Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/892003
22 Hudson Valley Parent n November 2017 6. When it comes to new romance, measure twice, cut once. I don't think it's anyone's dream to fall in love, marry, have children, and then, whether through divorce or loss, become a single parent. Lori and I planned to build a life, raise our kids. We hoped to enjoy one another, our children and our grandchildren happily ever after. Plans change. Commitments are, by definition, not supposed to be broken. Still, they often are broken. When it comes to making another commitment, take Smoky Robinson's advice: shop around. 7. Don't buy a "prestige" car just yet. For me, it didn't make sense to buy a Mercedes, BMW or Cadillac for $75,000 when I didn't have my children's college savings fully funded. My personal definition of "fully funded college savings" is $200,000 per child, or $50,000 per child per year. That level of college saving would pretty much guarantee my children could attend almost any college, private or public, that they wanted to. If you're fortunate enough to have earned $75,000, why not use it to buy an asset, like real estate, that is likely to appreciate and provide passive income? 8. Take some (guilt-free) time for yourself. When I take the time to relax or have fun or cut loose or whatever, I'm a better person for my children. Considering that the life of a single parent is often tremendously stressful, particularly for parents who have sole custody, take the time you need for yourself. If you're not feeling well, allow yourself to sleep a little HAPPILY EVER AFTER (Continued from Page 21) later or take a nap. A day of rest may prevent a week in bed with a cold or worse. If you need to get away for a night or a weekend alone or with a friend, then get a sitter and get away. I won't tell you that the application of a few of my secrets will make life all marshmallows and lollipops. Parenting is tough. There is more to it, but creating a safe, consistent environment is absolutely an important part to your children's success and, frankly, a single parent's emotional and physical health. For the record, I haven't yet bought a Mercedes, BMW, or Cadillac. I drive a 2014 Volkswagon TDI Diesel Passat. After the kids have their education and I have created the passive income I'll need to enjoy my grandchildren, I'll finally get my car. It will likely be an onyx black Volvo S90 with the amber perforated leather interior. Thomas Mattingly is a local single dad and author. He lives in Warwick. 12 Davis Avenue Vassar Professional Building Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 845.473.4939 +9&1)#DROFRPíZZZ+9&1)FRP Dan Meyer, PhD, BCB-N Barbara L. Monaco, LCSW-R, BCN Medication-free treatment for ADD/ADHD Neurofeedback can assist with learning & emotional challenges in children & adults. Neurofeedback is a non-invasive intervention that helps to retrain the brain. It has been found to be helpful with a variety of conditions such as: ADHD, Learning Challenges, PDD/Autism, Migraine and other headaches, Emotional Disruptions such as OCD, Anxiety and Panic and TBI. Peak Performance training is also available. For more information, please give us a call.