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So You're a Single ParentWhat Now? |
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At first, being a single parent may seem overwhelming. Remember how you felt when your first child was born? You were scared but excited. You didn't know what to expect. You were exhausted and awed by your responsibility for this new life. Yet, you rose to the occasion. |
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Single parenting is once again a time for reorientation. This time, it's just you and the kids. |
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If you Are the Custodial Parent. |
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If you are the custodial parent, you will be spending more time than your ex-spouse getting the kids off to school; buying their clothes; and taking them to the doctor and dentist, after-school activities, and friends' houses. But, hey, weren't you doing all that before? |
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What's really different for you now? There are some differences with regard to the children. You will not have backup for discipline. You may be the one helping the kids with their homework all the time. If you haven't so far, you will be the one pitching them balls or shooting baskets with them after school. You will be alone with them at dinner time. |
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With the exception of the last item, this is not all bad. Your relationship with your children will get even closer than before, when you might have shunted them off to their other parent to play his or her role as mother or father. Now you can explore the other world of parenting. |
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But when will I get a break? you might ask. Your break comes when your kids are with their other parent. That's a nice, solid break. Enjoy it! |
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