Latest news with #singleparents
South China Morning Post
2 hours ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Family-friendly workplaces would be a win-win for Hong Kong
The need to fulfil work commitments while looking after a family is a challenge familiar to many employees. It brings stresses and strains which often damage the health and well-being of both the worker and their relatives. Hong Kong is lagging behind in the provision of flexible family-friendly policies in the workplace. Around 90 per cent of human resources professionals reported their organisations lack relevant guidelines, according to an Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) survey. Up to 45 per cent of them doubted the effectiveness of measures in their workplace to support employees caring for family members, including single parents and those looking after relatives with mental health conditions. Family members of employees, meanwhile, stressed the 'very negative' impact of the worker attending to duties outside office hours and the burden job commitments place on the rest of the family. Many employees were found to have been refused additional leave needed to handle family responsibilities. Some were told to resign in such circumstances. The commission called for the promotion of a family-friendly culture in the workplace and clear policies. It urged the government to lead by example by improving arrangements and making changes to the law. Providing employees with time and space to care for dependants was described as a critical social issue facing Hong Kong. Recent family tragedies have highlighted the need for vulnerable members of society and their carers to receive adequate support. But there are broader benefits, including for employers. The embracing of flexible working hours, shorter working weeks and work-from-home arrangements can be key to finding and retaining talent. One survey revealed last year that respondents aged 18-34 viewed this as more important than a high salary. Other polls show Hong Kong to have been slow to adopt more flexible policies. Singapore, Japan and the United Kingdom are among the countries that have taken steps to encourage or require companies to do so. The city's employers face challenging times. But helping employees attend to pressing family commitments is not a cost. It is an investment in a happier, more productive workforce.
Forbes
5 hours ago
- General
- Forbes
20 Research-Backed Back-To-School Strategies For Working Moms
'U.S. schools may make life harder for working parents.' That line came from a Center for American Progress analysis written nearly a decade ago. The situation has not improved. Working mothers today navigate careers and caregiving with an intensity research shows is historically unprecedented. Experts agree that the key to sustainability isn't sweeping overhauls, but small, research-backed adjustments that compound over time. The strategies below reflect both expert advice and the lived wisdom of diverse working mothers: single parents, moms of children with special needs, and those managing hybrid or fully remote work. Each tactic is designed to be practical, immediately usable, and measurable in its impact—whether that's time saved, stress reduced or productivity gained. Because working parenthood is about far more than meal prepping, here are 20 strategies to help you thrive this school year. Time-Saving Hacks for Mornings And Evenings Mental Load And Planning Shortcuts Reframe Your Mindset
CTV News
a day ago
- General
- CTV News
Over 200 Montreal households still without a home weeks after moving day
Six weeks after Quebec's July 1 moving day, hundreds of households in Montreal still haven't secured a home — and advocates say those struggling most include single parents, newcomers, and low-income tenants. Among them is a 22-year-old single mother who is being identified as Kim to protect her privacy. She has been living in a friend's apartment with her one-year-old son since July. Kim came to Canada from Cameroon four years ago to study. She said her situation changed dramatically when she lost her job earlier this year and could no longer afford the $1,650 rent for her previous apartment. 'I came here to get an education and, even with me completing that during a pregnancy, I can't find work,' Kim said. 'Because of my boy, I need something in the daytime, but despite making so many efforts, I can't find anything.' She became a single parent before her son was born and described the experience as 'scary then, and still scary today.' Her current arrangement has left her sharing a room with her baby and her friend. 'My friend has been generous allowing me to stay here but, even if they're not saying anything, I know it's not a situation that can continue,' she said. Kim said she feels isolated without her family in Canada, and her hope is dwindling. 'I don't want to, but I've lost all hope,' she said. 'I keep it together and keep trying every day for my child.' Advocates sound the alarm According to the Montreal Municipal Housing Office (OMHM), there are 216 families who remain unhoused since July 1. Across the province, there are more than 1,700 households without housing after moving day. Margaret van Nooten, a social rights worker with Project Genesis, said the crisis has only worsened in recent years. 'If you're on the market today, you will be paying much, much more than you would have paid ten, or even five years ago,' she said. 'Even with assistance from organizations across the city, people aren't finding suitable long-term housing.' Van Nooten told CTV News many of these people end up in rooming situations, in homes where they have to give up their furniture or pets — and 'in situations where they're not able to have the minimum to live the dignified life everyone deserves.' She said those most likely to be turned away from apartments are people without steady employment, credit history or references, as well as newcomers and racialized tenants. Families with young children, especially single mothers, face additional hurdles. 'We can do so much better than this as a society,' van Nooten said. 'We need to provide the basics, and that should always include a roof over people's heads — especially for families, single mothers, and those at a disadvantage.' She added that landlords are increasingly using tactics like renovictions, repossessions and steep rent hikes to force tenants out and raise prices. 'The solution is straightforward,' van Nooten said. 'We need more social housing and fast.' City and housing officials respond In a statement to CTV News, Philippe Massé, spokesperson for the City of Montreal, acknowledged that the housing crisis has intensified despite what he described as 'unprecedented efforts' from the administration. 'That's why our administration has multiplied actions to protect low-income tenants, including purchasing rooming houses and our historic investment of $100 million to protect more than 700 households in Côte-des-Neiges from possible renoviction,' Massé said, calling it a first for any city in Quebec. Isabelle Girard-Fortier, director of referral services with the OMHM, said her team is supporting the more than 200 families still searching for a home. She noted that demand has spiked in the past three to four years and is no longer limited to moving season. 'We had a lot of households contacting us in February and March when they got a notice from their landlord regarding the rent increase,' she said. 'We see how difficult it is today for Montrealers, especially for those with children, to find rents they can afford. It's a difficult situation for families.' For Kim, those difficulties feel overwhelming. With no family nearby, no job, and nowhere permanent to live, she said she is running out of options. 'It's really hard to be here without my family and the kind of support I need,' she said. 'I wish there was more help so people like me didn't have to fall through the cracks.' Despite the obstacles, Kim said she continues to push forward each day, determined to give her son the stability she came to Canada to find.
Yahoo
09-08-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Woman Finds Out the Man She Has Been Dating for Months Has a Kid Despite Making It Clear She Doesn't Want Children
She was upfront about not wanting kids, but he waited weeks to tell herNEED TO KNOW A woman ended a relationship after learning her date had a child, which he kept from her She had clearly stated on dating apps and in conversation that she doesn't want children Now the fallout has left her wondering if she's overreactingA woman turns to the Reddit community for advice following an emotional breakup that stemmed from a core boundary she's always held: she doesn't want kids, and therefore, she doesn't date single fathers. The 32-year-old, writing from a throwaway account, shares that she's been open about this from the start and has always made her stance clear on dating apps. "I don't want kids, never wanted kids. I also don't date single fathers because of this. And I am vocal about it," she explains early in her post. For her, this isn't just a casual preference. It's a dealbreaker, and one she expected to be respected. She describes meeting a man about three months ago and feeling an immediate spark, though their busy schedules kept them from meeting in person for weeks. 'We continued talking on call/text and I cannot explain how amazing it felt to talk to him,' she writes, highlighting his "humor, wit, intelligence," and shared political views. When they finally met, the chemistry lived up to expectations. They saw each other four times over the following weeks, deepening their connection until the final date when everything changed. "During our last date, he drops the bomb that he has a kid," she recalls, stunned by the sudden revelation. Shaken, she tells him she can't continue seeing him and leaves it at that. 'I didn't ask him why he didn't tell me about his kids or why he would even swipe on me on the app because at that point I felt he betrayed me,' she writes. For her, the trust was broken the moment he chose to withhold that information. Later that night, she received a "barrage" of messages from him, explaining that he doesn't "tell anyone about his kid unless there is a real chance with them." "He also accused me of being a coward and letting something so good go because I was 'afraid' of a 'little parental responsibility,'" she writes. "I, on the other hand, feel betrayed by him and I seriously don't wanna deal with kids at all." Her post quickly drew hundreds of responses, with many supporting her decision and affirming her right to uphold her boundaries. 'If you are very vocal and open about not wanting kids there's nothing more for you to do,' one commenter writes, echoing a sentiment shared by many. In a follow-up edit, she thanked the community for their support, sharing how impactful it was to hear from other women who've made similar choices. 'It was joyful to read a few comments from women a couple of decades older than me not regretting their no kids stance,' she writes. But she also shares the darker side of the replies, noting that "it was enraging to read so many women facing [a] similar situation." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. She explains that her initial "pain and shock has turned into disgust and rage," and that she's since blocked him. 'He did send a few more texts but there is no point getting into that,' she writes, cutting off further contact. As for those who wonder why she didn't confront him about hiding his child, her response was clear and unwavering. 'I honestly don't care. I may sound rude, but I really don't. What I care about is my boundary and the fact that he crossed it,' she explains. Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
17 Single Parents In Cartoons Who Nailed Raising Their Kids Solo
I watch my fair share of cartoons with my children, and because of that, I've noticed many characters that resonate with me. Single parents in cartoons are among those characters. Single parenting is one of the most challenging jobs in the world, and it can sometimes go underappreciated. Adjusting to the daily challenges of child rearing without a partner can be lonely, frustrating, and overstimulating. Still, single parents do everything they can to support their children with the resources they have. Amid the exhaustion shines resilience as these superheroes do what they have to do daily to care for and support their children. I'm a single mom to my three kids: my eldest daughter, age seven, my only son, age three, and my youngest daughter who just turned two in July. There are some days I question whether I'm raising them right as a single mother. What keeps me going is the strength of getting up daily to show up and show out for my kids. As of 2022, there were 10.9 million single-parent households in America. About 80% of them have single mothers as the head of the household. My children's father is involved a couple of times per week, which helps with taking some of the mental load off of me for a few hours on those days. I'm also lucky to have my mom step in to help me with redirecting the children if they are rowdy, because we all live together. Single parents in cartoons can teach lessons to single parents in real life about how to handle child rearing, even if you may not have a large village. Here are 17 single parents from cartoons I resonate with. They all have unique lessons to teach all parents, no matter how large or small their village. Lois Foutley From As Told By Ginger Lois Foutley is primarily a single parent in the first and second seasons of As Told By Ginger, eventually marrying Dr. Dave in the final episode of the series. She endures challenges like driving an old car with constant problems, primarily showcased in the show's opening credits. Money gets tight for her, but she gives Ginger and Carl everything they need. She's a resourceful, strong, and emotionally available single mother, giving Ginger advice during her teenage struggles and pep talks with Carl when he's in trouble. What Parents Can Learn From Lois Foutley: You don't have to own a luxurious home or have access to endless cash. Setting boundaries while being emotionally available enhances structure in child rearing. As a single mother myself, I resonate so much with Lois Foutley. I tell it like it is when the kids are enduring challenges while guiding them with a tender heart of kindness and understanding. Professor Utonium From The Powerpuff Girls Professor Utonium mixing sugar, spice, and everything nice with an accidental dash of Chemical X gave him incredible superhero daughters, Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup. He was a bachelor when he had the girls, primarily raising them as a single father. The Professor has an outstanding balance of knowledge to teach his daughters and emotional intelligence to guide them through challenging life situations. His kindness and patience help him guide Blossom with a school project, calm Bubbles when she cries, or work with Buttercup through a temper tantrum. What Parents Can Learn From Professor Utonium: Parenting requires presence, not perfection. Even if you are busy with your career, as long as you prioritize quality time with your children outside of work, you will positively impact their growth and development. I can get pretty busy between writing and household cleaning, but I always try to watch a movie or play with my kids a little each day. Rosie's Mom From Ada Twist, Scientist Rosie Revere and her mom, who is a pilot, live with her great aunt. When Rosie's mother is away at work, Rosie's great aunt is her primary caretaker. Despite her busy schedule, Rosie's mom is supportive of her daughter's love of engineering and inventing. She supports and encourages Rosie's innovative and bold thought process to achieve her goals. What Parents Can Learn From Rosie's Mom: Hardworking single parents can still be there for their kids during their off hours. Instilling trust in a child's abilities and giving them space to explore new concepts will help them learn and grow. My eldest daughter wants to be an art teacher when she's an adult. She asked me to paint this weekend and I told her she can. I worried less about the mess and focused more on how the activity would help hone her craft. Goofy From A Goofy Movie Goofy is one of the most popular cartoon single dads of the 90s. He parented his son, Max, alone in Goof Troop during his childhood and his teenhood in the ever-popular A Goofy Movie. Goofy was adamant about spending time with Max during their father/son fishing trip turned Powerline concert visit. Max was already in college when Goofy found a girlfriend in An Extremely Goofy Movie. What Parents Can Learn From Goofy: It's okay to be overprotective, and a safe place for your kids. Even if your children call you weird or goofy, just be yourself. My daughter calls me weird a lot when I act silly with her and her siblings, and it doesn't bother me at all. Marlin From Finding Nemo We remember the gut-wrenching scene when Marlin became a single father to Nemo. It was one of the saddest starts of a Disney movie, in my opinion, watching this as a child. Marlin's worrisome nature about his son getting hurt and his knack for overprotecting him are natural for single parents of young children. The spazz clownfish dad eventually learns to give his son space to grow and explore within reasonable boundaries while still maintaining safety. What Parents Can Learn From Marlin: There's a mix of fear and love in parenting. Raising a child alone after a traumatic loss instills fear to the point it's hard to overcome and press forward as life goes on. After I miscarried my first child in 2014, I was so careful when I got pregnant with my eldest daughter in 2017. I made sure to eat a healthy diet, rest as much as I can, remember my prenatals, and drink plenty of water. I'm so thankful that she and my two babies were born healthy and strong while still holding on to my first unborn child in my memory. Maurice From Beauty And The Beast The widower and inventor, Maurice, is a single father to Belle. He's an eccentric and intelligent man, to whom many people believe his innovative, inventive mind makes him crazy. He raises Belle to explore new ideas by reading, which causes the village to think she's odd because of her desire for education. Despite no one in the village understanding who they are, Maurice embraces Belle's uniqueness and curiosity. He always encourages her to be true to herself. What Parents Can Learn From Maurice: Supportive parenting means celebrating a child's individuality, even if it means they are different from others. Having a child conform to fit in with society will stunt a child's growth. Empowering your little one to think freely and follow their heart will build them into strong adults. I love to ask my eldest daughter for her opinions on different subjects. It's crazy how she's forming her values and thoughts at the young age of 7, and they'll only keep changing as she gets older. Sultan Hamed From Aladdin Sultan Hamed is a widower and ruler of Argrabah. He deeply loves his daughter, Jasmine, and is well-meaning in protecting her. However, he doesn't listen to her desire for independence in exploring the city beyond the palace walls. He arranges a marriage for Jasmine in the original film, only to learn the hard way that his daughter prefers to marry for love and decides her future independently. What Parents Can Learn From Sultan Hamed: Placing outdated beliefs and expectations on your children may not align with their values. They are individuals with their viewpoints and it's up to parents to trust their judgment as they get older. Charles 'Chas' Finster From Rugrats Chuckle's mother died of an unexplained illness, making Charles a single dad to Chuckie for most of the main Rugrats series. While he's sometimes overprotective of Chuckie, Chas is a loving and devoted father who puts his son's well-being as his utmost priority. He likes creating a safe environment for Chuckie while being kind and vulnerable in his single-parent journey. Chas eventually marries Kira in Rugrats in Paris and becomes a blended family as a stepfather to Kimmy. What Parents Can Learn From Charles 'Chas' Finster: It's ok for parents to be sensitive and cautious. They may even be unsure about certain child-rearing decisions until they give them more thought. If single parents find true love and they are both caring towards their stepchildren, strong blended families can blossom. Abe Simpson From The Simpsons Abe raised Homer as a single father after Homer's mother was declared a fugitive for destroying Mr. Burns' germ lab alongside other suspects. He protected Homer as a child from knowing his mother was a fugitive by telling him instead that his mother had passed on. Abe's tough love approach to parenting seems gruff and mixed with impatience. Underneath this facade is a true love and tenderness for his only son. What Parents Can Learn From Character: Some parents are shaped by different hardships within their generation. Hence, they may not express love in the most conventional ways, like verbal affirmations and physical affection. Despite this, the most loving of parents will still protect and provide to the fullest extent possible. Bitzi Baxter From Arthur Different episodes throughout the Arthur universe reveal that Buster Bunny's parents are divorced. In the episode '1001 Dads', Buster informs Arthur that he has to stay with his father for a few months. Otherwise, Buster Bunny's mother, Bitzi, is the primary parent. Her busy job as a journalist is balanced with guiding her son to be himself with an empathetic and structured parenting style. Integrating humor and honesty into her communication with Buster formulates his fun-loving personality as he interacts with friends. What Parents Can Learn From Bitzi Baxter: Being judgment-free of children's desires and ideas helps create a safe environment to help them grow and learn. Being truthful and approachable with children will build their self-esteem and confidence. Whenever my kids fall, I tell them they are strong enough to get up and brush themselves off. Of course, I'm also gentle and caring by hugging them afterwards and treating any minor injuries, if applicable. Chief Powhatan From Pocahontas The wise and strong Chief Powhatan has the dual responsibility of leading the Powhatan tribe and raising his daughter, Pocahontas, as a single father. He deeply loves and cherishes his playful and curious daughter, trying to keep her safe and doing what's best for her. His protective instincts sometimes override him, realizing he should let Pocahontas have more freedom for self-discovery. Chief Powhatan's announcement of Kocoum's desire to marry Pocahontas goes against her desire to choose her path. In the end, the chief realizes he must let his daughter decide her destiny. What Parents Can Learn From Chief Powhantan: Listening to a child's needs and desires is just as important as guiding them. Even when a child's values challenge tradition, letting go to allow them to make their own decisions is the most courageous step any parent can take. I try to firmly and gently parent like Chief Powhatan while also allowing my children to engage in self-exploration. Pocahontas might be problematic by today's standards, but her dad has some valuable lessons to share! Lydia Pearson From Pepper Ann Pepper Ann's mother, Lydia, works at a local fashion boutique called 'It's You'. She's an encouraging and dependable mother as she raises Pepper Ann and her brother, Moose, alone. Lydia supports Pepper Ann's creativity and individuality while setting clear expectations. She guides her children during challenging moments with patience and humor to enhance their self-reliance. What Parents Can Learn From Lydia Pearson: Life's daily challenges can act as teachable moments to children. Presence, consistency, and emotional availability during childhood and adolescence provide a strong foundation through growth and development. I use many conflicts as teaching moments for the kids. For example, I teach them conflict resolution when they have to take turns with the television and toys. Momma Bravo From Johnny Bravo Despite Johnny being an adult, Momma Bravo is his voice of reason, providing him reality checks with her sweet and sassy, sharp tongue. Her independent and clever personality has helped her be strong as a single mom through Johnny's childhood, as there is no mention of his father in the series. Managing household tasks while getting her grown son out of trouble with her trademark toughness is an admirable trait. What Parents Can Learn From Momma Bravo: Single parenting doesn't mean you have to lose yourself or your sense of humor to make it work. Balancing understanding and tough love with your child helps to be a source of structure and comfort. It may not be the best show for kids to watch these days, but his mom at least showcases some admirable traits. Dracula From The Hotel Transylvania Movie Franchise Dracula becomes a single father when humans murder Mavis's mother, Martha. He's extra protective of his Mavy Wavy from her childhood and even into her adulthood when she meets Johnny in the original film. He only wants the best for his daughter, even if it means protecting her from the outside world. What Parents Can Learn From Dracula: It's natural to protect your child from danger, but overprotectiveness can prevent them from developing and trying new experiences. Letting go and allowing youth to make their own decisions is one of the highest forms of love as a parent. My eldest daughter attended daycare for the first time during the two months before the COVID-19 pandemic started in March 2020. It took me 2.5 years to finally send her back to school because of my fear of her getting sick. I had to tell myself that sickness will happen, and I can't let that stop me from allowing the kids to explore and grow in social programs. King Triton From The Little Mermaid King Triton becomes a widower to his seven daughters when a boating accident takes Queen Athena's life. Ariel is the youngest and most rebellious of her siblings. He rules Atlantica with strength and bravery while trying to keep his daughters and subjects safe from the human world. However, his struggle to understand independence and adventure causes him to hold on to Ariel too tightly to the point that she runs off to see the human world anyway. What Parents Can Learn From King Triton: Even the most loving parents can struggle with letting go. Being a parent doesn't mean protecting your child from every danger. It's most about preparing them to face the world with confidence and trust that your child will make the best decisions for themselves. Jennifer Davis From Toy Story Jennifer Davis is a single mom to Andy and his little sister, Molly in the Toy Story movie franchise. She is supportive of Andy's imagination and love of toys in the first two movies. Jennifer gets emotional as she sees Andy's empty childhood room before he heads off to college. She embraces her children's innocence and playfulness as they grow into young children, and she stays strong as they transition to their teens (Molly) and adulthood (Andy). What Parents Can Learn From Andy's Mom: Supporting a child's creativity and imagination is paramount throughout their childhood. Guiding little ones with love and resilience through each stage of their development without rushing growing up builds a stable and nurturing environment. I teach my three kids to do things on their own within age-appropriate contexts. Mr. Krabs From SpongeBob Mr. Krabs is a single father who loves spoiling his whale daughter, Pearl, by giving her only the best. Even though he primarily values making money and staying frugal, he supports his daughter's desires more, even if it means spending beyond his budget. He supported Pearl taking over the Krusty Krab which then became the Kuddly Krab (insert episode) even if it was so much money flushed down the proverbial toilet. What Parents Can Learn From Mr. Krabs: Even the most stubborn of parents can grow and adapt for the sake of their children. Investing time and attention in a child's interests matters more than the material things. I am practical with mainly purchasing items for my eldest daughter's art projects so she can perfect her craft. I don't worry as much about buying so many toys or lavish electronics that will end up in a cluttered heap if they aren't used too often. Single parenting is a journey of strength, resilience, sacrifice, and unshakeable love. Getting up every day and showing up for your kids can be challenging some days and easy during others. As a single mom myself, I see a piece of myself in all of these single-parent cartoon characters who stay strong through the calm and challenging times of their parenthood journeys. Solve the daily Crossword
