Parenting Solo Conference, Celebs Come to Columbia

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Parenting Solo is a community wide movement to assist those who go it alone in caring for their children. The founder of the program is hoping an upcoming event will change the face of solo parenting statewide. Michelle Harris knows the stigma often associated with parenting by yourself. “When I was married, my husband was by my side and we had our daughter, people treated me differently now that the ring is gone and my daughter and I are standing alone,” said Harris. “I want people to know it’s time to get rid of that shame.” Desiring to help others, she created Parenting Solo with a goal to create ‘happy, healthy parents raising happy, healthy children.’ Parenting Solo it’s a new nationwide movement, building a community of faith, encouragement and support for parents who, for whatever reason, find themselves going it alone. “You could be married, widowed, divorced, your spouse could be deployed, ill, incarcerated, or sitting right there on the couch saying, ‘Honey these are your kids and I’m not involved.'” Harris organized a two-day event, Parenting Solo University, October 19-20, that will feature celebrities, each with their own solo parenting wisdom to share, including Erin Brokovich, the former solo parent whom Julia Roberts portrayed on the big screen. Other celebrities include Michael Jai White, popular actor from the Tyler Perry movies; and former NBA Allstar Cedric Ceballos. Several classes have been scheduled to cover topics from money, to healing to surviving high school and college while being a solo parent. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, 42% of children in South Carolina being in single parent families. Michelle Harris hopes Parenting Solo changes the face of that statistic statewide. “I want people to know they can move forward.” Tickets for Parenting Solo University start at $60 for both days. Online registration is available. Details are at parentingsolo.net or by calling 1-855-578-SOLO (7656).