Strong Family, Strong Child

By Julie Prescott

Every child needs the support of those around him. In this book from the “Single Parent Wisdom” series, you’ll find tips on how to make your child feel connected no matter what form your family takes. What is “normal” child behavior? Are my expectations realistic? Other subjects discussed in this easy-to-read book: spend “just us” time with each child; remove chaos in your family’s life; solve family problems together; plan for a future; ask for help until you get it. Regular Family Meetings help to distribute chores, establish house rules, plan family fun, and even plan meals. Over 50 men and women share their wisdom of what worked and what didn’t during their years as single parents. Now with children grown, they can reflect on that time to provide answers to the questions that bothered them. Plus, they answer the phrase: If only I knew then, what I know now.... Wisdom everyone can benefit who is involved in the life of a child.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Julie Prescott
• Release date: Feb 21, 2011
• ISBN: 9780982513989

Julie Prescott

Julie has been writing her thoughts and fancies since she was a teen. "It is a marvelous way to empty your brain, for the moment," Prescott relays.When she became a single parent at the age of 27, Prescott knew there had to be help available, besides Dr. Spock's book. She didn't start writing the Single Parent Wisdom series until her three children and two step children were adults. She found looking back was the way to help others. She could see what worked and what didn't. What she worried and fretted about when they were young that didn't need so much attention. Prescott asked others to help answer questions she had when the children were young, but now the children were grown. Over 100 former single parents with young children who were now adults, answered her questions and the series: Single Parent Wisdom: If only I knew then what I know now...

Book preview

Strong Family, Strong Child

by Julie Prescott

Smashwords Edition

Wynot Publications, Corning, Iowa

Copyright 2011 Wynot Publications

Other ebooks by Julie Prescott in the Single Parent Wisdom series available at Smashwords.com are 25 Ways to Encourage Good Behavior; Parents! Take Care of Yourself; Listen More, Talk Less; and Get in Control! Feel Emotions, Choose Behavior. Download our FREE ebook of questions and concerns you should be aware of with child care: Know Who is Watching your Child. Check back often at my author’s page, http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/singleparentwisdom as more books are added.

This book is available in print at most online retailers.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Strong Family, Strong Child

Set Family Goals Together

Plan for a Future

Ask for Help

**

Bibliography & Resources

Disclaimers and Permissions

Introduction

Once you become a family – Me turns into We. No matter the circumstances everyone in your family needs to feel welcome, valued and loved. There needs to be a sense of family.

When you are responsible for a child:

~ Be there. Guide him. Show him he has a positive future.

~ Be proactive. Take charge of your family and what happens to it. Reduce the chaos in your life, please.

~ Ask for help when you need it. Keep asking until you get the help your family needs.

I was a single parent for 11 years. My three children and two step children are now adults. Still puzzled about questions I had while parenting, I seek the answers to help young parents today. Interviewing parents like me -- single parents when their children were young, but now their children are grown -- we find the answers. Who better to tell us what works and what does not than solo parents who have made all of the decisions and handled all of the responsibility. From our experiences we have learned when to

listen to the experts and when to realize we actually do know best. We know when to let the matter slide and when to seek help. We are wiser. We are your SPWisdom support group.

These key points surfaced from the interviews and questionnaires answered by our solo parents:

Be Consistent

Be consistent about the BIG problems. Teach the values that are important to you. Consistency provides stability and structure that your children need. Have faith in your judgment.

When you are in doubt, there are books for many problem areas, workshops to attend, and people to talk with about parenting choices.

~ You will naturally be inconsistent about the little stuff, depending on how much energy you have that day.

Be Patient & Loving

Your child needs to know that you love her now and forever. Everyday, tell and show your child that she is important in your life.

Time is Short

-- Choose your battles. Not all fights are worth the outcome.

-- Be proactive. Take charge of your life. Take the steps to control what happens to your family.

-- Do your best.

-- Your child will be an adult before you know it.

Be Age-Appropriate with your Child

Expecting a child to handle challenges beyond her ability may frustrate, scare, upset, confuse, or harm her. As the parent or guardian, you need to be aware of what the child can handle at her current physical, social, emotional, and intellectual level.

The comments in this book are not designated for a certain age. You will need to decide when a suggestion or tip is age-appropriate to apply to your child. Some advice is meant for preschoolers but not for teens, and vice versa.

**

For a better understanding of what to expect at what age, the Single Parent Wisdom website includes a page on child development at http://www.singleparentwisdom.com/Child_Development.html.

Reduce the Chaos

Don’t accept chaos as a natural part of your life. Change something. Aim for a calm household. Have structure in your days. Life gets better with less chaos.

Be a Role Model

Every now and then you will be reminded that you are your child’s number one role model. She watches everything you do and say. Make her proud!