Mommies and Daddies in Jail
We
were out walking. A police car stopped and looked at my Daddy. Soon
there were lots of police cars and flashing lights. I was scared. I
wondered what was happening.
If you are the parent caregiver for a child or children whose mom is
incarcerated, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
During the holiday season, you and your child may be struggling with
many issues. You may be juggling work and home responsibilities and
feel as if you are on an emotional roller coaster. The holidays are
a time for thinking about others and reaching out to your loved ones.
Here are some action steps that may be helpful for you and your child
now and, of course, throughout the year.
1. Be honest with your child about the parent
who is incarcerated.
2. Allow your child to express his or her
own fears and anger.
3. Consider allowing your child to phone,
write letters and cards or visit the incarcerated parent.
4. Seek support from your local agencies,
faith-based organizations, and school personnel that can help you and
help your child through these difficult and often overwhelming times.
Despite the painful struggle that comes with this situation, you and
your child CAN be in control, CAN be empowered, and CAN create a good
life. Learn more each month. By Judi L. Goozh and Sue Jeweler
While walking through one of my favorite discount stores the other
day, I happened upon a scene that gave me hope for America’s future.
It was change I could believe in, for sure.
As her four children hopped around her, begging her in their most pitiful
voices to buy them something, a mother stood, impassive, obviously immune
to their retail angst, chanting, “No, no, no, no, no, no, no….”
As I walked by, smiling at her, it struck me that the economy, bad as
it is, could have beneficial effects on parenting. After all, I haven’t
witnessed a scene of that sort in quite some time, and I’ve seen two
in the last two weeks, in two different cities, widely separated. Something
is happening.
Living with Children
John Rosemond
Copyright 2009, John K. Rosemond
The Importance of Relationships
Tired of Dating the wrong person? Relationships strained with family
and friends? Want a better sex life? Then these two amazing experts
are the answer for you in 2010. We proudly welcome Dr. Pepper Schwartz
Ph.D and Dr. Maureen Vernon Ph.D as experts in the field of relationships,
families and sex.
Click on the “heart” icon to read fascinating articles you just won’t
want to miss starting in January.
As I continue this column, I welcome questions that may assist all single parents and caregivers. I will strive to provide the best possible information for the care of your child.
About Fran R. Cogen, MD, CDE. Dr. Cogen is the director of the Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes Program at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC, and was named as one of the Best Doctors in America. She has served on the American Diabetes Association National Diabetes Education Recognition Committee and is currently the Physician Representative of The National Certification Board for Diabetes.
Laurent Amzallag – Fitness Personality
He has been named as one of the 50 most influential people in the world of fitness by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Do you want to get back into shape but can’t find the time as a single parent? Laurent is passionate about getting you back into shape in 2010! Oprah recently chose Laurent as her fitness expert to motivate and get all her guests to “shake their booties” on her “Live Your Best Life” tour. ELLE Magazine also featured Laurent in their June 2004 issue, describing his fitness training style as “Sexercise.” Laurent’s charismatic energy and motivational skills have led to a long list of international bookings and promotions for his revolutionary brand of fitness: The YaLa Workout. The YaLa (“Let’s Go”) Workout combines strength conditioning exercises and dance moves choreographed to world beats. Laurent will be helping you stay in shape or get back into shape in this New Year!
INTRODUCING… Chester Raccoon
in iKids
Chester Raccoon, author Audrey Penn, will help your children in very special ways. Famously known for the story, “The Kissing Hand”, we will bring this delightful character into your home. Chester will guide your child on how to handle tough feelings; which is very important in a separation or divorce for kids. Fun is important too! Chester will share fun games, crafts and introduce your children to many interesting stories. Your children will learn many useful and interesting things and… Make a new friend! Go to iTeens to learn more!
Inspiration
Dr. Sok weaves humor and richness of his experiences as a single parent,
athlete, educator and practitioner in a down-to-earth and engaging style.
He is a sought-after doctor and advisor to high school, college, and
professional athletes, as well as Olympic team members. Dr. Sok was
selected as the "Sports Chiropractor of the Year" 2006. As a Doctor
of Chiropractic and Diplomat of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports
Physicians, he presently is one of the team doctors for the Baltimore
Ravens of the NFL and is part of the Sports Medicine Team for the University
of Maryland Terrapins. He also previously served as the team chiropractor
for the Washington Nationals (MLB) and Bowie Baysox.
In 1997, Dr. Sok completed his residency at the Olympic Training Center
in Colorado Springs. Dr. Sok was a member of the USA Sports Medicine
Team for the 1999 Pan Am Games and was the team doctor for the 1998
Goodwill Games. He is also the team chiropractor for the University
of Maryland Baltimore County, where he has worked with their Sports
Med staff since 1991.
I am excited to be a regular contributor for iSingleParent.com and to
be able to share my experiences as a single dad and professional from
the iDad perspective. Join me in 2010 as we co-parent together and make
choices that make sense for our children.
"Parenting by the book" 
