Top Tips for Single Working Parents

in Lifestyle

Single parenthood isn’t easy, and requires a lot of effort on your part, especially if you’re working full time. There are many things you can do to lighten your load and to make things easier on your child. If you feel like you’re struggling with being a single working parent and need some help, then check out this article to see if there’s anything you could be doing to make life easier for you.

Create a Flexible Work Schedule

You should be open with your employer about becoming a newly single parent. Talk to your boss about your situation and ask what options are available to you and whether they’d be willing to make accommodations for you, such as working flexible hours, Unemployed single parents who are looking for a job should see what benefits each company offer and check if they are parent-friendly. Self-employed single parents will have an easier time creating a more flexible work schedule. It’s even possible to build your company and parent at the same time. Check out this website for some tips. It’s essential that single parents get the right work/life balance.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Single parents often feel as though they have no one to rely on, but that’s not true. Build a support network by talking to your friends and family and asking them to help out from time to time. If you can’t afford a babysitter or a nanny, then get one to help you look after the kids while you’re at work. If that’s not a feasible option, then you should enquire as to whether your place of employment offers childcare or if your child’s school offers after-school clubs. If you’re struggling for time, ask the other parents at your child’s school if they’d be interested in carpooling and if they would have your child over for a sleepover every now and again. Sigle parent support groups will also a lifeline. You can meet likeminded people who are in the same boat and who can offer you support and useful advice. Remember that everyone needs support from time to time, and there’s no sham in saying that you need help.

Be Honest with Your Kids

Your kids are going to have plenty of questions, so just be open with them. Explain it to them in an age-appropriate way, since younger children may not understand. Don’t badmouth your partner and let your child know that you both love them. Make it clear this was a decision that you two made to make everyone happier, and this was in no way their fault. There a good chance that they may react negatively to the news, so acknowledge how they feel and be there to support and comfort them. They’re going to rely on you more often, and knowing that you are there for them will make the transition much easier for them.

Create a Routine

Create a routine for you and your child and plan everything to make your week run much more smoothly. Organise things such as weekday meals, household chores, your morning routine, your bedtime routine, work, homework, and even family time. The predictability of each day will help your child to learn a routine, which will inevitably save your both a lot of stress and hassle. Having a routine and making sure you schedule things in advance can help you to free up more time and fit more things in, like getting your home winter-ready. Look at this website for some helpful advice.

Make Time for You

You need to take some time away from being a parent and from being career-focused to just be yourself. Your mental health is important, and you need to have some time to indulge in self-care. Find time for yourself and to do the things you love. It may seem impossible, but if you ask someone to babysit for you for a few hours every so often, you can do it. Hang out with your friends and have a night out or stay at home, look up “SEO company Toronto” to upgrade your blog, watch a movie or go to bed early. Don’t forget to take advantage of work breaks, early mornings and the evenings when your child is asleep to look after yourself.

Don’t forget that you are in the same boat as many other single working parents out there. There’s no one right answer for everyone because each family is different, but just remember to look outside of your home for additional support. Don’t forget that your child is important, and so are you. You don’t have to be a super-parent every day; there are some battles you might not win. Just try to do things with your and your child’s happiness in mind.


Image Credits: Keira Burton

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