Post-Adoption E-Magazine, February 2012
Post-Adoption Announcements
Photolisting: If you have your own blog or website, consider adding our Photo Listing Widget to help raise awareness of foster children nationwide.
Blogging: Interested in Blogging? This is the perfect month to share your story. We're currently looking for guest bloggers for the following categories: Adoptive Parenting and Sibling Adoption.
Parenting and the Single Dad
Being a parent is tough work. But being a single parent is even harder. You don't have support that many other couples have when it comes to raising your children. And as a single dad, you essentially need to be both parents at once, and that can be a difficult juggling act for anyone. Even as hard as it can become some days, it's important to remember that you can parent as a single dad and still be ok. You're not alone, and there are resources available to you to help you along your journey.
Female Role Model - No matter if you have sons or daughters, it's important for all children to have both a male and female role model, someone they can look up to. So, if the mother of your children is no longer involved or has passed on, you may need to brainstorm a few ideas. The female role model could be an aunt, grandmother, cousin, or neighbor. It doesn't really matter who it is, as long as you trust her and she will leave a positive impact in the lives of your children.
Get Them Involved - As wonderful as it would be to be able to stay home with your children and be there with them after school, it isn't the reality for many single parents. You probably have a full-time job and other responsibilities. Even though you may not be home, it doesn't mean you have to leave them home alone. Get them involved in after-school activities, sports, or other recreational activities. Let them choose whatever they enjoy. They will love it and you don't have to worry about them being home alone.
Be Open and Approachable - Your children may not have questions or concerns about the family situation now, but they may in the future. Make sure you're approachable. Let your children know that you're there for them and they can ask you anything. Encourage them to ask questions and to share their feelings. While they may not take you up on your offer immediately, it's important that they know that they can trust you.
Get the Assistance You Need - If you're struggling to support your family by yourself, reach out for help and assistance. There are programs available to you. Check with local religious and charitable organizations in your city. You might be surprised by what help you can receive. And don't be ashamed that you need help. These programs have been put in place to help people like you get back on their feet. And there's no shame in that.
Have Some Fun, Too! - While you may meet some struggles along the way, remember to have some fun, too! And having fun doesn't need to cost a cent. Go to the park as a family, take a walk, or visit a nearby National Park on a free day. Get creative, and let your children pick some of the activities. This will increase their own excitement about the day's events. This is your chance to create lifelong memories with your loved ones.
Being a single dad can be complicated, but it's definitely worth it. Ask for help when you need it and have fun as a family when you can. Enjoy each other; that will make the hard times easier to bear and the good times that much more memorable. And if you start to feel overwhelmed, remember to just take it one day at a time.
Post-Adoption Blogs from AdoptionBlogs.com
Monsters Incorporated
For some time, Bunny has been experiencing a reoccurring nightmare. She dreams monsters come in our house and eat our entire family, except for her. She is left alone with no parents, no home, and no place to go. [more]
Easing Birthmoms Pain
I asked my dad once when I was a kid, driving alone together in our family van, how you know you love somebody. He told me that love is a pure emotion that pushes us to act. When you love someone, you truly want them to be happy. If your actions don’t go along with those guidelines, you’re not acting out of love. [more]
Post-Adoption Community, News & Events
Birth and Adoptive Family Relationships - advise please??
She Chose Adoption - Question for the BPs
Single Parenting - frustrated scared...single mom
Birth and Adoptive Family Relationships - My bio parents are driving me crazy!
Birth and Adoptive Family Relationships - advise please??
She Chose Adoption - Question for the BPs
Single Parenting - frustrated scared...single mom
Birth and Adoptive Family Relationships - My bio parents are driving me crazy!
Birth Parenting
Adoptive Parenting Post-Adoption Tip of the Month
Take some time this month to show your love, respect, and appreciation for all members of the adoption triad. Without each side, adoption could never happen.
In Your Words
Have a question? Comment? In Your Words is your way to reach out to the adoption community and get tips from others and share important information.
Share Your Thoughts with Us
Have something to share in the next issue of the emag? Please use the form below to tell us about your thoughts, comments, experiences, feedback, etc. Your submission may appear in an upcoming issue of the emag.
