International Executive Coach of the Year, Jo Emerson, answers your questions. Listen to her podcast Tell Me Who You Really Are on your preferred platform now. Jo’s new email course can help you build confidence – visit jo-emerson.com. Grab her book, Flying for Beginners, on Amazon. Find Jo on Instagram: @jo_emerson_
Should I just raise them alone?
I want more than anything to have a family but I just haven’t met the man of my dreams. I’m aware the clock is ticking. Will I be a bad mum if I decide to do it alone? Will raising them without a father figure by choice affect them?
Pick Me Up! reader Katy from Yeovil says:
I can tell that you care and that’s why you are asking these questions.
Yes, raising them without a father figure will affect them – but it doesn’t mean it will be negative. And it won’t make you a bad parent.
There are plenty of parents who single-handedly raise their children.
Focus on being the best parent that you can be – it sounds like you’re going to be a natural.
Pick Me Up! reader Andrea from Liverpool says:
It doesn’t matter that you haven’t found your dream man at all. If you want children, there are options – and you know that.
Doing it alone means you have total control over how to parent.
It doesn’t mean that it’s not going to be difficult. But I’m sure you’ll have a huge support network, meaning you’re never really on your own.
I’m going to say just go for it.
JO SAYS:
I don’t think the issue here is whether your child needs a father figure as I’m sure there are men in your life who could play this role.
I think the thing you need to consider more carefully is whether this is something you can do alone. Many people do at some stage of parenting, so it’s possible but it is hard work.
Get a lot of support in place to ensure you manage well.
YES
Pick Me Up! reader Claire from Dorchester says:
Yes, of course you can lie – but why? The truth will come out in the end anyway. Your son may not be doing the job that you want him to, but funnily enough, you don’t have to do it. This is HIS job, HIS life and HIS choice.
You want him to do well, that’s very clear, but why does money matter? If he is able to look after himself, pay his bills and he is also enjoying his job, then that’s something you should be celebrating.
Can I lie about my son’s job?
My son has got a job that he is really proud of. However, whenever anyone asks about him, I feel mortified to tell them the truth. He’s not on a lot of money – I want him to want more. Can I lie?
NO
Pick Me Up! reader Hazel from Tottenham says:
I really cannot understand why you feel this way, so no, don’t lie. Your son is clearly v
