How to Enjoy Valentine's Day If You're Single

Valentines Day is coming with all its fragrance of love and romance and most of us are planning to make it more enthusiastic and romantic.

This special day has its own importance for everyone who is in a love relationship with someone but it doesn’t mean that singles can’t celebrate it. Remember, Valentines Day is all about love and care, not just lovers. If you are a single woman, you don’t need to just spend this special occasion with glumness and sadness. Don’t reproach yourself for being single, but feel the ambiance of being privileged that you are single.

On this Valentines Day, make yourself feel special, because this is an event that a single woman can enjoy with same enthusiasm as others do. You need to celebrate your single hood with a light heart and showering love with yourself. Spend Valentines Day for your happiness, do in which you feel contentment and what you always wanted to do on this special occasion. Spend some time and give a face-lift to yourself because if you look beautiful you are going to feel beautiful.

Valentines Day is a special occasion to express your love and care for those who have a special place in your life. They can be your parents, friends, colleagues or anyone who make your life better. So its time to honor them by sending cards and gifts and showing how much you appreciate them. It will make them feel better and you will also feel blessed that you have so many people around to care for you.

You can arrange a party and spend your Valentines Day with your friends who are single and enjoy this day in different way. Have a dinner with them and enjoy in which you feel pleasure.

Valentines Day is a special occasion to connect with people you feel affection for and you have a special bond of love with them. There is nothing to feel self-pity if you are single on this Valentines Day, in fact it’s a blessing that you have so many people to love and care about. Enjoy every moment of this golden period of single hood that you may miss in future

6 Guy Traits to Hate

We understand that different people like different things and what turns one gal's crank may do nothing for another. But there are some traits we're pretty positive will turn off any woman who's unlucky enough to come across them. Without further ado, here are our picks for the ickiest qualities a guy could possibly possess.

ZERO AMBITION

No matter how hot a guy is, if the only goals he has managed to set for himself are related to video games, there isn't much chance your attraction will last. Let's face it -- the less ambition a guy has, the less he has to say and the less excitement he'll exude. In other words, he will be BORING. Good looks only get you so far (OK, maybe farther than we want to admit), but once the lust haze wears off he's just a guy playing video games too many hours a day.

TOTAL IMMATURITY

You want a boyfriend NOT a kid in need of a full-time babysitter. If he can't be bothered to change (or wash) the sheets on his bed, stock his fridge with more than beer and condiments or wake up before noon at least a few days a week, you will be repulsed before you know it and unable to get past the state of his disgusting bathroom. No, you don't need to be able to eat off the floor, but if he doesn't respect his space, you're bound to be turned off by the fourth date, if not sooner.

BAD PERSONAL STYLE

Maybe you don't need a guy who wears Prada or owns more skin care products than you do, but trust us, you will get sick of ripped jeans and hoodies eventually. But lack of wardrobe diversity can just mean clueless where clothes are concerned – in which case you may be able to intervene with some subtle style hints. If he simply doesn't care what he looks like, though, you're in trouble. He doesn't have to be immaculately groomed, coifed and dressed at all times, but if he refuses to put any effort into his appearance, you'll end up getting frustrated fast.

HUGE EGO

Confidence is sexy; a giant ego that seems to overtake the room is not, and you'll notice it right away. Just try not to roll your eyes when in the presence of some slimy jerk who thinks he's much cooler, smarter and more successful than he really is. Most women can smell these walking egos a mile away, and even if they're nice enough to give Mr. I'm-the-best the benefit of the doubt for one date, that all-about-me attitude gets old fast and is never attractive.

LACK OF INTELLIGENCE

It may seem superficial, but if a guy is a few too many rungs below you on the smart-scale, you won't have much to talk about. Hot or not, the guy you date should be able to hold his own in the conversation department. Sooner or later you'll want to spend time in places other than the bedroom, which means talking – and if he can't keep up (or can't be bothered to read anything more than the latest sports scores) you will get fed up and move on in search of a more intelligent option.

MEAN STREAK

If he's constantly walking around with a chip on his shoulder you're probably not going to keep him around long. Similarly, if he's a jerk to everyone from the barista to the bartender, chances are he has a mean streak that can't (or won't) be tamed. Nice guys may not always finish first when it comes to love, but the mean ones always finish last – or at least they should.

3 Tricks If You're Playing Hard to Get

Playing hard to get is one of the oldest tricks in the book when it comes to dating, but if you need a refresher course in this tried and true technique, we're here to help. Check out our guide to getting the guy you want the same way legions of women have been doing it for years – by playing hard to get. We've put together some ways to make it work for you.

PLAYING HARD TO GET

Just a quick note that what works on one guy might not work on another, so try a few of these techniques until you find the one that works for you – and the guy you'd love to snag.

Be the life of the party

He's not noticing you? Make it so he can't help but notice you by being the life of the party. But stay classy – we certainly don't suggest dancing on tables, wearing a lampshade on your head or getting fall-down drunk. Rather, being the life of any social soiree means mingling, showing off your impressive wit and sense of humor and otherwise looking like you're having a great time. What you want him to notice is your energy and the positive way other people are reacting to you – and most importantly, that he's missing out by not being with you.

Go AWOL

One of the easiest and most effective ways to play hard to get is to go missing for a while. Being too accessible isn't always a good thing and can make it seem like you're willing to drop everything to hang out with your new guy. Even if you are willing to be at his beck and call, the important thing is to never show it – at least not at first. If you want to go from being just another girl to the only girl he wants to hang out with, you're going to have to make him wonder. The next time he calls wanting to do something, let him wait for awhile. Let him wonder where you are and why you haven't called back or texted. Don't snub him completely (that would obviously work against you) but not being readily available 24/7 is a great way to make him take notice and realize he might have something worth working a little harder for.

Have things to do

We don't mean grocery shopping. The more interesting and exciting things you have on the go, the more intriguing you'll be to him – especially if you have to pass up a date with him to do something cool. Whether you can't make a date because you're at the rock climbing gym or you couldn't return his text because you were white water rafting, he'll be impressed. The fuller your life is, the less clingy you'll seem (an instant turn-off for most guys) and the easier it will be to make him want to get to know you better. Plus having your plate full of adventurous or unique activities means you'll have more to talk about when you're with him, making it even harder for him not to want to hang out with you more.

Dos and Donts of Co-Sleeping

Desire for Closeness and Comfort Outweighs a Sense of Propriety for Some Parents

Should Single parents allow children to sleep with them?  It is the first question striking you while calming down your crying child who insists to share your bed. Most of us planned at some point to have a perfect family, but have we planned to be perfect single parents? Co-sleeping is one issue you have to deal with when you are a single parent co-sleeping; however it is important to highlight that co-sleeping is common among big families in poverty and among very devoted parents believing their child needs close contact.  For a child, separation hinders their security, subsequently yours!  Letting a child share a parent's  bed is controversial and a matter of personal opinion.

Single Parent Co-Sleeping:  Positive vs Negative

For a child, bedtime symbolizes separation from social activities and parents which initiates the feeling of loneliness and fear.  Dr. Marilyn Heins notes that most parents allow young children into their bed at least occasionally.  Of middle class U.S families, 9% report taking a sick or frightened child into their bed.  About 60% of these children go back or are taken back to their own bed within a half hour ,another 31% stay in the big bed until they are a sleep and only 1 % stay the rest of the night.

Why Parents Indulge in Co-Sleeping  (5-10 years of age) 

• Sharing your bed with your child provides a sense of closeness and security for both of you.
• It is easier to share your bed than to put up with bedtime anger tantrums.

Is infant Co-sleeping (0-5 years of age)

Many researches proved that:

• Your baby receives reassurance of love and support when sleeping beside you.
• It is easier to breast feed your baby
• Babies who felt love and safety through the night became adults with great stress coping abilities

You want to transit your child to his room, but you find it difficult? Below are few tips to help:

• Play with your child in his own room half an hour before bedtime.  A child who has enjoyed being in his or her room feels comfortable being left alone there.
• Read a bedtime story.  In 17,000 children studied parents and children reported feeling more secure and relaxed after reading together.
• Lay beside your child for 10-15 minutes until s/he begins to fall a sleep.
• Let your child know that you will always be their when needed.
• Keep the lights on and gradually after few days switch to sleeping lights.
• Stuffed animals such as a teddy bear can help you!  Many children feel comfortable when taking their favorite toy to bed.

Infants Co-sleeping single parent

While some studies preferred the idea of sharing your bed with your infant, death were attributed to parents rolling over a sleeping baby Infants sleeping arrangements may play a role in reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).Here are some advices :

• Spaces and gaps in your sleeping area must be filled.
• Your baby should always sleep on her back.
• Avoid suffocation by using firm blankets or sleep sacks.
• Keep a good distance between your baby and the bed edges.
• Do not share your bed with pets and children together.
• If you are taking medications, have used alcohol or are exhausted, please keep your baby in his crib for safety's sake.

Many working mothers preferred sleeping with their baby after a long day and find it a great opportunity to reconnect and enjoy intimacy.  It is extremely important to be reminded that we are discussing two different age groups, infants and children.  Each group has different needs and psychological implications for co-sleeping.

When should I worry about my child?

Your child may actually be indicating to you that he or she has a problem with sleeping which needs attention.  Listen and watch for signs that your child is dealing with any of the following:

• Continuous nightmares
• Persistent anxiety
• Repeated anger tantrums
• Loss of concentration
• Depression
• Deterioration in mental performance
• Fear of loneliness
• Poor social adjustment
• Repeated headaches
• Aggressive behaviors

If your child suffers from some of those signs please seek psychiatric advice and consider sleep behavior management help.  Professional child sleep experts are often called to assist with retraining when children have difficulty adjusting to routine bedtimes in their own rooms.

To many families in the U.S, co-sleeping as a single parent is not considered normal behavior as many believe it affects the child's ability to become independent.   Co-sleeping as a topic, has always been a debated subject among parents.  No one can deny that such experience has positive effects as well as downfalls.  It's all about moderation.  Remember one of the scenes in the movie Cheaper by the Dozen?   All the pets and all the children were on the same bed along with mom and dad?   Well, we can all use little fun before bedtime. 

Tips for the new single parent

The New Single Parent

As a new single parent, you are about to embark on a whole new way of life. Everything is changing now that you have the primary responsibility for your child. If you have more than one child, you are going to need a good game plan and a lot of help. Here are a few new single parent tips that may be advantageous.

What Changes Now You're Single?

Your first year as a new single parent may be the most difficult. It is a time for making a lot of adjustments not only in your lifestyle, but also in your approach to parenting. For all intents and purposes, as a custodial parent you are now both mother and father to your child. Because of this, one of the most important new single parent tips is to build a support system for yourself. Have you heard the old adage, "It takes a village to raise a child?"  It is truly imperative that you build a support system. Make a list of those individuals in your life that you know you can count on for support both in lending a helping hand or for giving solid advice. Support groups for single parents can be a real comfort, especially in that difficult first year of adjustment.

Time Alone

Something that somehow seems to disappear is your alone time.  Play dates are wonderful things. They not only help your child learn to interact with others, but they give you an hour or two of blissful alone time with no guilt. You will need time for getting things into perspective and to allow the healing process to take place. You need to find a little time where you can just relax and ponder your life without being interrupted with questions and chores. It will make you a better parent. If play dates are not an option, then rising a half an hour before the rest of the family will do wonders for your physical and mental health. An exercise regime is also an excellent way to relieve stress.

Quality Time with your Child

One of the things that happens with new single parents is the daily pressures tend to cause the parent to become overwhelmed and preoccupied with just making it through all the challenges of each day. It is important to stay emotionally present when spending time with your child. One way to accomplish this is by taking a walk together or playing a game. This will help you both relax and strengthen the bond between you. A lot has changed in your child's world as well and this is a confusing time for him, so the more he feels your acceptance and love the more confidence he will experience.

Handling the Absence of your Ex-spouse

You have physical custody of your child, and this means you have all the responsibilities of seeing that your child's needs are met, your finances are in order, and legal obligations such as reporting any changes in your and your child's life to the child support office. Visitation privileges are a part of most divorce situations and unless there are some extreme circumstances, you want your child to have time with his other parent.

One thing you must never do is to speak badly of your ex-spouse in front of your child. If your ex-spouse does not want involvement with your child, you should not force the issue. Having two involved parents is optimal, but it is not always possible. You can give your child enough love and assurance for two parents if necessary. If you try to force a connection between your ex-spouse and your child when your ex is not willing, your child will feel rejection, disappointment and develop abandonment issues. If you keep the door open and never speak disapprovingly about your ex in front of your child, a relationship between the two could develop at some point in the future.

These are a few basic new single parent tips that you may find helpful. Just show your child and yourself consistent unconditional love and give yourself the opportunity to heal, and things will work out.

Looking for a role model single mother

Looking for a Great Role Model 

No one can prepare you for the challenges of being a single mother. Everywhere women are complaining about the difficulty of raising kids and the demands of being a mother, but many of them have at least some help in the form of a husband or boyfriend. Some even have exes that actually take parenting seriously. At least being a single mother doesn't hold the stigma it once did thanks to the deluge of successful celebrity moms showing us all how we can manage our careers, and still have time for our bubs. If you are looking for a great role model as a single mother, you need only turn on the TV or flip through just about any woman's magazine.

Celebrity, Movie and Public Figure Role Models 

In the past, being a single mom had all sorts of negative connotations, such as living in poverty, teen pregnancy and messy divorces. It has only been in the last few decades that the social stigmas attached to being a single mom have finally lifted, and successful single moms are now being celebrated for their achievements, both at work and in the home. The media attention on famous single moms has gone a long way to showcasing a range of subperb single mom role models, proving to us all that even the busiest woman can take time out to raise her kids.

Celebrities such as Kate Winslet and Reese Witherspoon have been some of the dozens of divorced parents in the news who are now career-driven single moms. They're often seen doing daily tasks with their children as well, such as school pick-ups and weekend shopping. Long-time single mothers such as Sharon Stone and Teri Hatcher have proven their ability to juggle home and career beyond a doubt. They enjoy close relationships with their children and simultaneously carve out spectacular careers in the film and TV industries. Other single mom celebrities, such as Kate Hudson and Madonna, have kept up amicable relationships with their estranged spouses for the sake of their children, setting an example for the public as to what is achievable.

Some celebrities have made it perfectly clear that ex-spouses are simply not an option, such as Halle Berry. She has spoken openly about her destructive relationship and how she is proud to raise her child away from such a damaging environment. This shows women that yes, you can be strong enough to leave and do it on your own. Other celebrities, such as Sheryl Crow and more recently Sandra Bullock, have split from their partners and then subsequently adopted a child, proving that there is no need to have a man involved to be a fulfilled mother.

Outside of the Hollywood circuit, one of the most successful single moms in the world is JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series. She credits her supportive family and friends for helping her through the tough times while she worked hard on laying out the plot of the Harry Potter series. She is now a sponsor and advocate for the National Council for One Parent Families, which strives to break the negative image associated with single parents.

Well known single mom Katie Couric is also a fantastic role model, becoming an incredibly successful and renowned journalist, and also becoming the first solo anchorwoman for an evening news program. Her husband and sister both died of cancer, and she has become a spokeswoman for several cancer awareness groups. Her status as the ultimate single mom success story is widely celebrated.

These hard-working moms have all proven that career and motherhood can and do mix, and with the right amount of support, single mothers everywhere can unite in the knowledge that success in the home and the workplace is absolutely achievable.

After Remarriage how to begin with blended family?

What is a Blended Step Family?

A blended step family occurs when multiple families are united, usually through a remarriage of one or both of the parents. It is estimated that as many as 50% of first time marriages end in divorce each year. Being part of blended step family is now more part of the norm than ever before in history. Half of all children will be part of a blended stepfamily by the time they are 18 yrs. old. If you find yourself and your family in this situation, you know the challenges step families face.

Remarriage and Blended Families

Remarriage and blended families are so common that it is considered normal by most people. Parents who remarry are ecstatic to begin bringing their new blended family together under one roof. Dreams of family outings and just spending quality time together are spoken of between the new couple. Just because the parents may be happy does not mean the children are jumping for joy. When asked what a blended stepfamily is, each family may have a different answer. This is normal because each family is unique. There are and never will be two families that are exactly alike. This is what makes us all unique and human. There is no right and no wrong why to being a happy blended family.

Each new family will have its good times and bad times. This is a new experience for all those involved including the natural parent and the stepparent. There is no woman out there that wants to be considered the wicked stepmother, but it happens to the best of us at times. Blended step families will adjust to the new living arrangements. Susie and John who are now living in the same house as siblings may not agree, but in time things do work out. Rivalry among the children is quite common and is normal. Even natural siblings fight and argue, and this is a whole other ballgame. Teens learning to live together within the blended family will certainly try to buck the system at times.

With each family finding their way and bonding, it is very important to have family traditions that are unique to the new family. Some of the traditions can be carried over from the other households, but this family will need their own as well. It is amazing to watch how fast children pick up and cling to certain traditions. This is very common around the holidays.

Being a happy blended step family will take time and there will need to be adjustments along the way. No family will just come together and live happily ever after without some sort of chaos. If anyone thinks this is going to happen, they are in for a huge surprise. There will be jealousy, sibling rivalry, anger, fear and guilt. Keep in mind that these emotions are also seen in families where there is no divorce. Blended family statistics reveal that 50% of all first marriages end in divorce. Another amazing fact is that in second marriages, 60% is the divorce rate. Blended step families are everywhere. Find one that you admire and ask the members how they managed the transition. You'll probably learn something new and make some great friends in the process.