Single parenting is a tough job, especially if you’re a single mom who is also working to make both ends meet for her family, her children. The percentage of single parents have skyrocketed compared to the past years. Children, despite them not wanting sometimes, are left with no option but to live with either parent, be it their father or mother.

The reasons why single parenting has become rampant may vary, depending on different circumstances. Some parents are divorced, some are widowed, and some become single parents by their own choice. Whatever reason it may be, the crucial reality is that single parenting is quite demanding, hectic, and stressful. It might be a bit easier to handle younger children as they’re still in their parent’s control but as soon as they start growing up, they seek independence so it becomes slightly difficult to handle them.   

However, there are ways in which you can try to reduce the stress of being a single parent. In this post, we will be particularly throwing some light on how single mothers can reduce the stress induced in their already hectic lives. Here are few things they can do to help minimize the stress in their lives and bring back the joy of parenting, even though it’s only one-sided.

Set Up a Daily Routine

Setting up a daily routine may help you in minimizing the stress altogether. Try to keep all the basic tasks at regular and fixed hours so your child knows exactly what to expect each day from you. You can schedule meals, bedtimes, screen time, chores and other family rituals so your child knows which pattern he/she needs to follow on regular basis.

This will add up consistency not only in your own life but your kids as well. Once the routine becomes consistent, your child will be able to feel more secure and as a result, you will also feel more organized.

Maintain Discipline  

As a single mother, it is really important to maintain discipline for children at home. Children are at best behavior when they know which rules they need to follow and which behaviors their parents expect of them. Even if you’re a single parent, either divorced or separated, you can talk to your spouse about creating and observing consistent rules and methods of discipline. Trust us when we say this, when one parent doesn’t support the other while maintaining discipline among children, life can become more stressful. It’s really important for either parent to understand the situation without undermining the other. If your child is looked after by other caretakers, make sure you talk to them about how you want your child to be disciplined.

Handle the Finances

One of the toughest aspects of single parenting can be raising the children on one person’s income or relying on an ex-spouse for child support. Sometimes it can be a nightmare asking your ex-spouse for funds. This is the only reason why you, as a single mother, should take significant steps to manage your financial budget and handle the finances strategically. You can simply begin with learning about how you can enhance your earning capacity, whether it is about going back to college for further studies or attending an additional job training program. You can also learn about long-term investments and savings for your child’s further education.

Have a Support System

Every single parent needs someone’s support in their life – whether it’s about asking someone to look out for your kids when you’re busy doing some errands or having someone to talk to when you feel you’re on the verge of breaking down. At first, you may not feel like getting help from another person but there’s nothing wrong seeking help from your family members or your friends. Similarly, you also have the option of joining single-parent support groups or, if your finance budget allows, hire a trusted babysitter to look after your kids or a maid to help you with the house chores.

Spend Quality Time with Kids

Despite having tons of chores to complete, you must allow yourself to spend some quality time with your kids, side by side. You can take them for a walk, a movie, a theatre show, or make them join a reading club. If your kid is into music or video games, you can also enjoy that with them too. Above all, try to focus more on the growing bond between you and your family.

Take Time for Yourself

While it’s important spending time with children, it’s equally important to pay some attention to yourself. Try not to be too hard on yourself and take some time off for your own wellbeing. Even if it involves getting engrossed in a good TV show, movie, or even a book, taking a long shower or a calming swim in the pool, or simply having a chat with your friend on phone or in person. It always works in your favor when you set some time apart for yourself. It will help you feel calmer and happier and at the same time boost your energy levels.