Kelly Williams, author of the book "Single Mamahood"

NetNoir presents

May 6, 1999

NetNoir presents NetNoirLive with Kelly Williams, author of the book "Single Mamahood" discusses health issues concerning motherhood, children, parenthood, and kids.

Page 1 of 5

OrCCCa: Welcome to NetNoirLive! Where fascinating and interesting celebrities come to chat! NetNoirLive! is a joint production of NetNoir.com (tm) and Talk City (tm) Thanks for joining us today. NetNoir and Talk City are pleased to welcome you this evening to chat with Kelly Williams. Kelly Williams is here to discuss her book "Single Mamahood". She will discuss how single Mom can raise children who are self-assured, happy, and healthy. Without further ado let's welcome to our guest tonight Kelly Williams.

Fcarl Says: Why did you write Single Mamahood?

KellyWilliams: I wrote "Single Mamahood" because I knew there were a lot of people, like myself, who could use the information. And my feeling is that it is better to let people learn from the mistakes of others, than to make those mistakes themselves. The book is pretty much How To. I don't pretend to know all the answers, but I do share my experiences with other moms and people who helped me along the way. And the entire book is about focusing on the children. And the hope is that single moms will find a way to work out difficulties with the baby's daddy, in order for the child not to be caught in the middle.

Avoritemama Says: Should women choose to become single moms?

KellyWilliams: NO! I don't think so. I think kids deserve to be in homes where the parents are married and where mom and dad love each other. In situations where that is not the case, we single moms need to just work on being the best mothers we can be while still allowing, if possible, the children to know their father.

Ero-73 Says: My daughter does not like school, and only makes C's and D's. Do you have any suggestions that might help her to take more responsibility for her grades? She is 12. Thanks.

KellyWilliams: 12 is a difficult age. Kids' bodies are changing, and that's typically when you start seeing any pent-up anger they might have. That might result from them being children of a single parent. Right now she may be beginning to look like a woman, but she is still a little girl. And she needs real closeness right now with everyone who loves her, especially her mother. She needs her mother's physical affection more than ever, and encouragement for the things she does right. As hard as it is right now, try not to criticize every little bad thing. Build her up whenever you can. It is showing in her grades right now that she is having some growing pains. But the extra love will make a HUGE difference. Also, see if she will get involved with sports because she needs a self-esteem booster. If she doesn't get it from her mom or through sports, she will look for it from boys and men in unhealthy ways.

Adahead Says: What should a single mom do if her boyfriend doesn't think it's a good idea for her kids to be involved with their father?

KellyWilliams: The boyfriend has the problem. He is insecure. The kids will ALWAYS have their father. The boyfriend may or may not be around for you, let alone them. You know what's right in this situation; follow your heart.

Rlcay Says: What advice do you have for dads of children who live in single-mama headed households?

KellyWilliams: Be there! Call your kids whenever possible. See them whenever they need you. Pay your child support. Do what you would have wanted your dad to do.

Owde Says: Can single fathers learn from your book?

KellyWilliams: What most single fathers tell me is that they learn through the book how much their kids need them, regardless of whether mom has a boyfriend, or even a new husband at some point.

Uest-WendyOne Says: My daughter is nearly 13 and still afraid to be alone in her room. What can I do? I have tried everything.

KellyWilliams: Did your daughter sleep with you when she was a baby? Let your daughter have sleepovers, where she invites a friend to spend the night. That will encourage independence.

Page 1 of 5