I really don't see how they do it...

Single Moms.

Recently placed a new associate on probation at work. Three weeks later she resigned and moved back home. Being on her own, with her 3-year-old son, in a new town was too much. I felt a bit guilty, but you really can't descriminate either way...if the requirement is to be at work from 8:30 - 5:30, Monday - Friday...that's the requirement. It's really irrelevant why...right?

My wife has been out of town for the last two days. She took our two teenagers with her. Kay Arthur women's and teen conference in TN was the draw. That leaves me with the three younger ones. We arranged for summer camp/pre-school/day care (whatever you want to call it) for the two pre-schoolers, and my son comes to work with me. To get them all up, fed, dressed, groomed, loaded up, to school puts me about an hour later to work than usual. To pick them up, feed them dinner, get my son to soccer practice by 6:00, has me leaving work an hour earlier than usual. Lunch was an hour longer to go home and let the dog out to do his business...so I was about 35% less productive than usual. But I own the company, so I guess it's ok...I guess?

I further rationalize that this is the exception, not the rule (our probated associate missed 8 of the first 20 days). I also freely admit, if my wife did not stay home we would definitely not have five children, and if I were single, things would be much different...however, that being said...

...Single moms have a rough road to hoe. They absolutely have to make concessions and choices regarding what they can and can't do, and what their children can and can't participate in.

Somehow, in an effort to not make anyone feel bad, or like they made a bad choice, we don't talk about this. And often the choice wasn't their's at all...it was some crappy dad/husband. But can we back up and be more descriminant with our choices for mates...or are we that desperate to fit in? What are the odds you can find a single mom, who really admits their path is tougher for them and their child, willing to talk to high school girls about the choices they face and the results that follow.

So, my thoughts are:
1. Single moms who are struggling should put pride aside and put themselves in a position to talk to young girls about the hard reality of their situation...and I don't mean in posh churches or Christian schools, but at youth centers, inner city churches and public schools.
2. As Christians, we need ministries to single moms to help them...to give them a break...a place for the kids to go...to show the love of Jesus to those in need.

Any other thoughts on this?