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Show Health Forum Heres To Your Health! September 21, 1993 A Service Of The Prevention Program 11 Ginny DeWitt, Coordinator The Single Parent Challenge: What You Need, What You Get One in four parents raises a child alone. Of these single parents, 90 percent are Ewomen. From their experiences, information about how to cope with this challenge is becoming more readily available. As a single parent, youll probably need extra understanding, patience and cooperation. In turn, youre likely to develop a new sense of independence and You can become strong and adaptable. Your children can become responsible and secure. Your relationship with your children can become closer than ever. Common Trade Offs Mostparents make sacrifices for their children. Single parents compromise for two. You can probably expect: 1. A sense of loss of self, along with loss of personal time. 2. Tension from forced association self-confiden- with an or s. 3. Taking blame for the upsetting in-law- ex-spou- se behavior of your child. 4. Worry about finances. Your list may be shorter or longer. Most single parents agree that, in the beginning, they feel poor, lonely, overwhelmed and guilty. Ways to Cope Once you understand your feelings, you can make a plan to reduce your stress. First, you might take the time to get quality day care. This can reduce your distractions while you work. Second, you might want to talk with others who have solved single parenting problems for themselves. Friends, support groups, and coworkers can share ideas. You may also be able to share chores and services. Third, you can take advantage of the resources available for single parents. . Community and special interest groups exist to provide help when you need it. Financial advisors, time management experts and others can help you feel youre in control. Fourth, you can take good care of yourself so that you can provide quality time for your children. Its estimated that the average parent spends just 20 minutes a day with an individual child. This is barely enough for checking and scolding. When youre feeling good, you can have the energy to be more involved. Benefits For Your Children . Children who travel to visit the other parent make new friends and spend more time with new adults. This experience can be enriching. Talking about it can help you child feel secure within the family. The interdependence your children develop can help you feel closer to one another. Children of single parents often develop an early sense of individual responsibility. For example, sharing housework can provide special time for sharing feelings and experiences. Performing assigned duties can give your child a sense of importance in your household. Turn Negatives Into Positives By discovering how others cope, you can find ideas for yourself. You can turn negatives into positives for you and your child. Westminsters Single Parent Support group meets on Fridays from 7 p.m. in Carleson 202. Free babysitting is provided for newborns through 12 years. If interested, please contact Jennie Wycoff at 488-414New members are welcome! 5-- 3. that you and THIS atmroom $ DO? 6g SL To r iwe CSV of os r. ,sir ! , V-v- i A .i. SosT . CAUTOO-- i s Cfixe,T Hvg. fO Moec MFoeMATicW t, I Wcmu ntxt o bbJklfejf utAtU Mb swift. ' tV,: - v I The Best Ones are UloithJO J Grand in ; . dio I " Drawing ability wont be a factor in determining the Scholarships competition is being held In conjunction with National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week. Scholarships arc underwritten by Anheuser-Busc- h. This best poster concepts. Nineteen scholarships will be awarded. The grand prize is $5,000 for the brightest idea. A matching grant will be given to the winner's school. Two runners up will each receive $i,ooo. Sixteen third place winners will be awarded $500 each. w Contest ends December All r 17, 1993- - entries must be accompanied by an official entry form. may obtain a form and a complete set of official competition rules at: SHAN You 1Q7 GINNY .DEHTnyraCT 144 V?' or write to "Know When To Say When" Poster Competition, 1000 Ceyer Avenue, St. Louis, MO IWi 63104. 01 Sut-Typ- M,LLioM .. kwj (SXfVX) ItJi.S diop'de encodes could be euKwAt-e-d . "Know When To Say When" Poster Competition Thats right, were paying big bucks for the mos illuminating" poster ideas that communicate a of personal responsibility about alcohol. So, grab entTy form and enlighten us with your creativity. Pictet op $ tVtuW . evew YeA. 1 |