Single Mum's Survival Guide

Vivienne Smith is a writer, trainer, presenter, transformational coach, and certified neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and hypnosis practitioner. She is also a Regional Director of the Athena Group, an international networking, training and development business community for female executives and entrepreneurs. Her experience as a single mum prompted Vivienne to write a book about the subject. It has been the fulfilment of a long term ambition to turn what was at the time a negative and distressing experience into an opportunity to help others get through similar challenges. Now happily remarried, she lives with her husband and two sons in beautiful West Sussex, on the south coast of England.

• PrefaceAcknowledgements     CHAPTER ONE    Dealing With The Break-Up Whether It’s Your Decision Or His CHAPTER TWO    Telling the Kids CHAPTER THREE    Divorce and SeparationMistakes to Avoid, Dos and Don’ts CHAPTER FOUR    FinancesKeeping Your Head Above Water CHAPTER FIVE    Co-parenting After DivorceDealing With Friends and FamilyRecreating the Old Relationships to Suit Your New Life CHAPTER SIX    Staying Fit and Healthy and Keeping Your Energy Levels HighCreating Happy Memories That Your Family Will TreasureBuilding Your Support Network CHAPTER SEVEN    Ongoing Support For the ChildrenDealing With Their Grief and Their Behaviour When They “Act Out”What They Are Going ThroughRules and ValuesSchool Plays and Holidays CHAPTER EIGHT    Time For YouCreating a SanctuaryRecharging Your BatteriesMaking the Most of Time When Your Ex Has the Kids CHAPTER NINE    Working as a Single MotherFinding Child CareLearning New Skills To Help You Manage the HouseThe Power of the Mums’ NetworkAsking For Help CHAPTER TEN    The Forgiveness Process CHAPTER ELEVEN    Dating Again – Dos and Don’ts CHAPTER TWELVE    How to Decide if He’s Right?Creating the Perfect Partner ListFeatures of a Successful Relationship     CHAPTER THIRTEEN    Dealing With the Challenges of Blended FamiliesSuccessfully Stepping From Being a Single Mum to Creating a Blended Family With a New Partner CHAPTER FOURTEEN    Being Contentedly SingleCelebrating Your Achievements CHAPTER FIFTEEN    Happy Ever After?Moving On About the Author    Resources: Help and Advice for Single Mothers    Bibliography