we still see school districts limiting physical education and allowing children access to sugary, low/no nutrient foods at school.

As the stress builds, many find themselves behind the eight ball to finish everything on their list. Take a moment to stop, breath and relax a little with these 4 tips.

As the holiday season settles in to the stores, our neighborhoods, the airwaves and upon the earth, looking ahead to the season can bring warm anticipation. Thoughts of seeing family and friends in celebration can be delightful!

As the stress builds, many find themselves behind the eight ball to finish everything on their list. Take a moment to stop, breath and relax a little with these 4 tips.

As the holiday season settles in to the stores, our neighborhoods, the airwaves and upon the earth, looking ahead to the season can bring warm anticipation. Thoughts of seeing family and friends in celebration can be delightful!

Published in ParentingPink.com

Those who are newly single parents may find themselves in an unusual situation; dating with kids - how does that work? After all, traditionally and probably the last time you were dating, there were no pre-existing children. Making the decision to date involves a lot of consideration about your children and the situation you find yourselves in as a family. Your choices about dating will affect your relationship with your kids as well as the well-being of your family. As the daughter of parents who were each married three times and as a single parent for 15 years, I look back from a wellness perspective to offer a checklist of points to consider about dating and how to decide when it is time for your date to meet the kids.

Publish in beliefnet.com

Taking a look at the data over the past 50 years we can see that the percentage of overweight or obese children used to be less than 5 percent. Through the years, that percentage has continued to climb to the alarming rate of over 33 percent in 2010.

Publish in "She Knows Parenting"