As a single mother on Mother's Day, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed (and even sad) thinking you have to plan your own special day. With 50 percent of marriages ending in divorce each year, single mothers around the country are faced with the task of making their special day as memorable as they can. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1.

You deserve a Mother's Day celebration

Make the day special - even if you have to plan it yourself. This day is for you and you deserve a special celebration. All year long you wear many hats - mom, nurse, chef, taxi driver, coach, party planner, and yes, maid. So once a year, for one special day, you get to be just Mom. Don't let the day go by unrecognized.

2.

Teach your children about Mother's Day

Teach your children at a young age the meaning of Mother's Day. Tell them what it means to you, and what it meant to you as a child. Discuss the different types of celebrations and gifts you gave to your mother. Go to your local library and read an age-appropriate book to them about Mother's Day. It is an important part of their heritage to learn how to celebrate different holidays, so they can pass this information on to their children.

3.

Tell your children what you expect

When I was in my late 20s, I was a single mother of two. I remember telling my children (ages 5 and 7 at the time), that all I wanted for Mother's Day was a big hug and kiss and a great big, "I love you!" That year, they not only gave me what I asked for, but both made big beautiful cards that I still have 30 years later. It is truly the little things in life that mean the most. Make sure to visit your local craft store to have plenty of supplies on hand for the younger children. Older children will want to buy you something, so enlist the help of family, friends or neighbors to help them.

4.

Plan a get together with other single moms

Invite other single mothers and their children over for a potluck dinner. Make sure to also invite mothers whose adult children might live out of town. No mother should spend Mother's Day alone. Everyone can bring something to keep the cost low. Plan some outside games with the children and enlist the children's help to decorate. Again, make sure to set the expectation that the children will help and will be responsible for cleaning up after the party. After all, it is your day!

5.

Take time to reflect

It is always great to receive gifts, but it is more important to reflect on the happy times and your feelings about being a mother. Being a single mother has many challenges, and each day you are facing these challenges head-on. Be proud of your accomplishments. Go ahead, pat yourself on the back because you deserve it.

Mother's Day shouldn't be the only day of the year that we celebrate mothers. Mothers all around the world are all doing the most significant thing possible - providing protection and nurturing our children's future with only a solitary pair of hands. This, in itself, deserves daily recognition. Happy Mother's Day!

The post 5 tips for a happy Mother’s Day for divorced moms appeared first on FamilyToday.

Stepparenting today

Long ago, the terms stepmother and stepfather were used to describe the new parent who stepped in after the real parent's death. Today the stepparent is less often a substitute than he is an added parent.

Parenting can be one of the most rewarding things we do in our lives. It can also be one of the most difficult undertakings; and parental responsibility is not a responsibility we can take lightly. Taking on the role of stepparent can, perhaps be the most difficult undertaking of all.

Being a parent triggers memories and emotions from your own childhood, whether conscious or unconscious. This may or may not bring fear when thinking about raising another person's child. Parents may raise children in a way similar to their own upbringing, or may strive to give their children an entirely different upbringing.

Stepparenting can be a challenge

It can be difficult to talk about stepparenting in general terms because each situation varies. Finding yourself as a stepdad or stepmom to a child under 3 years is easier than coming into an established family with several children ranging in age from 4 to 16. Stepparenting those age 17 and beyond also has its unique challenges.

Stepparents find raising stepchildren involves, not only difficulties with the child or children involved, but also potential conflict with your partner, their ex-partner and an internal struggle with yourself. Where differences may arise between you and a stepchild, you will inevitably be confronted with, "Why should I listen to you, you are not my father," or something similar.

The role of stepparent

When conflict arises with your partner over a parenting decision, you might find yourself being demoted to the position of a second-class parent and find yourself caught between your partner and the child or with both siding against you.

The manner in which you approach the role of parent or stepparent and the attitude you put forth will differ from those around you. You must pay particular attention to your actions so as to not alienate yourself from your partner or the children.

Blending as a stepfamily

Most everything you read about stepparenting has to do with evil stepmothers, obnoxious children, responsibility with no control, resentful ex-partners and lack of worth or appreciation. But do not be discouraged, because there is a better side to stepfamilies. Stepfamilies, when working together, can work even better than the original family units that made them.

Things to take into consideration when blending a family are:

• finances

• living arrangements

• holidays

• grandparent responsibilities

• and legal ramifications

Adjustment time

Most changes to a family structure require adjustment time for everyone involved. When families blend to create stepfamilies, things rarely progress smoothly. A few children may resist the changes occurring, while parents may become frustrated or disappointed when the new family does not appear to function like their previous family.

With the right guidance and realistic expectations, most blended families are able to work out their growing pains and live together successfully. To create a healthy blended family you need:

• open communication

• positive attitudes

• mutual respect

• and plenty of love and patience

In conclusion, getting into a stepfamily can be rewarding and will make for new adventures. As with every new adventure, hold on tight because there will be bumps along the way but the ride will be spectacular.

The post Being evil is not required: Taking on the role of stepparent appeared first on FamilyToday.