Hustle

As a single parent everything seems to run thin....time, money, clothes, shoes, food....there is always a need but if you are like me and don't get any assistance then how do you meet these needs. Hustle...find the thing you are good at or better yet what can you do that people will pay you! In a world with Uber, Left, GrubHub and Postmates get you a hustle that will pay you but allows you flexibility. Avon, Tupperware....don't be afraid to add income to your household with the free time that you have. You are good with hair, cooking, baking....then hop to it, your family needs you!

Co-Parenting

The dreaded "C" word that comes about once you and your significant other separate with kids....co-parenting. Immediately all these scenarios flash past your eyes. Ugh! What do I do?!?!?! Well lets see where we can start?

First start with the most important person in the situation. YOUR LITTLE ONE!
Put them first. Yes, I said put them first. Not your feelings or emotions ...them!

• My advice: If you feel the rage or sadness building, take a moment and come back to the conversation so that you can respond from a rational place instead of emotional place.

Then ask yourself, How can I be agreeable? This does not include being a push over but it does mean that sometimes you will have to be available in ways that you don't care for to make sure your child is happy.

• My example: Driving my daughter out of my way about 20 minutes so she could attend a birthday party for her father's significant others child. She wanted to go and me not allowing her to go would only be to satisfy myself in the moment. It wasn't worth it. 

Next time you are trying to work through a situation with your ex, try these two scenarios for more effective co-parenting.