How To Balance Work and Parenting As a Single Parent
Being a parent while working full-time can be difficult if you are doing it alone.There are a lot of challenges to overcome when you're a single parent.Your love for your kids and desire to be a professional can help you jump any hurdle.You can conquer this thing if you focus on your family, find a good balance in your work life, and have some time for yourself.You will have some tough times, but you will be stronger because of them.
Step 1: The schedule for the kids should be set.
It will be easier to care for your children if they are on a schedule.You should have a set dinner time where you can talk about your day.Make sure they are in bed at the same time each night.In this schedule, include extracurriculars like soccer and dance class.You may want to put up a whiteboard in your house so both you and the kids remember.
Step 2: There are quality daycares and schools to choose from.
If you don't have to worry about how well your kids are cared for, you will be more productive at work.You can research daycares and schools in the area, read reviews, talk to friends about their choices, and pick the one that is best for your family.If you need to call, meet with their teachers and get their cell numbers.
Step 3: You can bridge the gap between school closing and work time.
You need a plan for this gap if school lets out at 3PM but you don't get off until 5PM.If your kids can ride home with a friend, enroll them in an after school care program.You can let them go home alone if they are over the age of 12.It's a good idea to teach them how to lock the door and not open it for strangers.It is possible that a relative can pick them up and keep them while you work.
Step 4: Use your family and friends to support you.
It takes a village to raise a child.Allow your family and friends to help you raise your kids so they don't have to.Add them to the school's pick-up list as emergency contacts.If a friend wants to take them for ice cream, let them!If your parents want to keep them on the weekends, go for it!
Step 5: Prepare the night before to make mornings easy.
Instead of waking up each morning in chaos trying to figure out what to dress them in or make them for lunch, do this the night before.Pack their lunches and make a quick breakfast.Breakfast should be like bagels and fruit.You have to iron less often if you buy clothes that arewrinkle-free.Ask your kids to help.If they are small, your kids can help you with simple tasks like picking out their outfit for the next day or bringing you ingredients for their lunch.
Step 6: There is a backup care plan.
If your child's school closes unexpectedly, have a plan in place.When you can't take off work, have a few emergency babysitters on call.Care.com and Sittercity are websites you can use.If your friends have kids that are responsible, consider babysitting for them occasionally.
Step 7: You should get to know the parents of your friends.
There are other parents in your support network.If you want to build a good relationship with the parents of your children's friends, reach out to them.If you need someone to watch your child for a while, they may be able to help you.
Step 8: Make time for your kids.
Don't forget that quality is better than quantity when you spend time with your kids.Fifteen minutes outside throwing a ball with them will mean a lot more than playing for an hour while you check your phone.One way to make time for a family event is to go to the movies, picnic, or the park once a week.
Step 9: Have a conversation with your kids.
Encourage your kids to talk to you about what's going on in their lives while you are with them.Ask them about their day.Even if you don't have a lot of time to spend with your kids, this will show them that you still care about them.
Step 10: They should not badmouth their other parent.
If you have an absent parent, don't speak negatively about them in front of the kids.Call a friend if you need to vent.Your kids probably still love and miss their parent, even if they aren't great.
Step 11: Consistency with discipline is important.
Set rules for your kids.Being a single parent with unruly kids is not easy.Even though they might not like it and neither will you, punishments are necessary to teach lessons.The punishments for the kids should be appropriate.Give your 4-year-old 4 minutes in timeout if they act out.You can ground your teen for 2 weeks if they break curfew.You feel like you owe your kids something if you are too easy on them.It's better for your kids if you set appropriate boundaries.
Step 12: Discuss your family situation with your boss.
If you need to leave occasionally if your kids get sick, set up an informal meeting with your boss.Let them know that you are committed to your job even though your kids come first.I want to let you know that I am a single parent.If my kids get sick, I might have to leave.I intend to do a great job, and I am very committed to work.
Step 13: You can create a work schedule that works for you and your family.
If you can work from home, check with your supervisor.You don't have to use all your sick time when the kids are sick.There are many online jobs.Do you have any available in your line of work?
Step 14: There is a calendar and a tasklist.
You have a lot of things to do throughout the day.Keep a calendar with your meetings and project due dates.As the day progresses, complete larger tasks first and minor tasks second on the list.
Step 15: When possible, delegate.
When you have too much on your plate, you should delegate some of your work to your interns.It is possible to send them to a meeting in your place or teach them how to create financial reports for you.You will be getting more done on the job and teaching them valuable skills.
Step 16: Doctor's appointments can be made in the early morning, late afternoon, or during lunch.
If you need to take your kid to the dentist, make the appointments at times that won't interfere with work.Bring some work to do with you while you wait, if your appointment conflicts with work.
Step 17: Make sure there are clear boundaries between home and work.
You don't want to bring work home with you.If it is urgent, don't answer calls or emails about work when you're home.
Step 18: As much as possible, be present at work.
It is possible that you are out of the office more than your coworkers.Make yourself visible when you are on the job.Take a long way to the coffee pot so you can see your coworkers.Arrive early to work if you can.
Step 19: Where possible, cut costs.
Being a single parent can be difficult.You can still give your kids a wonderful life without spending a lot of money.Fun things that are cost-free are going to the park, watching a movie at home, or playing outside.You can find coupons for things at the store.You can search online for the lowest prices.It's a good idea to cut out unnecessary expenses.
Step 20: Even when you feel overwhelmed, stay calm.
One of the toughest jobs in the world is parenting alone.Try meditating to keep yourself sane.If you want to focus on your breathing and body, spend 10 minutes a day in a quiet space.It will clear your mind and calm you down.Are you unfamiliar with meditation?You can download an app like Headspace.
Step 21: There are ways to get things done while spending time with the kids.
They can fold laundry while they play in the same room, watch a show with them, and respond to emails during commercial breaks.You can also manage your other responsibilities, so this will show them that you are present.Ask them to do chores with you if they are old enough.
Step 22: Spend time with friends.
Don't forget about your life outside of your kids.When the kids are asleep, have a glass of wine and a movie with your friends.You can go out dancing on the weekends with a sitter.Staying in touch with your friends can help you relax.
Step 23: Have sleepovers with your friends and kids.
If you can, keep your friend's kids at your place so they can have a night out, and then have them return the favor for you.This will allow you to spend some time alone.
Step 24: Make time for yourself.
Even though it is difficult, remember that you are not just a single parent or an employee.You have needs as well.Make time for yourself each day.You can go out on dates again if you want.Take a hot bath, read a book, or sit on the porch and drink lemonade.Continue to be the awesome parent that you are!