I overheard two ladies at the gym this morning discussing their dislike for the show “American Idol”. I personally don’t watch it until the final weeks. Maybe this is because I have boys and they are not quite into it. I am just interested in the final show and the winner.

From what I understand, the first few shows are audition episodes. I did a little research and all of the contestants do sign releases to allow television coverage of their audition. In a way they are giving permission to be humiliated but I think the show goes beyond that. Are we teaching our children that in some cases it is okay to insult someone to the very bone? Are we saying if it entertains you then it is okay? Are we in a sense encouraging a “bullying” type behavior? What are your thoughts?

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OK, I know I am not alone, because I’m hearing this discussion at the gym, in the carpool line and in the grocery store produce section. I’ve been fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home mom for more than a decade. But there’s no stopping progress, and the kids are getting older and my volunteer hours at school are waning. (Having mom show up at school no longer holds the attraction it once did.)

Now, after all of these years doing the mom thing, I’m ready and willing to get into the job force, but feel like a dinosaur. Where should I start? Is my retail buying skill set totally outdated? Would my years-ago work experience hold any relevance on a resume?

Can I do this?? If you’re going through this, or have recently found a new working parent role for yourself, I’d love to hear any strategic suggestions.

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Most days I feel like I handle the single parent juggling act pretty well. One of the things that have gotten to be more and more difficult, though, is finding time to exercise.

Does anyone out there have any suggestions on how to fit it in with job, kids, meals, pets, etc???

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One of the things that I’ve learned about being a single mom of teens is that everything will not get done. It’s a given. In my previous incarnation as a stay-at-home mom I always felt busy. Now that I’m divorced and back in the workforce, busy doesn’t begin to describe my life. It’s all a blur, really. So I’ve had to back down off my standards. Sometimes I have to get a “B”. And at 44, that’s OK with me now. I’m not as interested in doing things perfectly as I was when I was younger. Now I’d just like to survive!!!

What I’m learning though, is that the best way to survive the frenetic activity is to stop expecting myself to get everything done and to stop trying to multi-task. When I allow myself the luxury of focusing on one task at a time, I feel much more satisfied with each activity. And when I give myself permission to leave some of the chores until another time, I respect my own need for rest. And when I allow myself to rest, my attitude stays better and I actually get more done. I don’t do any of these things perfectly either, mind you, but the more I focus on listening to myself, taking care of myself and being present with whatever it is that I’m doing, the more satisfied I feel with my life.

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