Being a single parent is demanding, especially in today's hectic world. There are many added stresses that intensify day to day living. Single parents must take on many roles, such as mother/father, provider, teacher, friend, counselor, maid, cook, and chauffeur. There are other roles that must be acclimatized to the changing circumstances that come with parenthood, and this busy life can sometimes turn into a circus act. The key is to get the juggling act down and to enjoy life as it should be. Organization, communication, and yes, relaxation are the keys to obtaining healthy and stable families with a single mother or father.
Organization:

Cut back on buying! Lack of money can be a contributing factor to stress for single moms and single dads. Making a budget and sticking by it can cut the cost of frivolous spending. Saving and planning financially will prevent chaotic panic in the future. Although you may think you do not make enough or have enough left over in your budget to invest or save any money, every little bit will add up.

Cutting coupons or using generic brands can save you money. Also, it is a good idea to make a shopping list, putting items in order, as you would see them in the store. This way you will shop for only what you need and are less likely to fill your cart with unnecessary items.

Just think, if you carefully monitored those savings and put it into an account every month, there would be hundreds if not thousands of dollars there to save for the future, your children's education, or even a family reward. Single parents do not always have a financial source to fall back on. Therefore, think of your family's future and save.

Organize your living space. Keep everyday items such as keys, bills, and important phone numbers in designated places so they will be easily accessible when needed. Get rid of any junk mail immediately to avoid piles or filing in the future. Make sure your children put their completed school materials and clothes for the next day in the same place each night. Make packed lunches the night before. Keep a calendar posted to mark down the family's doings and activities.

It is also a good idea to invest in organizational bins and gadgets to save single parent families a headache of a huge spring cleaning project. Have a chart to establish what chores are to be done when and by whom. It promotes responsibility as well as independence. Kids will feel a sense of importance knowing they are a vital part of your family team.

Organization will greatly ease the tension of your busy life for single moms and single dads.
Communication:

 

Sooner or later single parents will come across the dating issue. Often times single moms and single dads feel guilty about re-entering the dating scene. Although single parents live day to day for the well being of their children, they have to remember they have to live there lives as well. It is understandable that there are concerns for the child's feelings of confusion and jealousy. Children can feel such distress and resentment because the non-custodial spouse no longer resides or has a relationship with the custodial parent. Also, when a new companion comes into the picture, children sometimes feel jealous that the parent's attention is not solely on him/her.

When you do decide the time is right to date, introduce your significant other as a friend. Perhaps let your children know you talk to that person on the phone and like to do fun things together. It might be a wise decision to meet in a public place with your children and boyfriend/girlfriend until the kids are comfortable and get to know him/her. A family dinner at home or a holiday gathering may be a little too much too soon for your children to understand your transition into the dating scene.

Many families in the past decades consist of blended families. Step parenting also consists of constant communication between the parents. Discipline issues should be well defined between the custodial parent and spouse. Children need to understand that actions have repercussions and consequences, and disciplining is out of love to help the child develop into a productive adult. Often children will think the stepparent is just being mean. A loving relationship between child and stepparent is ideal to ensure the child grows up understanding that not all families have an "original" mom and dad- and that's okay!

 
Relaxation:

The ideal household would run smoothly with no problems at all. However, that household belongs in a 1950's sitcom series. This is real life, and complications will arise. It is about how we handle the load that is given to us. By staying organized and budgeting money, there should be more quality time for the family to spend together. Keep in mind you do not have to go to expensive theme parks and spend a lot of money on family outings. It is the time you spend with your kids that they will remember and enjoy.

Single parenting is tough. Take time for yourself. You need to relax and take a break from time to time. Read a good book, exercise, take up a anew hobby, or join a social club. It is crucial not to be engulfed solely in the stressful life that single parents live. Remember your doing a good job as a single parent, and your kids will love and appreciate the hard work, effort, and love you are giving to them.

 
Editor's Note:

There are an increasing number of single parent families, either following a divorce, death, separation, or by choice. Current estimates are that there are over 3 million single parent families.
Single parents have a lot of concerns and fears for their children, especially for their emotional well being. Children have their own worries and fears, including worrying that they are the cause for the other parent being gone and a fear that their current parent may also leave. If your child is having a hard time adjusting to living as a single parent family, if he is depressed, overly angry, or if he is having a lot of behavioral problems, then you should consider seeing a counselor or psychologist for help.
It is important to continue being a parent after becoming a single mom or a single dad. You should not feel guilty that you child is growing up in a single parent household and you should continue to discipline your children and to set age appropriate limits. Many single parents make the mistake of giving in to all of their child's wants in an attempt to compensate for being a single parent, and they do not set any limits. This will make your child spoiled, not happy.
Many single parents, especially single mothers, begin sleeping with their children. While this is not always wrong or bad, you should think about why you are doing it before you create this habit. Children often have a hard time giving up bedsharing after they have become used to it. And it will not make them feel more loved or secure.
During and after a divorce, it is important to protect your child from any conflict that may exist between you and your spouse. If possible, both parents should cooperate in raising their children, especially if they have joint custody. And don't speak badly of the other parent in front of your children or criticize what they do together.

Fever by itself is not harmful or dangerous, and unless it is very high (over 41 C ), then it is unlikely to cause brain damage or other problems. Also remember that a child's temperature can vary during the day, and can normally reach a high point of 37.7 C at about 6pm.

Fever is not a disease, instead, it is a symptom that can accompany many childhood illnesses, especially infections. In general, you should call your pediatrician if your infant under three months of age has a rectal temperature above38 C, if your infant aged 3-6 months has a temperature above38.33 C, or if an infant above 6 months has a temperature above 39.44 C.

For most older children, it is not so much the number, but rather how your child is acting that is concerning. If your older child is alert, active and playful, is not having difficulty breathing, and is eating and sleeping well, or if the temperature comes down quickly with home treatments (and he is feeling well), then you don't necessarily need to call your doctor immediately.

However, it is important to keep in mind that a fever is not the only sign of a serious illness. While some children are fine with a temperature of 39 C, others can be deathly ill with a temperature of    38 C or even without a fever or a low temperature. Whether or not your child has a fever, if he is very irritable, confused, lethargic (doesn't easily wake up), has difficulty breathing, has a rapid and weak pulse, is refusing to eat or drink, is still ill-appearing even after the fever is brought down , has a severe headache or other specific complaint (burning with urination, if he is limping, etc), or if he has a fever and it is persistent for more than 24 to 48 hours, then you should call your pediatrician or seek medical attention immediately.

Also, you should call your doctor if your child has a fever and another medical condition (heart disease, cancer, sickle cell, immune system problems, etc.).
When in doubt, call your doctor when your child has a fever, especially if you think that your child is ill appearing.

Treatment of a fever can include using an over-the-counter fever reducer, including products that contain acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil). If you child has an infection, using a fever reducer will not help your child to get better any faster, but they will probably make him feel better. You should also give your child a lot of fluids when he has a fever, so that he does not get dehydrated. Keep in mind that treatment of a fever is usually to help your child feel better, so if he has a fever, but doesn't feel bad, especially if the fever is low grade, then you do not need to treat the fever.

Is it safe to alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen? If you are using the correct dosage of each medicine at the correct times, then it is probably safe in most children, although there is no research to prove that it helps or that it is safe. The problem is that it is easy to get confused and give an extra dose of one or the other medicines. And in some children, especially if they are dehydrated or have other medical problems, giving both medications can cause serious side effects, especially with the kidneys. If you are alternating fever reducers, then write down a schedule with the times that you are giving the medicines so that the correct medicine is always given at the correct time.

Do you have to treat a fever? Not necessarily. In most cases, fever is treated as a comfort measure. Treating a fever, especially if it is caused by an infection, will not help your child to get better any faster, but it may help make him feel better. If your child has a fever, especially if it is low grade, but does not feel bad, then you don't really need to give him a fever reducer.
Should you really starve a fever? Yes, but only in the sense that you don't need to push your child to eat if he doesn't feel well and has a fever. Instead, try and get him to drink extra fluids. If he is hungry and feels like eating, you can continue with his regular diet.

Things to avoid when your child has a fever include:

• Ignoring any fever in an infant under three months of age.
• Giving your child a sponge bath with alcohol.
• Using cold or hot water when giving your child a sponge bath for a persistent fever. Use lukewarm water instead.

Most fevers are caused by infections, such as upper respiratory infections, ear infection, urinary tract infections, strep throat, and many types of viral illnesses, but there are other causes of fever that aren't caused by infections. Some children with fever, especially if it is persistent, can have an inflammatory or immune system disorder, such as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Kawasaki disease, etc. In many of these cases, treating the fever with an anti-inflammatory medicine actually treats the underlying illness and will make the fever go away.

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is a common problem in infants and children. The most common symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose with clear drainage, sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, sore throat, throat clearing and a cough that may be worse at night and in the morning.

These symptoms usually occur during certain times of the year for people with seasonal allergies, corresponding to being exposed to outdoor allergens, such as tree pollens, grasses and weeds.

Other people may have perennial allergies, with problems occurring year round from exposure to indoor allergens, such as dust mites, pets, second hand smoke and molds.

Other signs of having allergic rhinitis include the 'allergic salute,' a common habit of children which consists of rubbing their nose upward. This is usually because the nose is itchy and this practice can lead to a small crease in the skin of the lower part of the nose.

Children with allergic rhinitis also commonly have 'allergic shiners,' which are dark circles under the eyes caused by nasal congestion.

Allergic rhinitis does run in certain families and are more common in children that have asthma or eczema. It is also more common in children that are exposed to second hand smoke, air pollution and pets.

Having uncontrolled allergies can put your child at risk for getting a secondary sinus infection, ear infections, and for having poor concentration at school. It can also make asthma symptoms worse.

Allergy Treatments

The best treatment for allergic rhinitis is to avoid what your child is allergic to by following the prevention and environmental controls described below.

Although food allergies as a trigger for a runny nose is not common, if you notice that your child's allergy symptoms always get worse after being exposed to certain foods, then you should avoid those foods. The most common foods that can cause problems include: milk, eggs (especially egg yolks), peanuts, soybeans, tree nuts, seafood, and wheat.

Allergy Prevention

These steps help to control common allergens, including dust mites, mold, animal dander and pollens.

• Get rid of dust collectors, including heavy drapes, upholstered furniture, & stuffed animals.
• Use an airtight, allergy-proof plastic cover on all mattresses, pillows and boxsprings.
• Wash all bedding and stuffed animals in hot water every 7-14 days.
• If you must keep pets in the house, at least keep them out of your child's bedroom and wash your pet each week to remove surface allergens.
• Avoid exposing your child to molds by keeping him away from damp basements or water-damaged areas of your home (check under carpets).
• Remove carpeting if possible.
• Vacuum frequently (when your child is not in the room, since many of the things that cause allergies are small enough to go back out of the vacuum cleaner bag).
• Cover air vents with filters.
• Avoid the use of ceiling fans.
• For seasonal allergies, keep windows closed in the car and home to avoid exposure to pollens and limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are highest (early morning for spring time tree pollens, afternoon and early evening for summer grasses, and in the middle of the day for ragweed in the fall)
• Consider using a HEPA filter to control airborne allergens (these only work if what you are allergic to is airborne, which doesn't include dust mites and mold).
• Keep indoor humidity low, since dust mites and mold increase in high humidity.
• Provide a smoke-free environment for your child (it is not enough to simply smoke outside).

Allergy Medications

The medications that are used to control the symptoms of allergic rhinitis include decongestants, antihistamines and steroids. If symptoms are mild, you can use over the counter medications as needed. Avoid using topical decongestants (such as Afrin) for more than 3-5 days at a time or frequent use of over the counter allergy medicines with antihistamines, as they can cause drowsiness and poor performance in school.

Prescription allergy medications include the newer, non-sedating antihistamines, such as Allergra, Claritin, Clarinex and Zyrtec (usual dose is 1-2 teaspoons or 1 pill once a day), and topical steroids, such as Nasonex, Flonase, and Nasacort (usual dose is 1-2 squirts in each nostril once each day). If your child's symptoms are well controlled, then you can decrease the dose of the nasal steroid that you are using for 1-2 weeks and then consider trying your child off of it and see how they do. Continue the antihistamine for 1-2 months or until your child's allergy season is over.

Keep in mind that Claritin is now over-the-counter and it is also available in the generic forms Alavert and loratadine.

Singulair is another medicine for kids with allergies. Although previously just used as a preventative medication for kids with asthma, it is now also approved to treat allergies. It is available as a chewable tablet and is approved for kids over age 1.

To be effective, your child should be using these medications every day. They will not work as well if just used on an as needed basis. They are in general very safe with few side effects, but the nasal steroids have been associated with growth suppression when used in high doses. This is however rare, and your pediatrician will monitor your child's growth to make sure this does not happen.

If your child's symptoms are not improving with the combination of the antihistamine and steroid, then we may also use a decongestant, such as Sudafed, AH-CHEW D, or as a combination (Claritin D).

For seasonal allergies, it is best to start using these medications just before your child's season begins and then continue the medicines every day all through the season. For perennial allergies, your child may need to take these medicines year round.

Your child may also benefit from nasal irrigations using saline nose drops 1-3 times a day. This will help the sinuses drain.

Important Reminders

• Call your pediatrician if you need a refill on your medications for allergic rhinitis, if your child is not improving in 1-2 weeks, or if he is showing signs of a secondary sinus infection, with a green runny nose lasting more than 10 days.
• If your child does not improve with these interventions, then we will consider having him see an allergy specialist for allergy testing to figure out what he is allergic to and to possibly start immunotherapy injections.

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a common problem in infants and children. It usually begins between two and six months of age with very dry and sensitive skin that will then become red and extremely itchy. It often starts on the forehead, cheeks and scalp and spreads to the trunk, creases of the elbows, knees, and wrists. With scratching the rash may become raw, crusted and weepy.

It is not yet known what causes it, but it does seem to run in families that have a history of asthma, allergies or atopic dermatitis. It is a chronic disease, but only about a third of children with infantile atopic dermatitis will continue to have problems with it as they get older. There is no cure for this common condition. The main treatments are aimed at controlling and preventing inflammation and itching and include avoiding triggers, frequent bathing and hydrating of the skin, liberal use of moisturizers and lubricants, and the use of steroid creams for flare ups.

A growing voice of opinion in relation to managent of this condition & related conditions, is the monitoring of dietary factors. Although thus far there is insufficient documented evidence of statistical proof, it appears that certain food types may have an effect on the severity of the itching & the degree of spread. Some early indicators would suggest that sugar products may have a negative reaction to eczema.

New Warning: A boxed warning from the FDA has been added to both Protopic and Elidel, warning about a possible risk of cancer, even though the reports have been rare and the link is not proven. To be safe, neither should be used in children under age 2 and they should only be used as second line treatments, when other medications have already been tried. And neither should be used for long periods of time. They can still be used though. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology disagrees that the warning is even necessary or that these medicines are at all dangerous when properly used.

Further information concerning this condition can be found on the following links

http://www.foodintol.com/food_intolerance/cause_eczema.htm?OVRAW=eczema&OVKEY=eczema&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=7640473542&OVKWID=89689657042

http://www.rch.org.au/derm/eczema.cfm?doc_id=4596