5 Tips for Single Parents
According to the United States Census Bureau, nearly 10.9 million single-parent family groups raise a child below 18 years. That’s a large number. Single parenting isn’t a straightforward task. Luckily, this article explores five helpful tips to make your parenting journey easier.
1. Stay Positive
Single parenting is overwhelming and can be time-consuming. According to the Colorado Judicial Branch, Colorado has a 90-day mandatory divorce waiting period. For this reason, it’s easy to become a victim of negative thoughts, which can lead to depression. To avoid this, you must focus on the positive things that lift your spirits, such as your family and close friends. A positive attitude can change your perspective and neutralize negativity around you, bettering any situation.
Your children will notice the slightest change in your attitude. So, it’s crucial to maintain your sense of humor and never show signs of dejection to create a peaceful and harmonious environment for your children to grow up. The future is bright, don’t let the present rob you of your smile.
2. Prioritize Self Care
Typically, most parents will prioritize the needs of their children. While this is a good thing, they forget to care for themselves. However, you should be healthy, well-rested, and at your best to provide optimal child care. The first step to taking care of yourself is to eat healthily. Avoid junk food and cooking at home.
According to Instacart, nearly 54% of people cook at home, which is an excellent step toward a healthy direction. Additionally, create a workout routine to keep your body in check. Your exercises don’t need to be intense, and a simple walk will do just right. Be healthy for your kids.
3. Always Be Ready in Case of Emergencies
Parenting is full of surprises. To be on the safe side, you have to be ready at all times for anything. You should have on speed dial reliable family members or friends who can step in whenever you need help. Also, research whether your neighborhood has drop-in daycare and emergency babysitting services. It gives you peace of mind and assurance that your kids will be in safe hands when an emergency calls.
4. Join Hands with Other Single Parents
You’re not alone. No matter where you live, there are other single parents in the same situation as you. Therefore, you can learn a thing or two from single parents. For this reason, it’s good to collaborate with numerous single parents to share helpful parenting ideas. Create mutually beneficial relationships with other parents. Many online platforms offer parenting advice. Capitalize on them and learn as much as you can.
5. Ask for Help
You might want to do parenting independently but avoid trying to be a superhero. Sometimes, it’s prudent to ask for help. Some people care a lot about you and your children and are willing to come to your rescue anytime. What you need to do is to open up and tell them about your troubles.
Do you need them to help you with rides to school? Or perhaps help you with weekly meals or doctor visits? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Dental Association recommends taking your child for their first dental visit by their first birthday or when teething. Open up. You’ll be surprised how friends will act and save the day.
Let’s agree, single parenting isn’t a walk in the park. Being both a mom and a dad simultaneously is draining. However, it’s possible to make lemonade from a lemon. To do this, you must develop a positive mindset and prioritize self-care. Also, when overwhelmed, it’s advisable to seek help from friends and family. Sharing ideas with other single parents also makes parenting easier.