Managing Life as a Single Parent

About This Course

You love your kids more than anything in the world, but being a single parent is hard work. Whether you're single by choice or because of divorce, loss, or separation, this online parenting course will help you manage your life more effectively, from streamlining your daily routines and dealing with challenging behaviors at home to handling conflicts with your ex and making decisions about dating.

You'll also learn how to build a support network, manage your finances, discipline your kids, and much, much more.

This course is taught by a certified parent coach who specializes in supporting single moms and dads. Each lesson will include interactive enrichment activities as well as the opportunity to discuss the material with your instructor and your fellow classmates.

Throughout the course, you'll develop a clear sense of your strengths as a single parent. Upon completion, you'll be more consistent with your children. You'll know what discipline strategies work best for them and you'll be more confident that you're providing exactly what your children need.

Custodial parents, non-custodial parents, and expectant parents will all benefit from the concepts introduced in this interactive online parenting course for single moms and dads.

About The Instructor

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Jennifer Wolf.

Jennifer Wolf has been teaching parenting classes since 2004. Since earning her Parent Coach Certification® from The Parent Coaching Institute and Seattle Pacific University in 2006, Jennifer has focused on providing ongoing support and encouragement to single moms and dads throughout the U.S. In addition to one-on-one and group coaching, Jennifer has also taught numerous parenting classes and workshops and has written hundreds of articles for single parents on the About.com Parenting Channel. Jennifer is also a certified classroom teacher and the mother of two children.

Syllabus

A new section of each course starts monthly. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

Week 1

Wednesday - Lesson 01

In this lesson, you'll learn how divorce and loss affect children and what types of behaviors you may see as a result. You'll find out how to help your children cope with their feelings and bounce back from adversity. And you'll start building a support system that will meet your needs and provide a safety net for your kids.

Friday - Lesson 02

Being consistent can make your job as a parent much easier. Today you'll write a set of rules for your kids, and you'll find out how to establish consequences that will positively shape your kids' behavior.

Week 2

Wednesday - Lesson 03

Learn about the importance of routines, and choose one to work on this week. Also, find out how family meetings can help you communicate with your kids . . . and how you can deal with resistance when you implement a new routine.

Friday - Lesson 04

In this lesson, I'll debunk some of the myths surrounding your child's most challenging behaviors. I'll advise you on how to deal with your child's most difficult behavioral issues head-on, and we'll talk about whom to turn to when you need additional help. You'll also learn to identify warning signs that your child may need further assistance.

Week 3

Wednesday - Lesson 05

Find out how to select the best child care arrangement for you and your child, interview potential providers, and develop a backup child care plan for emergencies. What if your child is older? We'll talk about preparing her to stay home alone . . . once you've determined that she's mature enough for the added responsibility.

Friday - Lesson 06

Knowing where your money is going is especially important when you're a single parent. In this lesson, you'll learn about basic budgeting principles and actually create a preliminary budget. You'll also learn how to save money on everyday items and increase your earning potential.

Week 4

Wednesday - Lesson 07

Learn where to find help when you need it, including legal help and financial help. You'll also find out how to identify additional sources of help in your own community.

Friday - Lesson 08

Setting boundaries and communicating more clearly will make your life much less stressful. In this lesson, you'll learn about boundaries you need to set with your ex and your ex's family. We'll also cover how to communicate more effectively and how to focus on the positives when talking with or about your ex.

Week 5

Wednesday - Lesson 09

How can you maintain your integrity in the midst of conflict? You'll learn specific skills in this lesson, including being assertive (instead of passive or aggressive) and minimizing or preventing conflict.

Friday - Lesson 10

Rediscover your inner strength by paying attention to your own physical and emotional needs, making time for yourself, and pursuing new interests.

Week 6

Wednesday - Lesson 11

Determine whether you're ready to date again, and if so, prepare your kids for the adjustment into this new phase of your life. Create your own set of dating rules, too, so that you can stay safe and make wise dating choices.

Friday - Lesson 12

Do you feel like there's no time to have fun with your kids? Find out how to carve out time on the weekends for fun activities and day trips. Learn how to plan for holidays and vacations, too, and make the most of the time you have together.

Requirements

Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).