In this series of blogs, the “Kid Blenders,” I will be addressing our challenges, trying to blend our two families together. The names of the children will be changed to spare the easily embarrassed. And let me be upfront about this: I’m no clinical expert. I’m just a single mom trying to figure life out as I go. But knowing that there are around 14 million single parents out there…I’m guessing that I’m not alone in this venture.

Assess, Ask, and Act: The three steps to successfully and sincerely helping a friend through loss and transition.

Not once in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be back in the dating pool in my 30s.  If someone had predicted 5 years ago that I’d be looking for a new relationship I would have said there was a better chance that I’ll be trampled to death by elephants in my own home [...]

The hardest day of my life: I hadn’t been separated from Antonia and Jonah’s father for even a month when a horrible accident happened. Jonah, my three-year-old, had spilled his glass of milk all over my dining room floor about a half hour before it was time to take them to the police station, [...]

Editor’s note: Almost two years ago, Denver was caught up in a scandal when it was revealed Shawn Merriman was involved in a $20 million Ponzi scheme. There were many victims but no one was more blindsided by his betrayal than his own wife and four children. In our three-part series, Shawn’s now-ex-wife Andrea [...]

Editor’s note: Almost two years ago, Denver was caught up in a scandal when it was revealed Shawn Merriman was involved in a $20 million Ponzi scheme. There were many victims but no one was more blindsided by his betrayal than his own wife and four children. In our three-part series, Shawn’s now-ex-wife Andrea shares [...]

I was on a trail run recently when I started pondering the complexities of life. I felt gratitude for where I am today and thought of those who had a part in forming who I have become.
OK, I’m talking ex-boyfriends. It sounded better when I sugar-coated it.
I’m really not one to dwell on the past. [...]

The following conversation occurred between my kids and a not-so-nice child in the somewhat recent past:
“Do you have an XBox360?
“No.”
“How about a PSP?”
“I… don’t think so.”
“A PS2?”
“Nope.”
“A PS3?”
“Negative.”
“How about Guitar Hero?”
“No, but we have Rock Band!”
“Man, you guys are poor.”
As you can imagine, I was shocked when I heard that the definition of poor had [...]

When it comes to parenting, you’ve got to know when to hold ‘em. Know when to scold ‘em. Know when to walk away. And know when to run to the therapists. I’ve got it all down pat. EXCEPT the scolding part. This is where my kids would roll on the floor laughing like people who’ve [...]