3 Kinds of People

I hate to put people in a box because the reality is, not everyone is the same. We are complex beings, individual and unique. The problem is, when we are struggling with knowing how to interact with certain people it’s helpful to have an approach with the intent of protecting ourselves, saving us from unnecessary grief…

Domestic Violence: A Personal Safety Plan

Remember, no one deserves to be harmed or threatened. You have the right to be safe! A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe while in a relationship, planning to leave, or after you leave. Safety planning involves how to cope with emotions, tell friends and family about the abuse, take…

Suspect Your Child is a Victim of Emotional Abuse?

Emotional abuse is ongoing conduct that seriously harms a child’s psychological well-being, but it’s harder to put your finger on as a parent because there are no bruises or marks to identify. Also, often the child does not have the vocabulary or understanding to describe it to you. All they really know is that they…

Suspect your Child is a Victim of Abuse?

The Centers for Disease Control define child maltreatment as any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. There are different kinds of child abuse: physical, sexual, or emotional. Neglect, which can be benign or…

Physical Abuse

Have you ever seen a woman with obvious bruises and scrapes and wondered if she was being abused? We are typically cautious with confronting it because we can’t help but wonder, “What if I am wrong?” Luckily, not only are there physical signs, but there are also behavioral and emotional signs of physical abuse as well? Physical…

3 Signs of Sexual Abuse in Marriage

Christy was startled awake when she felt her husband yank her nightgown up and pull her legs apart. She tried to push him off her but he was too strong as he pinned her down to their bed with his body weight.  This wasn’t the first time he forced himself on her but this time…

Emotional & Mental Abuse

A form of abuse often dismissed, because it’s harder to identify physically with there being no bruises or marks on the outside of the body, is emotional and mental abuse. Regardless, this form of abuse is no less damaging and unlike physical bruises, doesn’t heal as quickly. Often, the abused victim develops coping mechanisms to help…

Financial Abuse, a Hidden Form of Family Violence

I never used to think it was a form of abuse to monopolize the financial decisions and budgeting in a family. Controlling maybe, but that’s all; until I experienced it. The spouses who experience this often don’t recognize this as abuse either, simply because it isn’t talked about much, especially when the spouse is being well provided…

No Idea What Career Path to Take?

As a single mother it is difficult to decide what to do for a career. You have to provide financially, but as I learned from personal experience, if I am going to spend so much time away from my kids I would prefer to do something I love and that I can do long term….

How to Earn Extra Income as a Single Parent

As posted on spaoa.org/blog By: Alecia Stanton Sometimes, to make ends meet, we need a little extra money coming in. Thankfully, finding ways to get it has become easier than ever. The internet has lots of websites offering income opportunities and new direct sales companies are popping up all of the time. Here are nine…

Career Options for Single Parents

  As posted on spaoa.org/blog By: Tim Milles It can be difficult to balance a career with a life as a dedicated parent. However, there are some career options that will provide you with a manageable budget and schedule. Explore these career options to find a viable path for you: Foodservice A career in the…

Mediation & Self-Awareness

This is not legal advice. It is simply something to consider before proceedings with your mediation, a warning I wish I had gotten back in the day. My first mediation was a complete nightmare. I, a soon-to-be divorced woman was finally going to see this whole thing come to an end. I was looking forward…