Life as a single parent is a bit like juggling. You get the same amount of balls like couples but its just you throwing all those balls in the air hoping to catch them all. When you first start out you wonder how on earth anyone manages as a single parent. You wonder how other single parents do it and have a sneaky suspension they are all doing it so much better than you. The truth is they are all sitting there wondering the same thing too.
You learn to multi task. Like getting the children to help with tea as you test them on spellings or maths. You learn to use every last drop of shampoo as that sort of stuff is just getting to darn expensive to throw half a bottle away. You also learn to be just that little bit tougher, resourceful and one day I can promise you will realise you are managing just fine.
If I am asked one tip for single parents, it would be to make time for yourself. So that you can meet all the demands of life as a single parent you need to be well yourself.
Chat with friends – if the children are on a play date why not spend some time with friends. There is nothing like hearing other parent’s worries and fears to help you realise you are doing ok. If you don’t get out or scared what your close friends might think of you turn to the wonders of social media. Facebook is the first to come to mind. They have groups you can join where you can chat to likeminded people facing the same worries and fears that you have. You can support each other and can be a real help in the small hours when you can’t sleep.
Relax with online gaming– just because your little dears are tucked up in bed and you are left starring at a tv on your own doesn’t mean you can’t relax and enjoy things. Again the internet being a life saver. A single parent I know loves the fact she can play blackjack in her pjs after the children have gone to bed on sites like SlotsHeaven and play online slots. They set a sensible limit on what they allow themselves to play with and once a week she has fun.
Shop Online – When my two were little there was no such thing as buying your groceries online. Instead you had to attempt the weekly shop with two tired and grumpy children. Not a recipe for a successful trip. I would either not get what I wanted or send way too much. I would miss all the deals too. It is so much easier to download the app for your local supermarket like Asda or Tesco and do your shopping in the comfort of your own home. I start at the beginning of the week adding what I want and then send the order off at the end of the week. No hassle, no grumpy children and you can even shop in the middle of the night.
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