Being a single mom takes a lot of patience and perseverance — but it can also be incredibly rewarding. You’ll need to get used to doing things by yourself, including taking care of your child’s needs at all times of day or night. You’ll also have to deal with the stress of being responsible for every aspect of their lives, from homework assignments to doctor’s appointments.
It may sound daunting, but there are many ways you can help yourself cope with the challenges that come along with being a single parent. Here are some coping strategies for single moms:
1. Practice self-care
If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of your children. You need your energy and strength to be there for them when they need it most. Take a bubble bath or read an inspiring book. Treat yourself to your favorite lunch or dinner meal. Get a manicure or pedicure or take some time for a massage. You can also try something new like rock climbing or bowling.
2. Talk to someone about your challenges
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed by the challenges that come with single motherhood. You’ve got a lot on your plate, after all! It’s important to let others know what you’re going through so they can help support you in whatever ways they can — whether it’s lending an ear or offering practical advice on dealing with certain situations.
3. Find ways to keep your finances under control
Finances are often a major source of stress for single mothers because there never seems to be enough money coming in. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, consider these tips:
Budgeting – Create a budget that fits your income and expenses.
Cutting back on expenses – Look at your spending habits and see what can be cut out or reduced. For example, if you have a car but don’t drive much, maybe it’s time for public transportation or getting a cheaper car.
Saving money – Try saving money in an emergency fund so you’ll have some money saved if something goes wrong in the future and you need cash fast (like an unexpected medical bill).
4. Find a support group of other single moms
You can find support groups online or in person at a place such as a church or community center. The people in these groups will understand what it’s like to be a single mom — and they can give you advice about managing the difficulties of being alone with kids. They may also be able to give you emotional support when things get tough.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it
It can be hard to ask for help, even when it’s something as important as the well-being of your child. But if you can’t manage, it’s better to get help than to let things slide. There are people who may want to help but don’t know how or what’s going on in your life. For example, if you have a medical emergency and you need cash fast, ask friends or family members for help.
6. Enjoy the time you have with your children
Even if it’s only for an hour, spend time playing with your children each day. Watch their favorite television shows together. Play catch in the backyard or go on a bike ride around the neighborhood. Sing as you clean up around the house together, or read stories before bedtime every night. This will give them happy memories of their childhoods that they’ll be able to look back on fondly as adults–and who knows? They might even want to do these things with their own kids someday!
7. Be flexible
You may not have planned on being a single mom, but now that you are one, it’s important to be flexible and adaptable. You’ll find yourself in situations where you have no choice but to change plans or alter your schedule. Being flexible will allow you to roll with the punches and keep your sanity intact.
8. Set realistic expectations for yourself and keep other things in perspective
Single motherhood is a full-time job, so don’t go overboard trying to do everything else in your life as well — unless it’s absolutely necessary. It’s important to have time for yourself so that you can recharge your batteries and spend time with friends or family members who support you. Otherwise, you might end up feeling overwhelmed and burned out by taking on too much responsibility.
9. Forgive yourself and others who may have contributed to your situation
You may be angry at yourself for getting pregnant, and you may feel guilty about not being married. You may also be upset with someone else who hurt you or caused this situation, whether or not it was intentional. Unless you can forgive yourself and others involved in your life, you can never move forward with your new life as a single parent. Forgiveness isn’t easy, but it can help you heal from past pain and move forward with a positive attitude.
Conclusion
As a single mom, you have to deal with many challenges. Some of them are big and others are small. But all of them can be exhausting and overwhelming. It’s normal for you to feel overwhelmed at times. Accept your present circumstances and focus on what you can control today. You can’t change the past or predict the future, but you can take steps to improve your current situation and make it better than before.