Life As A Single Parent: How To Not Only Survive, But Thrive
It isn't easy to raise a child, even if there are two parents, living together, and working as team to raise a family. If you find yourself on your own, though, things get even more complicated. Still, it is important to remember that you can raise happy, healthy children and still enjoy their childhood. The following tips will help you make the most of your situation.
Team up
Try and seek out friends who are in the same situation you are. After all, no one else understands the unique challenges of single parenting like another person who is going it alone. If you are struggling to find a new social circle, consider using the Internet to help you. There are websites that cater specifically to single parents; you can find local groups in your area that way and also join an online forum to post questions or simply to vent. You'll be amazed at how much even online friendships can help; you won't feel quite as alone when you have someone to chat to.
Think outside the box when it comes to childcare
Babysitting services can become costly, but it is a necessary expense for single parents. After all, you will have to leave the house, without your little ones, at some point, particularly if you want to have a social life. Talk with your friends and neighbors and see if you can work out a deal where you trade off childcare services. Also, find two or three reliable babysitters that you can call on when you have to be away. You will find that simply having one babysitter isn't enough; that person will inevitably be busy at some point, and you will be left without any options.
Make time for yourself
You don't have to have "girl's night out" several times a month or frequent the spa to have a little bit of "you"ÔøΩ time. Simple things, like forcing yourself to go to bed on time (even if the house is still messy!) or spending a few minutes each evening reading without feeling guilty, can make a world of difference for a single parent. Focus on your basic needs and then go from there; you may even be able to squeeze in that spa trip someday, too.
Have a plan
It is important to recognize that you have to be even more organized as a single parent than you do when you are part of a couple. For example, if your child gets sick in the middle of the night and you have a partner at home, one of you can run out to get the things you need to help your little one feel better. You can't do that as a single parent. Make sure you stock your house with emergency supplies. Investigate whether there is an emergency babysitting service near where you live. Finally, find at least one person in your life that you can call on at any time of the day or night.
While being a single parent is difficult, it is also an experience that you will cherish someday, filled with laughter, hugs and small moments that make you smile. Although things may seem overwhelming at times, keep yourself focused on your end goal, which is to have fun with your family and enjoy life. Everything else will fall into place if you keep your priorities in order.
