I'm a single parent. Today it's an all too common scenario. They experts say that up to fifty percent of marriages end in divorce. Such was the case for me; I've become a statistic. Ughh!!

I share 50% custody with the mother of my children and, although our relationship did not work out, we both put the children first. We also both face tough times having to do all the work of two parents. We both have to work for a living and the laundry still needs to get done, the lawn needs to be cut, grocery shopping needs to be done, the house has to be cleaned and dinner has to be made when the kids are over. When I am without my children, a bowl of cereal or a couple of granola bars will suffice for dinner!

During the week there is homework time, baths, reading and, if there is enough time, maybe a little bit of play time. Single parenting is tough, even with 50% shared custody! My heart goes out to those single parents that have their children 24/7. If I'm wiped out from all the things I have to do with half time kids, I couldn't begin to imagine the challenges that full time single parents must face.

When I'm with my children, it's all about them. I try to get all the chores done during the week when they are not around so that we can play on the weekends. Sometimes it's tough though and we have to run a few errands on their time. I hope they understand. When my wife and I split, I moved into a different neighborhood. Unfortunately, there were no children on the street for my kids to play with. It was a very frustrating time because they required 110% of my attention.

How do you go to the Apex Center and take your 7 year old down the slide and leave your 5 year old alone? You don't! Fortunately, I found a group called Parents Without Partners. They have family activities every weekend and so now my life is completely different. The kids love going to the pool, park, or skating with their friends in PWP.

I will never again have a weekend where I can't find something to do with the kids. They are so excited about the Memorial Day camping trip and the Mother's Day picnic! It's also been a blessing for me. The friends I have made in PWP and the support they have given me is phenomenal. Talk about a group of sympathetic ears!

All single parents face unique challenges and this group has been the answer for me. I guess that's why I am giving back by volunteering my time as a New Member Director, helping to enroll people in PWP. If you are a single parent and could use a network of friends in the same situation, check out www.pwpcolorado.org It may be just what you've been looking for.

Jeff Hollman

303 956-9406

coloradojeffh@comcast.net