Singles Workshop

by Karen Wasserman, Co-president of the Long Island APC Chapter and  Speaker at the conference on Single Parenting

This workshop offered attendees, who are in all stages of the adoption process, the opportunity to hear and share thoughts about the challenges and advantages of parenting as a single.  This animated. and open group, spoke about a wide range of issues including: discipline, juggling career and family, loneliness, finances, "me" time, dating, friendships, daycare as well as the process of adopting as a single.

The need for support in every stage of adoption has been a compelling issue.  While some people have family as their support network, others have friends and acquaintances who becomes their sounding board, helpers, advisors etc.   Sometimes, the opportunity to share experiences can mean everything to a single parent.  The first word, first step, first tantrum generate a lot of emotion and since there is no other parent there to share the joy or frustration, single parents need to have "someone to talk to,  Of major concern is illness of the single parent and the need to plan for and document how the child will be cared for and financially supported.

The in-person positive exchange of ideas and concerns proved again the absolute need for networking and sharing thoughts and feelings.  Some members even exchanged e-mails and phone numbers and in fact, the leader, opened a new relationship with a single Mom of a child of about the same age as the speakers'.  The need for singles to meet and speak with others was evident through the excitement generated by the attendees.