“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.  

Table of Contents:
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