Participation in your child's growth and development
Submitted by: Doug Warburton

Being a parent, single or otherwise, can always have its challenges. One of many would be having your child participate in after school or summer programs. It is great for the child(ren) to get out of the house, make some friends, and burn off some needed energy. May it be summer camp, swimming, dance classes, sports, or any other type of activity, obstacales will arise when juggling an already packed schedule.

One of the obstacales which can be the most fustrating is transportation or even attendance on their part or yours. This is a hurdle many parents encounter whether they are with spouse or not. Everyone is going so many directions just to keep the household going, why not try to squeeze more into the schedule?

What does one do? Well, there are options; however, they may not be ideal for everyone. Finding out what those options are and how to best utilize them is key.

Due to circumstances, appointments just can not be met. Most of the time it is due to inflexable work schedules. Even though feelings and hearts can be bruised because groceries need to find its way into the cupboards and a roof overhead is always nice; alternatives and long distance support will be needed. Hopefully, a friend, family member or neighbor will be able to assist taking them to and/or from the event(s), which they have joined.

One could even be lucky enough to have spouse or even ex-spouse, which are wanting and willing to participate in the childs involvment.  If worked out well, a spouse, an ex-spouse, or friend will understand and help ease the situation with the child(ren) when a parent is unavoidably detained or unavailable. It is always tough on child and parent when this happens. Providing or someone having a video camera so what was missed at the moment can be enjoyed and lived again at a later time while they are in your lap.,well that is golden too! Sure, it is not the same as being in the moment when it happens but the ability to see, support and pump up their pride can still be accomplished. 

Listening and watching videoes, looking at pictures, or even just listening how proud they are, well these are powerful ways to letting them know you care. Let them know how great, they did and reinforce the pride you have for them! Celebrate a victory or the hard work given. Even if attendance was an issue, an ice-cream reward is always sweet.

No one ever said it was easy to be a parent, but we all do what we need to do, not only for ourselves, but mostly for them.....

They might not always understand why attendance is a problem, so be creative in different ways to share these precious moments when attendenace is an obstacle... Rewards will be for everybody and they will never forget it!!