Work as a team and communicate. My girls and I make decisions, tackle bumps in the road and anything else that comes up as a team
Being a single mom is hard work. There’s no denying it. But, it can also be incredibly rewarding. One of the best things you can do for your children is to work as a team and communicate with them openly and honestly.
Making decisions together, being there for each other during tough times and celebrating successes together will help create a strong bond between you and your children that will last a lifetime.
Give yourself grace and patience
It’s important to give yourself grace during these times. Remember that you are doing the best you can with what you have. You are not perfect and no one expects you to be. Be patient with yourself as you learn and grow into this new role. Seek out support from other single moms or parents in general. Lean on your family and friends for help when needed (and return the favor when they need it).
Most importantly, don’t forget to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. This can be difficult when your focus is on taking care of others but it’s so important. Make time for yourself even if it’s just a few minutes each day to do something that makes you happy or relaxes.
Carve out time for yourself
1. Put your own needs first: It can be easy to forget about your own needs when you’re constantly taking care of others, but it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of yourself too. Make sure you schedule in some “me time” each week, even if it’s just an hour or two. During this time, do something that makes you happy – read a book, take a bath, go for a walk – anything that will help you relax and recharge.
2. Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask friends or family members for help with childcare or chores occasionally. This will give you some much-needed free time without having to feel guilty about neglecting your responsibilities.
3. Take advantage of naptime: If your child takes naps or goes to bed early, use this time as an opportunity to do something for yourself instead of using it as an opportunity to catch up on household chores (which can wait). Use naptime as “me time” – read a book, watch your favorite TV show.
Say yes to support
As a single mom, it can be easy to feel like you have to do everything on your own. But the truth is, you don’t have to go it alone. There is support available to help you balance everything in your life.
One way to get support is by saying yes to help when it’s offered. This might mean accepting help from family and friends, or even strangers. It can be tough to ask for help, but remember that people want to help you succeed. They want to see you and your kids happy and healthy.
Another way to get support is by joining a group for single moms. There are groups available online and in many communities that offer support and advice from other single moms who have been there before. These groups can be a great resource for finding information on everything from childcare options to financial assistance programs.
No matter how you choose to get support, remember that you are not alone in this journey of being a single mom. There are others out there who understand what you’re going through and who want to help you succeed.
Focus on quality time together
It’s no secret that being a single mom is tough. Not only do you have to worry about all of the usual things that come with parenting, like keeping your kids fed and clothed, but you also have to do it all without the help of a partner. This can make it feel like there’s just not enough hours in the day to get everything done.
One of the most important things you can do as a single mom is to focus on quality time with your kids. This doesn’t mean that you have to spend every waking moment with them, but it does mean making sure that when you are together, you’re really present. That means putting away your phone, turning off the TV, and just spending some time talking and playing together.
It can be hard to find time for this when you’re trying to juggle everything else, but it’s so important. Your kids need to know that they’re loved and they need your attention too. So make sure to schedule some regular quality time into your week and stick to it!
