Single Parenting

When I was 28 years old, my boyfriend—the father of our seven-month-old daughter—walked out of the door. Bi-polar, and unable to handle the responsibilities of parenthood, his whereabouts remain unknown.

In hindsight, we probably would not have lasted as a couple. But I’ll be the first to tell you that I’ve grown up a lot over the past six years. I’ve also redefined what love means.

And I’m not alone.

Today, there are more single parents than ever in this country. Bravo to all of you. If you saw the recent Centers for Disease Control figures on single parent-families, then you know that nearly four in 10 U.S. babies were born outside of marriage in 2005. (But please, someone tell ABC News to stop using that archaic phrase, “Out of wedlock.”)

I want to be the first to welcome you to Single Nurturing. I look forward to all of your comments, questions, and suggestions. This will be your safe, fun, no-nonsense source on everything from self-care and childcare to getting along with your ex and dating again.

My hope is that you’ll find some smart tips here about how to parent solo — and even share some with me! I hope to widen your support network here, as well as inspire you to fulfill your dreams, as well as your children’s.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Warmly,
Rachel

P.S.
My book, Single Mom Seeking: Play Dates, Blind Dates, and Other Dispatches from the Dating World (Seal Press/Avalon, Jan. 07), is now out! Read it to learn how I juggled bedtime stories and breastfeeding with Match.com and first date outfits. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.