If there was one word many single parents would use to describe their life, it would be “chaos.” Life doesn’t seem to stop for a single parent; there is always something to be done, whether it’s work responsibilities, house cleaning, helping with homework, or cooking. Read on for some single-parenting tips.
Establishing Structure
Children not only crave structure, but they thrive in it. The best part is that by establishing good habits early on, you’re not only setting your child up for success, but your work as a parent gets a little easier.
According to Psychology Today, structure can actually improve your child’s brain. As children get a little older and develop some impulse and emotional control, you can instill organizational thinking. Setting up a routine and calender is the best way to stay on top of a busy parenting schedule.
Morning Rush. Using a structured start to the day will set the tone and help children begin on the right foot. Have your child follow a morning routine. A morning routine can include getting dressed and ready, eating breakfast, and brushing teeth.
Calendars. Using calendars is a great way to keep your kids on a schedule. Have your children help you fill out important dates and reminders. For example, if baseball practice is Tuesday evenings, make sure to write it down and include a reminder about preparing their clothes ahead of time.
Playtime. Leisure and playtime are important for a child’s development. Establishing some rules and discipline around this not only ensures you have quality time with your kids, but that they learn the importance of earning rewards. In other words, show your child that playtime happens after homework and cleaning duties are completed.
Bedtime. The end of the day is a great time to establish routine and organization. Teach children to prepare for the next day at school to avoid morning chaos. Have them prepare their outfits and backpacks for the next day.
Financial Tips
Another challenging aspect of single parenting is of course financial. For most single parents, every dollar has to go a long way. Efficiency, planning, and organization are key in staying afloat financially.
Assess your income. CNBC suggests that before anything, knowing your budget is vital to being well organized and ensuring you don’t go over it. Set up automatic payments for necessary bills and avoid late fees and falling behind.
The rainy fund. Setting aside a small percentage of your income a month can be a lifesaver when unprecedented expenses arise.
Money lessons. Use the importance of budgeting as a teaching moment. Establish good habits of money saving with your kids by getting some piggy banks or working out fun games to encourage kids to save and learn the value of money.
Don’t Neglect Yourself
As a single parent, it is easy to get lost in the chaos. Your physical and mental health, however, are necessary to maintain your demanding schedule and be the best parent you can be.
Find workout time. Plan ahead to include exercise time in your day. You might not need a fancy gym membership but only to set your alarm one hour earlier. Learn about functional movements to get you in shape, and get in some quick workouts at home.
Work out with the kids. Use some of your playtime to put in some exercise. Take the kids on a hike, for a swim, or for a run or walk in the local park.
Find a support group. Single parents often struggle with asking for help. However, joining a support group can help, as there are many other single parents dealing with some of the same issues. There are plenty of good resources online, like Parents Without Partners, that can help single parents build community, find advice, and look for valuable information.
Your children will be less stressed when a familiar routine is established. Setting them up for success is setting yourself up for success, too. Use some organization techniques to achieve this, and watch how your children blossom under the positive structure you provide for them. Your love and support are most important, but routine and organization also matter.
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