From the category archives:

Single Parents

First Things First! Getting Back To What’s Really Important!

by Syreeta on March 1, 2011

Have you gotten caught up in the busy-ness of life too?

You are not alone! At some point or another, we all do!

Make a commitment today to get back on track.

Today, Marlon and I recommitted ourselves to our daily couple study time of reading Proverbs. This is something we started out doing daily early on in our marriage and truth be told even while we were dating. However, with our careers, children and various other responsibilities we sort of started ‘doing it when we could!” We asked ourselves, “How could something so important to both of us just fall by the wayside?” So as of today, this morning, March 1st, 2011, we have recommitted ourselves to reading Proverbs together as a couple every day just like we used to do.

There are 31 Proverbs. And so we read the Proverbs chapter corresponding to that particular day of the month. After our reading, we share our key insights and our perspectives with one another. We also share the takeaways we each had from the reading and discuss how we can best support each other in our new learnings and commitments.

Have you gotten “lost” in the busyness of life? The routines, the schedules, the moving from one thing til the next? Then going to bed exhausted only to wake up tomorrow and do the same thing over again?

Follow us along on this journey. In fact join us! There are 31 Proverbs and there are 31 days in March so re-commit to your couple’s time and join us today.

We realize with our busy schedules and our young children we may need to adjust the time but we are going to be intentional about the frequency (daily). When we are traveling then it’s by phone. See what works best for you and your schedule. Whether you are reading Proverbs alone or if you and your spouse (or fiance’) are doing this as a couple, you will definitely benefit from this. Plan ahead and schedule this time in advance. Be intentional, be flexible but most of all be committed!

Feel free to post your insights here on this blog so we can all learn from one another’s experiences.

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Inspiration for Single Mothers

by Marlon & Syreeta on March 31, 2010

According to a report released by the U.S. Census Bureau in August, 2007, there are approximately 13.6 million single parents in the United States, and those parents are responsible for raising 21.2 million children

When I first met Syreeta, she shared with me that she was a single mother.  As we got to know each other better, I came to appreciate her strength, her compassion, her strong work ethics, and her faith. Syreeta and I eventually got married and we’re now blessed with a wonderful family.

You may be a single parent or you may not be.  Regardless, you will definitely benefit from the following 4 insights.  Feel free to share these insights because there’s tremendous power when you help others be their best.

1. Celebrate Who You Are!

Regardless of how you became a single mother – by choice, divorce, death, etc., it doesn’t matter.  What matters is that you have been blessed to create life and now you have the opportunity to nurture, protect and care for a child.

Find the positive in being a single mother rather than focusing on the negative aspects of it.  You have the power to define what it means to be a single mom from YOUR own perspective. Instead of allowing someone else to label you, determine your own measure of success as a parent.

2. Empower Your Children

You are the world to your children. Make the most of your time with them.  Set the example by showing your children how much you value education.  Schedule time to take them to the library and read books. Get involved with their school.  Attend school events, PTA meetings, and teacher-parent sessions. Go to the museums. Have family time where the TV, radio and computer are turned off and allow your child to pick a topic to discuss.

Your children are watching you all the time.  Reinforce these habits now and your children will grow up, understanding the importance of an education and the value of learning new things.

3. Network With Others For Support

Meet other parents at your child’s school.  It’s likely that there are other single moms with children attending your child’s school.  Exchange phone numbers so you can create a support network.

Many churches have youth programs, parent prayer groups, and family activities.  Get involved with these activities because it’s definitely true that “It takes an entire village to raise a child.”

4. Make Time For You!

In the midst of all that is happening in our busy lives, do not forget about you!  Mothers, in particular, tend to take care of everyone else, pouring so much into their children and making sure everyone around them is ok.  And with all that mothers give, it’s easy to forget to take care of themselves. On a regular basis, do something nice and special for you because in order for you to bless others, you must first recharge your energy or else you may one day suffer from overload and stress.  Remember this: For you to be able to water other people’s lives, you must continue to replenish your own well.

What is your feedback to this message?

Did anything in particular resonate with you?

Do you agree or disagree?

We welcome your feedback so go ahead and  post your comment…

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Are there any other insights and “words of wisdom” for single parents to be their best?

January 6, 2010

Regardless of how you became a single parent raising your child or children, I encourage you to stay positive, knowing that tomorrow is a new day. Living in the past with an unforgiving heart does not bring any good to you or your present situation. The key is to learn from the past and move [...]

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