Struggling with
single parenthood?

Stress Busters

Adjust Your Attitude

Just Ask Dr. Leah... Any advice for dealing with an ex-spouse?

Dr. Leah's Reply... Some ex-spouses are cooperative and committed to their children. Those who have that good fortune should count their blessings. Others should look for common ground. You share children and want the best for them. ADJUST YOUR ATTITUDE! Time for bitterness and acrimony is over. When anger continues, the only ones who get hurt are your children. Know what you are dealing with and play to your former partner’s strengths, not weaknesses. If you can only communicate by e-mail, do that. Try to be the bigger person. Your children will benefit.

Plan Ahead

JUST ASK DR. LEAH... I can find child care, except when my child is sick. The day care center refuses to take sick children. I must get to my job or I won't have a job and be able to support us. Money is tight. What can I do?

DR. LEAH'S REPLY...Any parent can tell you that your child will get sick and it always will be at the most WORST time…the day of your big meeting or the day you have to leave on a business trip. PLAN AHEAD! Try to find an alternate day care center that takes care of sick children. Arrange with an older neighbor, who may not want full-time responsibilities, but will pitch in with some TLC, when needed. Do in return things that are easy for you. Carry heavy parcels. Shop for her when doing your own shopping. Help out in bad weather. Provide transportation. Share some of your family joy. See if you can arrange for mutual assistance with a stay-at-home mom. She might be willing and happy to cover you in an emergency, if you could provide some weekend child care or do a couple of extra shifts of the car pool.