Single parenting is a challenge that can be done with organization and community.

 

10 Tips to help navigate Single Parenting:

1. Self Care- It is important to take time out daily for yourself to nourish your goals, inspirations, health and spirit.  It may only be an extra 15 minutes in the restroom behind a locked door daily to center yourself by meditating, praying, a bath, or recollecting your thoughts.
2. Build your village-  Take time to meet other like minded parents that you can learn and support.  Build a network.
3. Safeguard your children online- Become knowledgeable of the everchanging online platforms that children frequent.  Set up parental controls.
4. Connect with your children DAILY -  You may not be able to connect with them with equal amounts of time, but make an effort to connect with each child on a daily basis.  It may be that car ride to school, practice or church is the only time you have to connect so make it count.  Aim to have as many meals at the table and discuss topics while having an open mind.
5. Grow comfortable with REPEATING yourself-  Be mindful of the fact that each child is unique and learns/retains information differently. You may have to repeat yourself many times and have age appropriate children make notes.
6. Chores- Assign age appropriate chores. Also ask the child which chores they would like to participate in.
7. Planning- Have a calendar of all appointments in a central location of the home such as the refrigerator.  In addition, you may use a digital calendar like Google calendar and add your children's emails to the events that effect scheduling for the entire family.  Have the children check the calendar before accepting commitments.
8. Work on yourself- Always be open to learning something new.  Consider listening to YouTube videos, Podcasts, Take a Class or Read daily or nightly before bed.  
9. Spiritual-  Establish a practice that brings peace and balance to the family.  Attending church, bible study, or youth groups often help children have a positive connection to the community.  Learn and teach the children to meditate and practice mindfulness.
10. Know that you will not always make the right choices-  Forgive yourself when you don't make the right choice.  Parenting is full of trials and errors. Be transparent and go to your children and ask for forgiveness when this happens.  You will build strong bonds, trust and understanding. 

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