Dear Chat Daddy,
I am a 33-year-old divorced mother of three small children who is currently on unemployment due to my recent layoff. It is an everyday struggle for me to provide for my children, especially since the holidays are around the corner. My ex
Dear Chat Daddy, I am a 33-year-old divorced mother of three small children who is currently on unemployment due to my recent layoff. It is an everyday struggle for me to provide for my children, especially since the holidays are around the corner. My ex-husband never helps me and always gives excuses every time I ask him for child support. He has a hard time keeping a job and avoids me every chance he gets. The truth is that he feels the need to take all of his misfortune and our failed relationship out on me because I refuse to be with him. Chat Daddy, I don’t even have enough money to celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas and it really hurts me because I really want to give my children the best of everything. What should I do? -Just Not In The Holiday Mood
Dear Just Not In The Holiday Mood, Sweetheart, I am truly sorry for your problem this time of year. Let’s start with prayer about this situation. How unfortunate that your ex does not want to provide for his family, and give them the support and nurturing that they need and deserve. Aside from being on the grind for a new job, I would suggest that you try having a serious chat with him, as adults, in the best interest of your children. Not only is it immature for him to behave in that way, but it is indeed cruel. In addition, if he still does not comply, I would suggest that you take him to court and demand what is necessary for your family.
Start seeking other family members you and your children can spend the holidays with, who would of course help you as well. There are many organizations or groups in the city that are more than happy to help with some of your children’s holiday wishes. Here’s to you and yours having a joyous holiday season filled with cheer and positivity.
Be encouraged.
Dear Chat Daddy, I really need your help. I am a 40-year-old single mother of a son who is 16 years old. The problem is that he cannot read and while the teachers notice this issue, he is still being passed to the next grade level. I have tried to talk to the principal but to no avail. They feel as if as long as he is a great asset to the basketball and football teams, then academics aren’t as important. Chat Daddy, I don’t know what to do and I am really upset because my son is not getting the proper education and assistance that he needs in order to make it out in the world. Please advise. -My Son’s No Pawn
Dear My Son’s No Pawn, Wow. Thank you very much for your letter. I would suggest that you obtain special educational services for your son on your own while taking this major unfortunate deal up with a higher power in the school system, and let your son’s needs and voice be heard.
Definitely explain the entire situation to them and let them know exactly what has been taking place. This is certainly unacceptable and quite disheartening. So many people think that our children are only good for sports, which is so untrue! We must teach them to dream much bigger than that while teaching them other skills and talents.
I’m a firm believer that no child should be left behind and the fact that this so-called institution of learning is passing him just because he is a good athlete is unfathomable. I would also suggest that you take him off of the basketball and football teams as well. His learning is much more important. Here’s to you finding the academic help that your son needs and him improving in his studies in a phenomenal way.
A special Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families from Chat Daddy!
Art “Chat Daddy” Sims can be reached via e-mail at chatdaddy@chicagodefender.com
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