Don't isolate yourself — Don't try to get the children to choose sides — Don't neglect your health — Don't go on a spending spree...

Not sure I totally agree with the last one, but this very insightful list with detailed explanations came from a terrific Health site out of South Africa.

Any additions to the list?

Whether by choice, death, divorce or abandonment, finally a book that speaks in an encouraging, life-affirming manner to single moms. Read about the 100 secrets of successful single motherhood, then come back and tell us your thoughts, your experiences and advice.

Mediation and collaboration continue to be the catching trend when considering divorce. According to ex-judge, Judge Roderic Duncan, "Going to court isn't efficient. It's way to costly, it takes too much time of everyone involved, and it creates stress and discord between people. If it's a discord between husband and wife, that happens, but if there are children involved, that discord spills over to them and that's just not fair."

Actress Scarlett Johansson says: "I'm not a poor me kind of person, but certain cards were dealt to me, and I had to be strong. The actual separation wasn't hard, but things that come with divorce are difficult. But those things make you to be the person you are. I've always been determined, ever since I was a little girl."

The key to any healthy situation, whether it's with love, friendships, or children, is communication. Bad communication directly leads to instant breakdown of any relationship.

But when it comes to children and the process of understanding divorce, it's important to give them the emotional tools to understand what's occuring to them so they can build their own healthy life... because as lost as you may feel going through it, they will most likely feel even more so.