Single Moms are Stronger When They Gather Together

OK, I've got a couple of random ideas to throw at you that might help should you be interested in getting a Circle of Support together.  I figured that since I continue to blog about it being a good idea that I should at least contribute to getting you started. 

Let's assume that you've started networking with other Single Moms at church, at your child's school, or even at work and you've discovered that some of them are interested in the idea of hanging out.  There are many different ways you can schedule these gatherings and it will take some communication with all interested parties to get it off the ground but it is worth the work. 

Here are two of my favorites to give you an idea of what I mean:

1. The Friday Night Freezer Frenzy - The object here is to meet every Friday at a different house.  It isn't a potluck, oh no - the meal for everyone, is everything that is in the Freezer.  Yep, you read that right.  You must make a meal of the ice covered contents in the freezer, no cheating. 

Now true it could be just ice cream sandwiches and the world's largest block of cheese from the warehouse store, but hey they will go bad if not eaten so dig in and have fun!  You can let the kids hang out and play the trendy electronic TV game, or you can break out the board games, anything to let them unwind while expanding their social skills. 

Then the Moms can all gather and share stories, frustrations, triumphs, jokes, hugs or anything they want to from their week.  The idea is to feel safe because they are surrounded by people who understand and are empathetic to what they are going through.  People who won't judge them because they are raising their children alone.   

2. Hold a monthly Single Mom Swap Meet.  This is a true swap meet, where people bring items from their closets, garages, anywhere around their house that their children have outgrown or just aren't using anymore so they can swap them for items they need. 

No money is exchanged or needed. For example, items like sports equipment or musical instruments that are in great shape just sitting around collecting dust might be exactly what another Single Mom needs and can't afford to buy. 

What about electronics that still work that you've set aside because new one's have been purchased?  Digital cameras, printers, boom boxes, even portable music devices.  There are so many Single Moms that would appreciate these items even if they are 5 years old.

If this is something that your group enjoys doing you can create a "wish list" that everyone fills out when they need something that they can't afford to buy.  It is like real life recycling. 

Since everyone is on a tight budget, it is a cool thing to be able to help someone out without spending money.  I believe that we all need to be able to give back in life and when we do it makes us feel so good.

These examples are not set in stone.  You can get crazy or mellow and come up with your own concept, just be creative.

Maybe the church you attend will let you start a Single Mom Circle of Support group.  It doesn't hurt to ask. 

Maybe your work will let you have brown bag lunch meetings with the Single Moms in the company.  It might be fun to gather during the work day to help ease some of the strain.

The goal is to be able to reach out to one another for inspiration, support and friendship.  Parenting is the toughest job in the world, and I don't believe that we were meant to do it alone. 

It is a learn-as-you-go kind of responsibility, and if we can help each other by sharing the lessons we've learned then we are being good parents.

I'll be anxious to hear what you all come up with and how the groups go.

Remember that there are no rules.  You can make it up as you go along. As always, give yourself a Big Hug for the job you are doing with your family.  Keep up the good work!