Single-Parent Presentation

Session 2

Single-Parent Presentation

Re-introduce ourselves and welcome anyone new!

Activity!

-I will read what the parents wrote on the pieces of paper one at a time.

-I will ask the parents to comment on what the concern was and offer their support. Do they have the same concern? Have they dealt with this experience already personally? How did they handle it? If the parents have not experienced a certain concern, do they have ideas on how they could handle the concern/situation?

-The behavioral therapist and I will share tips on ways to handle a concern, worry, situation, etc. based on our research.

Session 3

-Support systems and organizations!

Snacks and refreshments at the end of the session are provided! Time to mingle with each other!

Top Concerns of Single Parents Regarding their Children

Maintaining a work-life balance

-Single parents know how precious their employment is because most are the primary source of income. Facing scheduling problems head-on and setting up a support system ahead of time will help reduce stress.

Paying for child care

-Payment plans and scholarship programs may be provided for local day care centers and nonprofit study centers.

Personal time

Missing the male/female figure in life

Session 1

Meet & Greet and Overview of Future Sessions

Session 3

Introduction of myself and behavioral therapist.

Why are we here?

"As single parents, we face many hardships in our daily lives. Our worries for our children, and struggles that we face are all important things that we should talk about! We should also never forget to talk about the joys and accomplishments that we face with our children everyday also! These sessions are for these exact reasons! These sessions will provide you with an opportunity to share what you are feeling while receiving support from us and the people in this room."

Introductions of parents.

Name? Who are your children? How old? Anything else we would like to know about you?

Activity.

Pass out a sheet of paper and have the parents write down their biggest concerns, worries, etc. that they have regarding their children. Have them drop this off in the bowl before leaving the session. Let them know that we will be discussing these the following session.

Snacks and refreshments at the end of the session are provided. Time to mingle with eachother!

Single-parent families in today's society have their share of daily struggles and long-term disadvantages. The issues of expensive day care, shortage of quality time with children, balance of work and home duties, and economic struggle are among the seemingly endless problems these families must solve

Re-introduce ourselves and welcome new people!

Introduce today's topic! Support systems!

"Support systems are a network of people who provide an individual with practical or emotional support. These systems can be family, neighbors, teachers, or even groups such as this one! It is important to have a support system."

Activity!

-Have the parents share who they go to when they need support, someone to talk to, help with their child, etc.

-Have the parents share why they believe it is important to have a support system.

Give the parents information about support groups, play groups, etc. that they can participate in with and without their child.

Session 4: Closing information and bring your child for some fun activities!

Snacks and refreshments at the end of the session are provided. Time to mingle with each other!

Support Groups, Play Groups, etc. for Single Parents

"Support groups are everywhere. You can even find a specialty one such as single mothers only, single fathers only, and even a specific religious one!"

Parents Without Partners

http://www.parentswithoutpartners.org/

Single Parent Advocate

http://singleparentadvocate.org/

Single Parents Alliance of America

http://www.spaoa.org/

Local Park Districts!

Home Depot/Ace Hardware!

Side note:

Before session 2, the behavioral therapist and I will read what the parents wrote on the pieces of paper and begin to research!

We will try to find support groups, activities, and other information on ways to help the parents with their concerns!

We will bring this information in and present it in session 2.

Session 4

Information

Resources

Re-introduce ourselves one last time!

First half of the session:

-Review that it is okay to have concerns and worries for your children!

-Review that having a support system/group helps with stress!

-Questions?

-Thank everybody for coming :)

Second half of the session:

-Activities with your child!

(There will be tables set up with crafts, toys, puzzles, etc. for the parents to do with their child.)

-Snacks and refreshments will also be provided at this time.

-Flyers will be put around local park districts, libraries, day cares, etc. where parents are likely to go!

-These sessions will be lead by myself and a behavioral therapist.

-For? Single parents.

-Cost? Free!

-Where? Elmhurst Park District!

-(Childcare will be provided for free)

-When? First 4 Sunday nights in May, 7pm-7:45pm.

-(May 3, May 10, May 17, & May 24)

http://www.sagepub.com/newman2studyfamilies/essays/single_parent.htm

http://www.care.com/a/7-child-care-issues-single-parents-face-1309200946

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/a-single-parents-topten-list-of-questions.html

http://www.parentswithoutpartners.org/

http://www.singleparentadvocate.org/

http://www.spaoa.org/