1. Childhood Skin Problems Slideshow
2. Childhood Illnesses You Should Know Slideshow
3. Slideshow: Cold and Flu - Treating Your Child's Cold or Fever

Medical Author:

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

Dr. Mersch received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and prior to entering the University Of Southern California School Of Medicine, was a graduate student (attaining PhD candidate status) in Experimental Pathology at USC. He attended internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

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Medical Editor:

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

Dr. Perlstein received his Medical Degree from the University of Cincinnati and then completed his internship and residency in pediatrics at The New York Hospital, Cornell medical Center in New York City. After serving an additional year as Chief Pediatric Resident, he worked as a private practitioner and then was appointed Director of Ambulatory Pediatrics at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx.

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Having been a single parent of three children following the death of my wife 10 years ago, I can suggest several strategies to ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your child/children. First and foremost, realize that two adults raising children is a daunting challenge. A solo parent simply cannot provide what two parents can when it comes to helping with homework, watching soccer practice, and having the financial resources that a two-income family offers. While the above are obviously desirable, they pale in importance to providing to your child a sense of security and love. Single parents must absolve themselves of any guilt when it comes to the material needs of their children. Instead, focus on your job of raising individuals who will ultimately become successful adults and (perhaps) parents themselves.