[seatides]

Hi! When I logged in to the Parenting Forum tonight, I was thrilled to see and read every word of the thread started by mcmama on October 20, 2005 entitled "Calling all single moms."

I'm thrilled because on Monday, December 12, 2005, I'll be joining all of you as Families.com's new blogger on the topic of Single Parenting. With six replies and 129 views of that one thread alone as of this writing, it reassures me to know that I, like you, am not the only single parent here!

My name is Fran Hopkins and I'm the 49-year-old single parent (widowed) of a 15-year-old son. (As an aside: what do you call a parent in a two-parent family -- a double parent?) I'm so happy to be here because I would love for us to make this the place for single parents to turn to whenever we need something that only other single parents can provide: namely, understanding.

Personally, I'm convinced that single parenting has to be one of the most difficult jobs in the world. It's hard on us and it's hard on our kids. Frankly, when I hear about single celebrities starting families alone, I can't help but wonder: why would anyone choose to be a single parent? (Do you ever feel that way?) I'm not saying that there aren't worse things; it's just that I can't imagine volunteering for the job.

Let's make the Single Parenting blog into a trusted friend to whom we can turn for advice and support. Even though we often feel like we're the only ones raising kids on our own, it's comforting to know that, in fact, there are plenty of us who do know what it's like.

Am I sounding negative? I don't mean to at all. There are countless blessings that come with being a Mom or Dad, no matter what the circumstances. But all parents know that there are headaches and heartaches too; and when there's no one with whom to share those burdens, it can be incredibly difficult. It's not negativity; it's reality.

So let's provide each other with a cyberspace shoulder to lean on. I would love your help with this!

Right now I'm compiling a list of topics on which I'd like to focus on the Single Parenting blog. Could you please let me know if you have any suggestions or ideas about how we can make this blog as useful as it can be to all of us?

For example, it would be great if we could discuss things things like:

• how we came to be single parents
• how we've dealt with certain experiences unique to single parenting (for example, I had to "teach" my son how to shave for the first time)
• single parents and dating
• making time to take care of ourselves too
• how "double" parents and others view us/treat us
• "handling" teenagers alone (especially when they tower over you!)
• single parenting and special needs (in our kids and/or ourselves; for example, my son and I both have ADD)
• how to do it all (actually, how not to -- we can't!)

These are just a few off the top of my head. Tell me what you think; tell me what you need. Just post your thoughts here and we'll get started on Monday.

I'm looking forward to "meeting" all the single parents at Families.com and to the support I know we can provide each other. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! -- Fran

[seatides]

Hi fellow single parents! The Single Parenting Blog is open for business! Come on over! (Just click on Single Parenting in my signature below.) I know you're here at Families.com, because 78 of you have read my introduction. I'm just hanging out here at the Blog, waiting for you to join me!

Take a look at the single parenting issues I'm writing about. I'd love to hear what you have to say. If you see topics that interest you, let me know; if you don't, then let me know what you'd like to talk, read or know more about.

Thanks. Take care and I'm looking forward to hearing from you! -- Fran Hopkins

*****
Wherever you are, whoever you are, know that your life is unfolding just as it should be, all is in divine order, and every precious little moment on this planet is worthy of your presence.
--Nancy Vogl, co-author, "Chicken Soup for the Single Parent's Soul"