A big SALUTE

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The year 2015 is almost over and I can say that this has been one of the most tough and challenging year for me. Most of you might say the same thing but one thing is for sure - WE SURVIVED! That is something to celebrate about right? 

The truth is that it is harder for only parents to deal with everyday life. The challenge to balance our time with our work and our kids may seem too difficult at times but what can we do? We need to be up and about every single waking hour to provide and take care of our responsibilities. If you have accepted this fact of life, then it will be smoother for your from this day forward.

Let us all be merry and enjoy the holidays celebrating the birth of our Savior. Take some time to reflect on the year that was and move forward to a better year ahead. 

A big SALUTE to all parents who survived 2015!

Much love,

The Only Parent (T.O.P.)

Mom's Day!

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It's mother's day this weekend and I want to make a special greeting to all solo moms and dads as well. I noticed that my blog is mostly written for solo moms but most of them also apply to solo dads as well. 

I was out for a month for a vacation with my daughter. We had a great time together and although we don't have much financially, we were able to take this month long vacation with the help of family. I am telling you this because being the only parent, you would need the support of family and friends. Do not shut out people around you. Do not be too proud to think that you can do it alone because you can't. You will need the support of anyone who can help. This is to ensure that you can live an almost normal life without getting stressed out everyday. 

So this Mother's Day weekend, why not do something special for yourself? Go out and enjoy the day with your children. Or if you don't have the budget for it (which happens often - believe me I know the feeling), you can stay home and bond with your kids. Play a board game, cook together or whatever it is you can do to make this day more special. Build memories and enjoy!

Much love,

The Only Parent (T.O.P)

Special Occasions and Celebrations

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This is probably the best thing if you are the only parent. You get to choose where you want to spend special occasions. There will be no arguments where you should be on Christmas and where you should celebrate the New Year. For all the years I am a mother, I spent only 2 Christmases and New Years without my side of the family. It was boring! 

For the past 12 years, I spent special occasions without needing to check if we have to spend them on the EX side. Actually, EX would ask her daughter to spend Christmas or New Year with them. But my daughter doesn't want to. And since I don't want to spend special days without her, I don't encourage her to go. So tough luck! Hah! 

So, if you are the only parent, be glad that you don't have to skip occasions to go to his side of the family. It is such a blessing that there will be no arguments from now on. 

Much love,

T.O.P. (The Only Parent)

Enjoying the Holidays and other Occasions

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Okay. So there are occasions where a father present can make your child happy. Aside from the usual holidays like Christmas and New Year, you have to deal with Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Graduation and Family Day in school. So what do you do? 

If you are on speaking terms with EX, you can tell him about these occasions. Normally, the school will give a calendar of activities the first month school starts. What I do is text EX all the dates that require parent participation. Then, I just let him decide if he wants to go or not. The most I can do is inform him lest he accuse me of not letting him be involve in his child's life. 

Now, if the father of your child is non-existent, make sure that you are present in all events and occasions where your presence is needed. You can bring grandparents, uncles, aunts and whoever your child sees often. This will make your child feel important and more secure during these times. When you are surrounded with family, there is no reason for you and your child to feel left out. 

Much love,

T.O.P. (The Only Parent)