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FAMILY HELP LINE: Single-parenting can crowd social life

By Beth Pfalmer, Special to the Rocky

Published July 20, 2008 at 3 p.m.

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I'm divorced and have a 5-year-old. My sister has been baby-sitting for me when I have a date. Without saying anything to me, she told our mom that I'm not spending enough time with my daughter. I'm furious that she didn't talk to me. Should I stop using her to baby-sit?

It's tough to arrange your social life around the needs of a 5-year-old. Your sister has been very considerate to care for her niece. Does she feel unappreciated or think your dating is putting too much pressure on her family life?

It's obvious that your sister cares about you and your daughter. Talk with her about her concerns and see whether it's more than your dating that's bothering her.

What are your other child-care options? Does your daughter's dad have regular visitation, giving you time on your own? Are there other family members to care for her?

Finally, it's a test of maturity to put your daughter's needs above your desire for a social life. Be attentive to the possibility that your sister's opinion may have some validity. It is really hard to be a single parent, and part of that responsibility means putting her needs first.

My son came home from day camp bruised and scraped. He says he was in a fight with another boy. No one at camp told me about an incident or his injuries when I picked him up. What should I do?

Child-care licensing regulations require that an incident report be completed when a child in care is involved in any incident that results in injury. The process includes disclosing the details of the incident to the child's parent.

Speak with the camp director. Expect a full explanation of the failure to inform you and the details of the incident.

If the situation suggests a failure to maintain a safe environment, call the licensing department of your county's department of human services for investigation.

Have a parenting question? Call the Family Support Line, 303-695-7996 or 1-877-695-7996, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Family Support Line is a program of Families First, sponsored in part by the Rocky Mountain News.