Yesterday I was in a meeting with two single moms. One of them said she had met a woman the night before who refuses to be called a single mom, but a co-parent. “Genius,” I thought.

April 27th was the two year anniversary of the death of one the most amazing women I've had the honor of knowing. Terri was a vivacious, outgoing woman who died in a tragic motorcycle accident. She had been one of my best friends. She was also a single mom.

It is important to instill in all children a sense of comfort in communicating with their parents. As your child gets older, the questions and struggles that your child needs to address with you become more difficult. The queries don’t always have easy answers, but it is important to answer your child as honestly as is appropriate. As the trust and comfort builds in your child, you will realize that it is more comfortable for you, and that the scary, awkward conversations you have been dreading are now completely manageable.

How do single parents go on a date? Boy, is that a loaded question! Well, it is a lot different than how plain single folks go on a date. Let's compare.

Dating is complicated. Now throw a few kids into the mix, an ex and a serious boyfriend, and you have a real convoluted mess! However, avoiding common mistakes can help you find the new love of your life without all the anticipated drama that many single moms face when dating.

A mother may become a single parent through divorce, widowhood or an estrangement from the father of her child. A single mother's rights regarding such important issues as custody, child support or visitation can vary from state to state. Having a clear understanding of these rights is vital. Rights in family law will first consider the needs and rights of the child over the wants and demands of either parent. Ideally, the best interests of the child should be the primary criteria in all decision making.

Parenting alone can be the most challenging and lonely thing you've ever done. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, even panicked, by the thought of holding yourself together enough to raise a child who is happy, healthy, smart and balanced. Take heart, Mom. The details don't matter nearly as much as you think they do. It's the big, over-arcing spirit of your home that counts when it comes to raising children. Maybe you have to work late sometimes, maybe you make mistakes; you're still Mom, you still love your child and that's still all that really matters.

Dating as a single parent is very different from dating as a teenager. Once you've decided to date again, it is important to reenter the dating scene slowly and carefully. You need to remember that rejection is part of the process, but that sharing an evening with another mature, interesting adult can greatly enhance your life.

Dating with kids can be challenging. And that’s whether you’re recently divorced or you’ve already endured two years’ worth of Starbucks dates, and whether your kids are two or twenty-two. But your children can also be helpful in your quest to hook up, especially if you recognize their wisdom ...