Single parents: how do you keep it together?

Question

Any tips on organization?
Help with "scatterbrain? "?
How to regain my sense of humor?
Make it less about "work" and see more of the joy?
Confidence as a parent?

Answer 1

Any tips on organization?
-- Everything in the house should have a "home" (I'm still working on this one! :) )
-- Make weekly menus with grocery lists printed up and posted on your refrigerator. Never have to wonder "what on earth am I going to make for dinner?" and "do we even have that at home?"

Help with "scatterbrain? "
-- Meditation for 10-20 minutes every morning or evening. Slow your mind down.

How to regain my sense of humor?
-- Watch your toddler or preschooler being a goof, play with your kids. Makes you feel blessed and renewed every time.

Make it less about "work" and see more of the joy?
-- Have family rituals every week (something really fun you do with your kids that everyone looks forward to during the 'crunch times')

Confidence as a parent?
-- You're not alone and you're doing a great job!

Answer 2

I am single with three, and I've found that the thing that helps me the most with organization is having a good routine in the morning. Each of us gets up at a specific time, must be washed and dressed at a specific time, and leave the house at a specific time. Everyone has things packed up the night before, chooses an outfit and leaves it on their kitchen chair, and has lunch made. It makes the morning easy and stress-free. When we have this good and organized start to our day, it makes the rest of the day much easier to handle.

Answer 3

I just take it one day at a time and make sure that I take time out for myself once in a while so that I get to relax and not be too stressed out. A great family support system is the best thing for single parents. Without my family I don't know what I would do.

Answer 4

Sometimes, If we just slow down a little the scatterbrain, unorganized person in us goes away. When it comes to children. . . . . try just stopping for a moment and watching them, remember what it was like to be that age, then. . . . . somehow you can handle things alot better.

Answer 5

organization is the key!

I work 48 hours a week, I recently got out of school. Is all about balancing things out. I do try give myself a day off every once in while though to keep my sanity in check:)
I usually write stuff down on a calendar and try to keep things up to date, and the key is trying to keep it all together.
Consistency, organization, balance and lots of coffee!

Answer 6

my parents helped and I took time for myself. even if it was only for a half hour after work, I'd just use that time to chill out. don't worry too much about having a clean house. it doesn't have to be spotless. make sure the kids are well fed and clean and have clean clothes. have them put away their toys and do whatever chores they can handle. play with them. read to them. love them.

Answer 7

I have always told myself "this is just temporary and I will get past this".

I also stick to a schedule to help prevent me from forgetting things.

Answer 8

just keep telling yourself that everything happens for a reason and remember that you want your children to have the best life possible....with that in your head you can get through anything (that's the way it is for me anyway)

Answer 9

i used to feel the same way but i guess it passes with time