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Good Morning, Doorframe.

It was my seventh time getting up to the sound of my daughter crying due to her stuffy nose. Despite the fact that this time it was morning and there was light coming through the windows, I still managed to somehow, in my groggy daze, walk face first into my bedroom door frame. Clutching my bloody nose, I went to get my daughter out of bed. Of course, her crying woke my son, who in his current 'I'm a dog not a boy' phase, began to bark to let me know he wanted up as well.

After two dirty diapers and numerous bloody tissues I finally got the kids to focus on a riveting episode of Yo Gaba Gaba and snuck into the bathroom. The sight of myself in the mirror (bedhead, still in my PJ's, covered in dried blood) made me groan. I felt like my morning had exploded. And on top of this, I was somehow supposed to get everyone dressed, fed a good breakfast, and out the door for our busy day? Something had to give.

Shamefully, I reached for the box of pop tarts, figuring I could save a good twenty minutes. Then good sense took over, and I came up with a healthier idea. I took two plastic cups, filled them with a mixture of healthy cereals, blueberries, grapes, and yogurt melts. My kids happily munched on their 'morning trail mix' as I finished preparing for the day.

Sometimes we have to realize that our typical pancakes and eggs breakfast is not realistic, so often we moms (and our kids) skip out on breakfast or reach for the sugary alternatives. Research shows that children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to maintain a healthy body weight, do better in school, and participate in sports. (Rodriguez)

When your morning blows up, here are some other super fast options to consider that the little ones will love:

• Yogurt and banana smoothie
• Poached Egg on English Muffin
• Granola, Yogurt, and Fresh Fruit in a cup
• Banana, Peanut Butter, and Jelly in a wheat Hot Dog Bun
• Bagel and Cream Cheese with Apple Slices and Cinnamon
• Cottage Cheese and Apple Butter

I always try to keep an arsenal of ideas to turn those OMG moments into 'supermom' moments, and I always try to remind myself that if I'm a little late, the world won't stop turning.

  Rodriguez, D.(Feb. 4, 2009). Breakfast for Kids can be Healthy and Fast. Everyday Health, Retrieved on Jan. 29, 2012 from http://www.everydayhealth.com/kids-health/healthy-breakfast-for-kids.aspx

Where to start?

Before we jump on the horse and start off at a gallop, I guess the first thing we should do is get to know one another. Yes, I am a single mother. I've been separated for almost two years and I have a 3 year old boy and a 2 year old girl. Like many other single parent's I have other struggles- I'm a full-time student pursuing two majors, I own a small business, and I'm still struggling through the dirty D; otherwise called divorce.  I do not at all claim to be an expert; just a participant who sometimes feels like she was tossed into the ring of a championship boxing match mid-fight, and is desperately trying to learn as she goes.

And I'm not alone. According too Data Across the States 32% of children in Virginia are raised in single parent households. Even more astounding is that the same 2010 report states that the number of children in the District who have single parents is 60%.

Shortly I'll discuss all those scary statistics that people hear about children raised in a SPH. However, I want to start off on a lighter note; lets consider all the GOOD things about being a single parent first.

I found a recent article on Parents.com by Mary Mohler called Benefits To Being a Single Parent. Many of you may find her points insightful, and somewhat amusing. Here is a quick list of her 7 points:

• No more fighting about who does what
• There's no one to undermine my authority
• The closet is all mine
• I get every other weekend to myself
• The kids are (doing) just fine
• I can break the rules
• I like their father again (post-divorce)

Leave your cape at the door...

No, I don’t think that I’ll actually become ‘supermom’. After all, tearing off all my clothes to reveal my colorful superhero leotard all the time wouldn’t really be a financially sound decision. However, there are some days that I wish I had super powers, or the ability to clone myself, or maybe just a super-coffee strong enough to make me forget that I’ve gotten less than five hours of sleep a night over the course of the last four weeks.  More seriously- there are some days where I wish I was a more experienced mother, or I knew more single parents (yes, I’m including you custodial dads) or mentors who could offer me advice along the way.  It is a long, lonely road. And it’s exhausting. Did I mention…it’s EXHAUSTING? But it’s also worth it. My kids are worth it.  And that’s why I’m here; to share my research and experiences, and hopefully have an outlet for this whole insane experience that might touch your life in some way. Perhaps you might empathize with my experiences, or have advice or offer me, or simply be curious about the journey. Whatever your reason for reading may be; welcome. The camaraderie is free, just don’t ask me to change any more diapers. J