Tag Archives: role model

Differences Between Mothers And Fathers

As a mother, I often catch myself telling my husband what to do with our baby. Of course, the decisions I make concerning parenting are the best possible choices, and he could only benefit from hearing my advice, right? Most women are born with a strong motherly instinct. To many of us, caring for children comes naturally. As youngsters, many girls gravitate toward playing with dolls, caring for stuffed animals, and preparing meals for toys. As young teenagers, many become interested in babysitting. As mothers, especially breastfeeding mothers, we are often the primary caregivers for our infants. There’s no doubt … Continue reading →

Role Models of Another Gender

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As a single parent with an absent non-custodial father, I always worried about my daughter having a strong male role model in her life. I did all I could by being the best mom I could be. I worked so I could provide her with shelter, food, clothes, and an over-abundance of toys. I made it a point of doing special mom and daughter things, such as painting our nails, going to a movie, shopping, etc. But there was one thing I could not do: teach her how to have a relationship with a man. I am not talking romantic … Continue reading →

You Can’t Fill Every Role As A Single Parent

Single parents often feel very alone, almost like you’re the only one in the world facing these particular problems and challenges. Although everyone does have their personal uphill battles, according to the US Census Bureau, in 2006 there were 12.9 million one-parent families in the United States. Of those, 10.4 million were single mothers. Assuredly, today there are millions more. So, the good news is that we really aren’t alone. The bad news is, it’s still a tough job fulfilling so many roles. Is it really possible to be everything to your child or children? As a self-proclaimed workaholic and … Continue reading →

How Much Forgiveness Should We Model?

As role models for our kids, we parents have tall orders—we have to set an example and model desirable character traits and behaviors, but we also have to allow for some flaws and humanity. One of the things I know that single parents can model for our kids is forgiveness—such an important life lesson. We might start to wonder, however, how MUCH forgiveness we should model and when our forgiveness lessons have crossed over into co-dependency? I think about forgiveness in two pieces—there are the little, daily constant infractions that we need to learn how to let go of and … Continue reading →

You Can Be a GOOD Example, Not a Perfect One

Just like most of you, I take my role as a parent rather seriously. I truly believe that I am a role model and an “example” for my kids. Does this mean I think I am perfect or that I even try to be? Okay, maybe there have been times when I TRIED to be perfect-but the truth is, I can be a good example and a decent role model, but I definitely cannot be perfect! I really do want my kids to know that I am a flawed human being, not at all perfect but trying all the time … Continue reading →

What Can YOU Do for Other Single Parents?

I remember a few years back there was an ad campaign on TV where all of these sports stars stated: “I am NOT a role model.” Okay, I can understand that, but as a single parent, instead of isolating or distancing ourselves from our single parent affiliation, it might be more worth our while to figure out ways to be supportive and encouraging of other single parents… It might seem like single parents are just like any other parents and don’t particularly need any solidarity or encouragement—I do not necessarily think that is true. In fact, offering to share with … Continue reading →

Consider Becoming an Advocate

I used to get really turned off by the word “advocate”—I think I felt like it was really putting myself on the line if I took up a cause and decided to become an advocate. But, as a single parent, I have found that I feel so strongly about the struggles and joys of single parent families that I feel compelled to advocate for us! I want to invite other single parents (and their friends) to become supporters and believers in the single parent family scene… Perhaps it sounds a bit hokey or like I’m some sort of kook to … Continue reading →

You May Be an Entrepreneurial Role Model

Sure, some people might think you’re crazy to give up the security of a nine-to-five, traditional job–and they may be very vocal in letting you know how they feel about it too. But, there are others who just may be looking to you as a role model–someone who has taken the plunge and started their own home business. I admit that I do feel a bit of this when people are asking me about my work or pumping me for details about how it works. I feel like I have some responsibility to be both honest and encouraging. I am … Continue reading →

Bringing Your Spouse to Christ

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A friend of mine shared her struggles with me of trying to help her husband desire a relationship with Jesus. They met during a time neither of them knew the Lord; while they’d been using illegal drugs. My friend worked to stay grounded in church upon receiving Christ and became over eager to convert her husband. This seemed to cause him to resist her. He thought she’d really lost it. The more she backed off the more open he was to supporting her (as he saw it) by going to Easter and Christmas services. My husband was not a believer … Continue reading →

Your Biggest Fans

My husband is quite the super star in our home. While I’m with our kindergartener and three year old all day, feeding them and playing with them, it’s their daddy who gets flooded with adoration when coming home from work. At the sound of the garage door opening, the kids drop everything they are doing as if some super pop star has just arrived. It’s not just our boys who are excited to see him either. My husband’s arrival home means I have my best friend with me again to talk with and to help occupy the kids. We are … Continue reading →