EVERYTHING
FOR YOUR FAMILY
Single Parenthood
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I know what you’re thinking. Oh, sure…New Year’s “resolutions,” wink, wink. But this time, I mean business. Forget diets, running marathons and landing that raise. This year, my goal is much loftier: I aim to be a better parent. A kinder, gentler version of the 2003 model. Admittedly, I’ve made mistakes. Who hasn’t? But with my kids growing at mach speed, there’s not much time left to do this parenting thing right. So here goes: Read EVERY DAY with my first-grader: Why is it that children always want your undivided attention at the very moment when it’s splintered in a thousand directions? Every day, my 6-year-old begs, “Mommy, will you read with me?” It’s usually when I’m on the phone or the computer, watering plants or performing some other mundane task that pales in importance next to the sacred privilege of reading with your child nuzzled next to you, whose sweet, soft breath bounces off every page. Miraculous moments. No more hitting the snooze button on this wake-up call. No more, “Just a minute!” Imagine how this household mantra sounds to young ones. Translation: “What I’m doing right now is far more important than what you need.” Instead, I’ll say, “Be right there!” I still can be “just a minute,” but at least it sounds like I care. Spend more time with ... ...my girls, less time in court Kids don’t charge $275/hour for their time, so this is a no-brainer. Stop grilling my daughters after weekend visitations I question them about their time with “dad” to get the conversational ball rolling after a long weekend apart. But secretly, the voyeur in me wants a peek inside this life from which I’ve been cut off. Problem is, my kids feel conflicted, disloyal to their father when they face “THE INQUISITION.” So enough already. Budget better Part of my support payment runs out this year. I need to re-evaluate those mocha lattes. More facials and pedicures Then again, there ARE priorities. After all, a pampered single mom is a happy single mom. Play more with my kids My youngest recently complained, “You never play with us.” ZING! A shot through the heart. In a few years, they won’t be inviting me to play anymore. So I kicked aside the vacuum and played “Uno.” Sadly, it felt awkward not whirling through the house like a tornado. But for one hour in their fleeting lives, I was a “Fun Mom.” Remember, dirt will be here forever. Your children won’t. Talk more positively about the ex My girls once asked, “What did you like best about Daddy?” It took some thought, but I came up with something. And their faces lit up. More group hugs and kisses The three of us like to hug and kiss all at the same time. Silly fun, but it reinforces our bond as strong women in a never-ending circle of love. Get kids to school on time Who am I kidding? Less pizza, more homemade soup See previous comment. Be nicer to the ex I saved the hardest resolution for last. Hey, it’s worth a shot. Then again, there’s always next year . . . Senior Writer Lynn Armitage has already broken a few resolutions. Guess which ones? |
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