Nobody has ever said being a parent is easy, and when you’re doing it on your own,it becomes even harder. One in every four American children lives in a single parent home, which means there are a lot of people dealing with the demands of single parenting. It can be rewarding, but there is also a lot of stress involved. If you’re a single mom or dad, you might be wondering whether there are things you can do to minimize the stress in your life. Here are some things you can try to bring the joy back.
Stick to a Daily Routine
If your day is disorganized, it becomes very stressful, for you and your kids. Sticking to a regular routine everyday means you’ll both know what to expect each day. Schedule meal times, chores, and other family functions for the same time every day. Encouraging your kids to go to bed at the same time every day is also going to help them sleep better, as The Conversation states.
Find Time for Yourself
Take some time out for yourself every dayas it will give you a chance to refuel. It doesn’t matter what you choose to do as long as it’s something just for you. Read a book, enjoy a soak in a warm bath, play casino games at Unibet, bake a cake, or do some coloring. Adult coloring books are surprisingly good for you because they help to relax your brain.
Spend Time with Your Kids
You might have piles of dirty dishes in the kitchen or a mound of ironing waiting to be done, butit’s important you set aside time to spend with your kids.It’s what being a parent is all about after all. You could take them out for a walk, read them a story, be creative with them, spend some quiet time playing with them, or listen to some music. When you’re busy rushing around worrying about your housework you forget about focusing on your love and relationship as a family.
Manage Your Finances
Worries about money are one of the most common reasons single parents feel stressed. It can be difficult raising kids on one income or having to rely on monetary support from an ex-partner. All the more reason to make a budget and stick with it no matter. Write down your monthly income and pare down your expenses to meet that figure. There are many different ways you can earn extra income, as The Balance gives guidance on. It’s very likely you’ll be able to cut back on your expenses, too. too.
One last tip worth sharing is to stop trying to be a super parent. You might see plenty of examples thanks to the media, but there really is no such thing. In your efforts to become the perfect single parent you might actually be putting your health at risk. Of course, you want to do the best for your kids and enjoy their admiration and appreciation. However, the best example to set for them is that nobody is perfect and it’s important to accept yourself for who you are.