Society has a divorce complex fuelled by the media and it's hurting everybody

Society has a divorce complex fuelled by the media and it's hurting everybody

It's clear that society has a divorce complex fuelled by the media and it's hurting everybody. The reason it took me so long the separate was that I feared being labelled a failure, a bad parent, and 'one of them'! Why did I think that? Why do a lot of people think that?

Girls need their dads - don't go for sole custody

Girls need their dads - don't go for sole custody

I was having a conversation with a mom the other day who had just separated and wanted to go for 100% custody of her two girls. My first question was, 'Is he a bad father? Is he an alcoholic, drug-user, or violent? 'No', was her answer, 'he just won't bring them up as well as I would!' What could I say? What should I say? 'Does he love them?' Her answer was, 'well yes of course ...

Successful shared parenting – starting right

Successful shared parenting – starting right

After having conversations with parents about how to manage children between two households, you soon realise that many parents are overwhelmed with what has to be discussed and organized with their ex to ensure everybody stays sane. An Australian support service, Relationships Australia, has produced a great parenting plan document that walks you though all the areas needing resolution, and is relevant to any family in any country. Here is a quick overview ...

The perks of being a single parent

The perks of being a single parent

While there are hundreds of Facebook pages, Twitter feeds and blogs that re-enforce the woes of being a single parent, we thought it was high time to look at the positives. So every day I am going to add to this list to share 100 positive sides of being a single parent. I would love to hear your suggestions if you would like to share. Enjoy!

Appreciate what you have, not what you haven't

Appreciate what you have, not what you haven't

It's very easy to get trapped in the 'glass half empty' cycle - especially when you've been through a major life-changer like separation and lose the ability to appreciate what you have. While it can be comforting to stay put at your own pity party with gin and tonic in hand, life's too short not to be happy, so here is the Happiness Institute's advice for being happy ... 

Super moms and dads are definitely single

Super moms and dads are definitely single

Juggling becomes a refined craft when you become a single parent, so many of you would agree that super moms and dads are definitely single. Some days it feels like you're super Mario navigating a racetrack and just trying not to collide into anything. A typical weekday in a single parent household looks like this ...

Getting organized after a divorce or separation

Getting organized after a divorce or separation

In any relationship, someone usually takes the role of organizing finances, social calendars, the grocery list and the children. So if you're faced with separation, a big struggle is getting organized if you weren't this person. Below are just a few things that usually get missed when separating:

1. Take your name off bills: If you are leaving the home, once you separate officially, you have to remove yourself from the bills, otherwise you are equally accountable if they are not paid...