AVOID THESE SINGLE PARENT TRAPS
Wacky fathers raising kids solo are everywhere on television anyway. But while Hannah Montana's father might not appear to possess a financial care, real-life single fathers make a variety of money mistakes. Here's what not to do:
Being a Single Parent--Set a Limit on Spending and Set an Allowance
Even though this phrase is much more generally put on noncustodial fathers, it's natural for those single parents to feel guilty about depriving their children of the upbringing inside a traditional two-parent home. But regardless of what your teens let you know, the answer is not to purchase them what they want. While an periodic splurge is okay, giving the children more of your energy is better still. Set limits on purchasing provide them with an allowance so that they have money that belongs to them to handle and encourage working for what they want. Those are lessons they'll take to the bank--literally when they're older.
Being a Single Parent--Don't Judge Your Work by its Salary
Your brand-new life can work only when you do not-constantly, that is. That could mean turning down promotions that need lengthy hours or travel or compromising for lower-compensated work nearer to home. What's best is elevated versatility, for example leaving early or telecommuting once per week. In case your job does not offer flextime (take heed, baristas and brain surgeons), don't allow guilt ruin the time you have. Avoid e-mails, cell calls along with other distractions when you are with your children. And become familiar with a new meaning of status: It isn't about job title any longer-it comes down to how adjusted your children become.
Being a Single Parent--Don't be Afraid to Reach Out for Support Groups
Getting custody of the children of the kids does not mean you need to do everything on their behalves yourself. Let Grandmother accompany your daughter to her first manicure. And employ a babysitter from time to time-ask other single parents for referral-so that you can spend time with another grown-up. One note of caution: "People are in a hurry to fix up single fathers," alerts Armin Brott, author of seven books about fatherhood. "They believe that youngsters who aren't with their mother are in times that requires fixing. It's not necessary to take them up on it. Keep in mind that they mean well."
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