Some Things Should Never Change

The other day I was watching a family play together and the mother was reassuring her little boy that someday he too will learn to ride a bike. It was obvious that he took great comfort in his mothers words. Seeing that family play and interact … Read More »

The Wonders of Springtime

You know what they say...never lose the child inside of you. That couldn't be more true when I think of the changes and joy this season brings to all of us. This is the time of year, for new beginnings and change is all around. Nature is blooming, … Read More »

Time-Out

It works very well for our kids when they need to be reminded of an action or consequence. When you think about what time-out means, the effect is to reflect on what was done. Without getting too analytical about this, I think mom's need to give … Read More »

The Gift of Good Health

If nothing else goes right, I hope your health is good, and I pray your children health is good too. Many single mothers have little or no health insurance for themselves or their children. That was me too, back when I was raising my family. I am … Read More »

The Conversation

The other day, my daughter and one of her friends were talking about a couple they heard was getting a divorce. What a shame I thought to myself, been there, done that. No winners, just sadness and losses. However, some relationships that have to end … Read More »

A Penny Here, a Nickel There…

Every one of us "single moms" knows for a fact, that keeping a savings account is a hard thing to do. We can talk ourselves into the importance of this idea, but all too soon, we have used up that very last quarter, dime, nickel and penny. Who has … Read More »

Toys

Parents can get too wrapped up in toys. Sometimes we might feel guilty if our kids don't have the popular toy of the month. For, as we all know, gadgets and trends go in and out about as fast as we can take a breath. We as a whole buy too many … Read More »

The Days of Thunder

Remember when you blamed yourself or others for all that was wrong with life? I guess there are times when that just makes us feel better. There were times when I was a young mother, when I was very frustrated because I had it so much harder than … Read More »

Changing Jobs

Don't let the struggling economy hinder you from starting your own business. Sure I know, you barely have enough money for food and the other necessities, where am I going to come up with money for a home based business? Well, the answer, may be … Read More »

The Hollywood Mom

I hope you "REAL" single moms out there are not comparing yourselves to those celebrity single mothers. I certainly think it is wonderful that so many women feel their biological clock ticking away, and want to adopt their own "little bundle." These … Read More »

Love Your Heart

Once upon a time, there were two wonderful people who fell in love and promised to be together for a lifetime. Then something happened and it didn't work out, and they went their separate ways. They had one child or maybe two, but it was a sad and … Read More »

The Family Walk

Work is done, mom is tired and now you prepare yourself for your "Second"job. Dinner, baths, homework, chores, and bedtime. All in a (long) day's work. There is much to do when your day job is over as you struggle to find your next surge of strength … Read More »

Keep Your Kids Safe

The other day I was in one of those big "Super-Center" markets. As I was entering the ladies restroom, I noticed a young girl, no more than 6 or 7 years old, entering by herself too. Me, being the watchful mother I have always been, tried to figure … Read More »

Window Shopping

In all the years of being a mom to my five kids, I never forgot how important it was to feel hopeful. My kids and I would walk downtown to "The Village," as we used to call it. It was the main street in our town, and during the Holiday Season every … Read More »

The Adventurer

What if this journey as a single mom was to prove to you, that your life ahead will be greater than you can imagine? Perhaps one day, all the worry and fretting will finally subside. If you must take one more step through this day, make it a giant … Read More »

The Fair Fight

Life is hard. Sometimes, it knocks the wind out of you. Sometimes you feel, you are the only person fighting this battle. If just once, today could be different. Maybe today you will be proud of a moment that went well. Knowing how unpredictable … Read More »

What is Your Childcare Experience?

Nothing could be more important than the task of finding the "right" childcare for you little one. Unless you are one of the lucky ones, who has a family member to care for your child, you are like thousands of other mother's searching for loving … Read More »

Saying No to Others and Yes to Yourself

Mothers make the appointments and set the household schedules. We are the caretakers and the caregivers. We shoulder the discipline and wipe away the tears. We soothe the "ouches" and we cradle our children. We are the teacher's helpers, the homework … Read More »

The Life Lessons of Keeping a Journal

When I was a young girl, I was given my very first diary. It was a pretty pink square book with a gold clasp and a key lock. I thought it was the most wonderful gift ever! I could write my owns thoughts about my day to day feelings and events and I … Read More »

Your Toddlers Birthday Parties

When I was running my Home Daycare business, I noticed how many parents went overboard planning their children's birthday parties. I never understood why so many parents pressured themselves to out do each other. In my daycare a child's birthday was … Read More »

About The Author:
Laurie Cesario-Overton was born and raised in California. She was happily married for many years to a good man, but unfortunately, he was diagnosed with Manic/Depression. They tried counseling, Marriage Encounter and sought guidance from their church, however his health issues became a greater concern and grew into a much bigger problem.

She was a stay at home mother of five, and to supplement their income she took care of several neighborhood children. When her marriage ended, a friend suggested she get Licensed for Family Home Daycare, to add a more professional stamp to her home-based business. It was the best decision for her family at that time.

They did not have much, and faced many struggles and hardships. Even through her most difficult times, she has always said," It is a Gift and an Honor to be their mother." She has been in the business of caring for children for over twenty-five years.

Many families have asked Laurie to write about her experiences and tips on parenting. Due to complications recovering from surgery, she was unable to return to the work she has loved all her life.

In 2007, she remarried a wonderful man and now lives in Nevada. She decided to write her first book titled, "Home Daycare and Practical Parenting". She has begun working on her second book about mental illness and hopes to shed some light on how families are affected. Her children are all grown and now some of them are raising their own babies. She considers herself to be a very lucky mom, with many blessings.

Laurie's book
The author has over 25 years of experience in caring for children. She worked from home as a Licensed Family Home Daycare Provider, and raised a family of five, for 14 years, as a single mom. This book will cover a wide range of issues related to Home Daycare from a Provider's perspective and gives valuable information to new parent's and families as well.

Laurie maintains two websites:

» Homedaycare4You.com - This site is for both Providers and Parents seeking information about Family Home Daycare. Whether you are interested in becoming a childcare provider or you are searching for a smaller, more personal family-environment, you will find valuable information here.

» ParentsTalking.com - A journal blogging site of: Shared stories, Family Life, Raising children and Finding Yourself. Feelings about Sisterhood, Motherhood, and Friendships along the way. Letters describing what it felt like becoming a Grandmother to getting Remarried in your 50's. A little Something for Everyone.