This article contains strategies to help you juggle the demands of solo parenting.
As a solo parent raises their child or children on their own without the support of a partner or spouse, they are often incredibly resilient and resourceful. A mother or father may find themselves a solo parent due to divorce, separation, the death of a partner, or by personal choice. No matter the reason, managing all the demands of parenthood on your own can be both equally challenging and rewarding.
It is imperative to have a supportive network in your personal and work life so that solo parents can navigate the daily demands whilst providing a nurturing, stable and loving environment for their children. It is also vital to ensure wellbeing and self-care remains a priority.
Finding Balance
Juggling the demands of solo parenting can be overwhelming so it is important to rely on the support village around you and implement strategies, routines and structure to allow you to meet your child's emotional, physical, and financial needs successfully. To find balance you may like to:
Seek Support
Reach out to family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours and ask for the help you need. This might mean assistance with school pick-ups or babysitting when you need to run errands or have some time to yourself.
Discuss your flexibility requirements with your employer
Be upfront and honest with your manager regarding your workplace flexibility needs. If you need some work from home days, adapted hours or would like to move to part time – discuss these options and find the best option that works for both you and your employer.
Time Management
Plan your week out in advance so that you can map out children’s after-school activities, arrange car-pooling, identify when best to work from home and feel more in control of your busy schedule. By knowing what your family's schedule looks like you can get ahead of the game and use organisation to reduce the pressure on you.
Connect with your Community
By attending play groups, school events and local community programs you will likely meet other solo or single parents who you can relate to and befriend. Growing your support network is important for your mental health so that you can share your experience and also learn from others in knowing what works for them.
Outsource Home Management Tasks
If financially possible, booking cleaners, gardeners, online shopping orders or pre-arranged delivered meals can lighten the load and relieve stress.
Prioritise Self Care
This might be by eating well and ensuring you do a minimum amount of exercise each week. Or maybe meditation or a yoga video class at home can help bring you mindfulness and a rest from daily pressures.
Get professional financial advice
Solo parents are also the family’s financial provider and managing finances so that you can maximise your wealth and security can be time consuming. Seek professional advice so that you can be prepared for the impact of school fees, co-curricular costs, holidays and every day living costs whilst also building your superannuation.
Dealing with Loss
If you are facing solo parenting due to the the loss of your partner or divorce, it is important to seek counselling services to help you navigate this challenging time. As you face a different future than you envisaged for yourself and your child, the support of a professional can help you work through the emotional and physical upheaval.