Single Mum's Survival Guide

by Vivienne Smith, PhD

"Once upon a time I was perfectly happy-complacent even. But then my world came crashing down and I was suddenly a single mum of two small children, losing sleep over how to pay the bills. The things I learned allowed me to retain my sanity, self-esteem, and sense of humour and to help my children get through the experience. I discovered how to release the traumatic experiences and emotions that were holding me back and find more fun, fulfillment, and balance in my life (not to mention my lovely husband!)"

You can build a happy new life!

Are you a stressed-out single mum, juggling childcare, work and home-and struggling to cope with all the emotional and practical demands on you?

You're not alone! The Single Mum's Survival Guide is packed with words of inspiration, comfort, wisdom and experience from a host of real-life single mums and expert professionals to make life easier, help you on your way, and put your mind at rest with answers to questions such as:

• How do I tell the kids?
• How do I get over this split and move on?
• Why is my child behaving like this and what should I do about it?
• How will I feel when my kids meet his new girlfriend?
• How do I deal with all the legal stuff?
• How can I manage on this little money?
• How can I have more energy when I'm so tired all the time?
• Is it OK to ask for help-and who can I ask?
• Can I ever forgive my ex?
• Can I really be single and happy?
• When is it time to start dating again-and how will I know if he's Mr. Right?

Vivienne Smith is a writer, trainer, presenter, and certified neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and hypnosis practitioner. She also a Regional Director of the Athena Group, an international networking, training and development business community for female executives and entrepreneurs. Her experience as a single mum prompted Vivienne to write a book about the subject. It has been the fulfilment of a long term ambition to turn what was at the time a negative and distressing experience into an opportunity to help others get through similar challenges. Now happily remarried, she lives with her husband and two sons in beautiful West Sussex, on the south coast of England.

Vivienne Smith is a writer, trainer, presenter, transformational coach, and certified neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and hypnosis practitioner. She is also a Regional Director of the Athena Group, an international networking, training and development business community for female executives and entrepreneurs. Her experience as a single mum prompted Vivienne to write a book about the subject. It has been the fulfilment of a long term ambition to turn what was at the time a negative and distressing experience into an opportunity to help others get through similar challenges. Now happily remarried, she lives with her husband and two sons in beautiful West Sussex, on the south coast of England.

Preface
Acknowledgements

CHAPTER ONE
Dealing With The Break-Up Whether It's Your Decision Or His

CHAPTER TWO
Telling the Kids

CHAPTER THREE
Divorce and Separation
Mistakes to Avoid, Dos and Don'ts

CHAPTER FOUR
Finances
Keeping Your Head Above Water

CHAPTER FIVE
Co-parenting After Divorce
Dealing With Friends and Family
Recreating the Old Relationships to Suit Your New Life

CHAPTER SIX
Staying Fit and Healthy and Keeping Your Energy Levels High
Creating Happy Memories That Your Family Will Treasure
Building Your Support Network

CHAPTER SEVEN
Ongoing Support For the Children
Dealing With Their Grief and Their Behaviour When They "Act Out"
What They Are Going Through
Rules and Values
School Plays and Holidays

CHAPTER EIGHT
Time For You
Creating a Sanctuary
Recharging Your Batteries
Making the Most of Time When Your Ex Has the Kids

CHAPTER NINE
Working as a Single Mother
Finding Child Care
Learning New Skills To Help You Manage the House
The Power of the Mums' Network
Asking For Help

CHAPTER TEN
The Forgiveness Process

CHAPTER ELEVEN
Dating Again - Dos and Don'ts

CHAPTER TWELVE
How to Decide if He's Right?
Creating the Perfect Partner List
Features of a Successful Relationship

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Dealing With the Challenges of Blended Families
Successfully Stepping From Being a Single Mum to Creating a Blended Family With a New Partner

CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Being Contentedly Single
Celebrating Your Achievements

CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Happy Ever After?
Moving On

About the Author
Resources: Help and Advice for Single Mothers
Bibliography