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www.FredParent.NET • 13 RESOLVE GUILT Are you haunted by feelings of guilt, inadequacy and resentment in the midst of juggling parenthood and a career? Realize that you are doing your best and focus on remaining optimistic. "You will get that important email that comes while you are at your kids' game and you will get that call from school when you are working, but your mindset and flexibility can make it all work," Wildman says. ASK FOR HELP Without adequate emotional and practical support, caregiving can deplete your energy making you more susceptible to illness and depression. Utilize avail- able resources and take advantage of any help that is offered by family and friends, says life coach Kristin Dunn, owner of From the Ground Up Life Coaching. Also, find a reliable sitter, trade babysitting with a friend or check out area drop-in day cares. COMMIT TO SELF-CARE Engage in activities that nurture and energize you like meditation, reading or exercise, even if that means wak- ing up a few minutes earlier than usual. Use your lunch hour to connect with a friend. "Don't underestimate the power of human touch,» Dunn says. "Schedule a massage or a pedicure. Human contact is really helpful in releasing bottled up energy and emotion that may not otherwise have an outlet for release." PLAN AHEAD Include personal time on the calendar. "Do something for yourself once a week. You will see how it makes you better in all other areas of your life," Gaikowski says. INTEGRATE FUN Spend time with your kids cooking meals together, play- ing board games, bike-riding or watching a movie. Also plan playdates or outings with other families to build a sense of community. INVOLVE YOUR KIDS Assign age-appropriate responsibilities that help chil- dren grow more self-confident and independent. "If you over-function by doing things for your children they could be doing for themselves, you're teaching them to have unrealistic expectations for themselves and others," Dunn says. Although single parenting isn't easy, remember that when you manage your stress and focus on creating a stable, loving home for your kids, you'll not only survive, you and your family will thrive.