As a single mom, it can be daunting all the things that have to be done throughout the day just to survive. However, it’s important that you find a balance between work, play, and dreaming. Many times you might feel like it’s impossible to stay on top of all the things that come at you all at once. Balancing work and family as a single mom can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it is possible to find success and maintain a fulfilling life. Here are some tips to help you achieve this balance:

1. Prioritize: Make a list of your priorities and schedule your time accordingly. Determine what is most important to you and make sure that those things receive the time and attention they deserve. I suggest that make a chart. List the most important things that can not go without being done. Work, feeding kids, school work, bathing kids, housework, etc. Find a time when all of these things can get done but with a time that they will end so that you know when you can take a break and relax. As children get older train them to take on some of the tasks like laundry, dishes, and light housework. Bring a sense of pride and responsibility so that they can partner with you in taking care of the house. Time is a precious resource that we as moms have so make it a priority that you use it to the best ability you can.

2. Set realistic expectations: It is important to be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day or week. Don’t overload your schedule or set unrealistic goals, as this will only lead to frustration and burnout. As single moms oftentimes we take on more than we can handle. We will have an expectation of ourselves and our kids that can be unrealistic at times. Often we will compare ourselves to other parents and we will not measure up. The reality is there is way more work than one person can handle especially if you have more than one child. Find your peace throughout the day even if everything isn’t the way you want it to be.

3. Delegate: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to family members, friends, or coworkers for support with childcare, household chores, or other tasks that need to be completed. When you are alone trying to do the work of multiple people it can be so hard but you have to learn how to delegate. If you have a budget and can outsource things like grocery shopping or laundry do it! If you need to make a weekend where your family or friends help you with a big project don’t be afraid to ask. All of this will help with your stress level and overall mental health in general. Make sure that you are protecting your energy level because those kids are relying on you to remain healthy and whole!

4. Establish routines: Having a routine can help you stay organized and manage your time more efficiently. Establish a schedule for work, family time, household chores, and other activities that you need to fit into your day. Routines don’t only establish us in our day but also emotionally stabilizing for children. When we have a routine we can consistently build towards a goal. It can be hard sometimes to remember what you want and want to do in life as a single parent because you get tied up in just surviving but a routine will help to establish a consistent way you can pour yourself into your hobbies as well as make sure all the life things get done.

5. Stay organized: Keep track of appointments, deadlines, and other important dates in a planner or digital calendar. This will help you stay on top of your schedule and ensure that you don’t forget anything important. It can be very frustrating when you forget a doctor’s appointment or a meeting with your childs school. Make sure you mark it on your calendar or put it in your phone and set an alarm to remind you of all the important things you need. One of the most important things that help to stay on top of things is to review your next day the night before. Double-check your plans for the next day and even set yourself up for success by pre-prepping things you might need for the following day.

6. Take care of yourself: It is important to take care of your own needs so that you can be at your best for your family and your job. Make time for exercise, rest, and relaxation, and seek support when you need it. Remember that you can’t help anyone unless you are helping yourself. This is why pilots always tell you to put on your oxygen mask first because the reality is that you can’t help put masks on other people if you are passed out. This is the same way it is in life. You can’t help your children if you are so burned out you can’t think or move. Take a night off from your parenting duties by asking a friend to watch your child for a couple of hours while you take yourself on a date.

1. Communicate: Communicate openly and honestly with your employer, coworkers, and family members about your needs and limitations. This can help you avoid misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page. When a single parent things come up that have to be taken care of at the moment. It’s super easy for your kid to get sick or have an accident. Being in a good relationship with your boss, friends, and family is important for your success. If you have abusive relationships with any of those groups of people look for new healthier ones. Being able to openly communicate what you need is going to be very vital to your ability to thrive as a single parent.

Remember, finding a balance between work and family as a single mom is an ongoing process. Be patient with yourself and be willing to make adjustments as needed. It’s important that you work towards your dreams as well. There will be times that will be harder than others but you can be successful and make it through! With the right strategies and support, you can achieve success and maintain a fulfilling life.

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Single parenthood can be challenging, but with the right mindset and strategies, it can also be rewarding. Here are some tips and advice for single moms on how to cope with the challenges of raising children alone. As single parents, it can be overwhelming especially at the beginning of single parenthood because there are so many decisions that have to be made and transitions can be hard until new routines can be achieved. No matter how you have become a single parent here are some things that can help you along the way through your story and journey.

1. Build a support network: Being a single mom can be isolating, so it’s important to build a support network of family, friends, and other single moms who can offer emotional support and practical help when needed. There can be many times when there was a divorce or break up where you will lose friendships or support you had previously. Work on finding new support systems. Here’s a blog post about how to find community as a single mom. Work on building a community around you because that can often determine how successful your children become in the future.

2. Take care of yourself: It’s easy to put your own needs on the back burner when you’re a single parent, but taking care of yourself is essential to your overall well-being. Make time for self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or reading a good book. It’s harder when your children are smaller but find time throughout the day that can pour back into your own emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual bucket. Find things that will help to fill you up so that you have more time to give to your child. When you are on an airplane they always tell you to put your oxygen mask on first so that you can help others. Self-care is putting your mask on. Here’s a blog post about: 10 Self-Care Ideas for Single Moms.

3. Learn to ask for help: It’s okay to ask for help when you need it, whether it’s with childcare, household chores, or running errands. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or community resources for support. It’s hard in our society today we aren’t set up like we use to be where when we were more tribal people we all lived closer so helping each other out was more of a lifestyle. In this most insulated world, we have to make more of an effort as single parents to be vulnerable in our needs. When you are asking for help find people who are going to be gracious in helping. Make sure you are not over using any one person or taking advantage of anyone. If there’s a way to reciprocate make every effort to do so.

4. Develop a routine: Having a predictable routine can help reduce stress and provide structure for you and your children. Establish regular bedtimes, mealtimes, and homework schedules to help keep everyone on track. Routines are comforting for people and especially for children. If they had a period of life where there was a lot of unpredictability in their environment establishing a routine is very stabilizing for them and will help to mitigate outbursts and emotional meltdowns. Being predictable helps children to know what will come next in their day and it brings a lot of security when they know what is happening next.

5. Stay organized: Being a single mom often means juggling multiple responsibilities, so staying organized can help you stay on top of things. Use a calendar or planner to keep track of important dates and deadlines, and make to-do lists to help you stay focused. Make a list of priorities and things that have to get done every day, week, month, and year. Make sure you have time to pour into yourself and your dreams. It’s always important to dream as a single parent and have goals because this gives you hope for the future. The book Atomic Habits is a great book for you to read to help you get into great habits that can build your future.

6. Practice positive self-talk: It’s easy to fall into negative self-talk when things get tough, but practicing positive affirmations can help you stay motivated and optimistic. Remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments, and focus on what you can control. Mindset is powerful and can either help or hurt you. Become good at self-talk and catch yourself if you start to meditate on negativity too much. Have friends around you who you can process life with and who will encourage you to go after your dreams and hopes. Sometimes when we are in a survival mindset we can only see the next thing in front of us. Try and find ways to thrive not just survive. Here are 5 mindsets that single moms can meditate on.

7. Set boundaries: As a single mom, it’s important to set boundaries with your children and others to protect your time, energy, and resources. Establish clear rules and consequences, and communicate your expectations clearly. Boundaries are important to protect your peace as a single parent. Having boundaries gives you energy, resources, and time. As a single parent, you usually have limited resources so it’s important that what you do have you take care of and work to protect. Here are 5 Boundaries You Need to Have Around Family Time.

8. Be flexible: While routines and structure are important, it’s also important to be flexible and adaptable when unexpected challenges arise. Don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go according to plan, and be open to trying new approaches. As single moms, we can fight a lot of mom guilt. We can often think because we can’t keep it all together that we are failing however life isn’t always predictable. Sometimes life throws us curve balls and we have to do what we need to do. If your kids watch too much TV or have PB&Js for dinner they aren’t going to die so give yourself a break to deal with whatever pops up that is unexpected.

9. Celebrate your successes: Being a single mom can be tough, so it’s important to celebrate your successes along the way. Take time to acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small, and celebrate your progress and growth. Create within your life moments where you can reward yourself. Whether it’s rewarding yourself by taking yourself on a date or finding a weekend where you can take yourself on a small vacation. If that’s beyond what you are able to do eat a piece of chocolate, have a cup of tea, or watch your favorite TV show. Our brains respond well to a reward system and so celebrating can help put you in a relaxed state of mind and make you feel happier after the dopamine surge.

10. Seek professional help if needed: If you’re struggling with mental health issues or other challenges, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide valuable support and guidance as you navigate the challenges of single parenthood. Mental health is so important. Don’t feel shame when seeking out help for your mental health. The problem in our society is there can be shame when we as moms aren’t 100% strong all the time but the reality is that we can’t be strong all the time. Look for help within your budget or health insurance. It’s important that you have someone you can talk to about your thoughts. It will not only help you but it will also help your children.

Remember, being a single mom is a journey, and it’s okay to ask for help and take care of yourself along the way. With the right strategies and support, you can thrive as a single parent and raise happy, healthy children. You got this!

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Being a single mother is a challenging task, and it can be difficult to find time for yourself, let alone to date. However, it’s important to remember that finding love and companionship can be a great way to improve your overall well-being and happiness. As single mothers, it’s important for you to try and put yourself out there. It can be hard to find someone who has similar goals but creating time for yourself to explore new relationships can be a huge benefit in the long run. Here are ten things single mothers can do to get back into dating again:

1. Make time for yourself: As a single mother, you likely have a lot of responsibilities and obligations, but it’s important to make time for yourself. Whether it’s gardening or reading a book, finding time to recharge your batteries can help you feel more confident and prepared for the dating world. Taking time to pour into yourself helps you to become confident and a better partner to someone in the long run. The time that you take to heal and become emotionally strong will benefit you in any future friendship or relationship.

2. Be honest about your situation: When you start dating again, it’s important to be upfront about your situation as a single mother. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings or unrealistic expectations. Many people who are older have children and have previous relationships. It’s really important, to be honest upfront which will build trust. You also want to be able to sort potential life partners by only spending time with people who are ok with where you are at in life.

3. Use online dating: Online dating can be a great way to meet new people, especially if you have a busy schedule. Make sure to choose reputable dating sites and be cautious about sharing personal information. As a single mom, you don’t have a lot of time to go out and meet new people. Online dating can be a great way to weed out and be exposed to a whole new group of people. This also maximizes your time and saves you a lot of energy in the long run.

4. Don’t rush things: Take your time when getting back into dating. It’s important to make sure you’re emotionally ready before diving into a new relationship. When you are a single mom your emotional energy is going into raising little people. It’s important to take things slow and when you know that it’s not going to work move on. The sorting process can be hard and emotionally draining. Make sure you are taking your time and working on your issues when they pop up. You don’t need to rush into anything but can spend the time learning what you need to work on and what your expectations are.

5. Be open-minded: Try to keep an open mind when meeting new people. You never know who you might hit it off with, so don’t be too quick to judge. It can be hard when you are trying to sort through people to potentially find your significant other but it’s important to give people a chance. If you have had times in the past where you have made wrong mate choices go outside of your norm and date someone you might not typically date.

6. Find a support system: Having a support system can make all the difference when navigating the dating world as a single mother. Whether it’s friends or family, having someone to talk to and confide in can help you stay positive and motivated. When you are navigating through new relationships it’s so important to have people you can process through some of the interactions you have when you are on your date. Having friends and family to support you through the process is vital to your success.

7. Be confident: Confidence is key when getting back into dating. Remember that you’re a strong and independent woman who deserves love and respect. Being confident also means you can relax and be yourself. Remain in your feminine energy which is very attractive to men. Confidence is attractive when it allows the other person to fully show up as well. Give your partner space to express themselves and share their heart with you. Confidence and aggression are different things. Make sure that you remain confident and secure in who you are and what you want throughout the process.

8. Set boundaries: It’s important to set boundaries when dating as a single mother. Make sure to communicate your needs and expectations clearly, and don’t be afraid to say no if something doesn’t feel right. Always make sure to clearly communicate your boundaries ahead of time so that when you enforce your boundaries there are no surprises. Make sure that you follow through with what you say you are going to do. This builds trust and confidence in who you say you are. Your partner is going to appreciate you being solid and a person of your word. If you meet someone who pushes your boundaries and doesn’t respect them then they aren’t the right person for you.

9. Keep your children in mind: When you’re dating as a single mother, it’s important to keep your children in mind. Make sure you’re comfortable with anyone you bring into their lives, and don’t introduce them to anyone until you’re sure it’s a serious relationship. It’s important that you protect your kids. The rotation of men coming in and out of your children’s lives does them no good for their future relationships. When you have a stable commitment from a man for a while then you can introduce them. It’s important to think about their developmental and emotional needs while you go through the dating process. You don’t need to hide your relationship from them but talk with them through the process of you dating and when you are going to introduce them to your potential partner.

10. Have fun: Above all, remember to have fun! Dating can be a great way to explore new interests and meet new people, so don’t forget to enjoy the process. When you are dating people it’s an exciting new adventure. Enjoy the learning process of who they are and if you are going to be a great match. You don’t need to put so much pressure on every part of the date just enjoy yourself and have fun. Having new connections can cause a great flood of emotions have fun and enjoy the ride.

Being a single mom can make it almost impossible to date but there are some ways that can make the process easier and more fulfilling. Getting back out in the dating game after a season of being single can be hard so give yourself time. Have a process of learning about yourself and what you need and don’t settle for something that you don’t think will make you feel secure and safe. Enjoy the process and get back out there!

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Being a single mom is a challenging and rewarding experience, but it can also be financially stressful. Managing finances on your own can be tough, but with a little effort and planning, you can take control of your money and create a secure financial future for you and your family. Here are 15 tips to help single moms manage their finances effectively.

1. Create a budget: Start by making a budget that includes all your income and expenses. This will help you keep track of your spending and plan for the future. Budgeting can be daunting but it’s important that you learn how to budget well. List your expenses and when they are due. Then list how much you make every month. Make sure you budget for all of the extras you might have during the month that can add up. This will help you feel a sense of control over where your money is every month.

2. Cut expenses: Look for ways to reduce your expenses. For example, cook at home instead of eating out, shop for groceries at discount stores and cancel subscriptions that you don’t use. There are many little ways that you can cut monthly expenses. Think about a few cheaper food options or discount clothing stores. Cutting expenses can be hard but can help get you on a good path to financial freedom.

3. Build an emergency fund: It’s important to have a cushion of savings to fall back on in case of unexpected expenses, such as car repairs or medical bills. Building an emergency fund is very important just in case the worse happens and you need to dip into something that you weren’t expecting. Setting up a savings account can help with unexpected costs that can creep up.

4. Prioritize debt repayment: Pay off high-interest debt first, such as credit card debt. Make minimum payments on other debts while you focus on paying down the high-interest debt. You can also find zero percent cards to roll the high-interest payments onto. Focus on paying down debt it will help you feel the burden lighten as you dig out from under it.

5. Seek financial assistance: Don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it. There are government programs, charities, and community organizations that can provide financial assistance to single moms. Food stamps, rental assistance, and other programs are available when you are really low. It’s a very helpful tool to use when you are scraping the bottom of the barrel.

6. Use coupons and deals: Take advantage of coupons and deals to save money on purchases. Look for online deals and printable coupons that you can use at local stores. There are great apps that you can use to help save money. Ibotta and Fetch are two great coupon apps that get you money on all the groceries that you buy.

7. Plan for retirement: It’s never too early to start planning for retirement. Consider opening an IRA or other retirement account and contributing regularly. Planning for retirement can be scary but it’s important that you sow into your future. The care that you will need when you are older shouldn’t be shouldered only by your children. Help set your future up by learning about IRAs.

8. Invest in education: Education is one of the best investments you can make in your future. Consider going back to school to improve your earning potential. The greatest investment that you can make is in yourself. If you find something that you are passionate about pursue that and learn all you can about it. Be the best in the field that you choose. This will guarantee your earning potential goes up.

9. Shop for insurance: Shop around for insurance to make sure you’re getting the best rates. Consider bundling policies for additional savings. Insurance is a necessary evil we all have to have so make sure that you choose one that best fits your needs. If you think that you are paying too high a rate make sure you shop around and do some comparisons.

10. Avoid unnecessary expenses: Try to avoid impulse purchases and unnecessary expenses. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you really need it. It can be hard sometimes to avoid purchasing bigger and better things but it’s important to have some self-control when possible and save for the future. Remember what your goals financially are some that can help you stay focused.

11. Consider a side hustle: A side hustle can provide extra income to help make ends meet. Consider freelancing, pet-sitting, or driving for a ride-sharing service. There are some great side hustles that provide great income and flexibility for single parents. There are companies like Shipt, Doordash, Uber, and Instacart that help to provide you with free lance opportunities that are great for parents.

12. Create a will: It’s important to have the will to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes in case something happens to you. Wills can be a hard thing to face. The reality that one day we might not be on this earth can be scary but it’s important to face that reality and put paperwork in place so that your child or children will be protected.

13. Set financial goals: Set short-term and long-term financial goals and work towards achieving them. This will help you stay motivated and focused. Goals are so important to help keep focused on what the motivation is when it gets hard to be constrained by a budget or put money in savings. Write out your goals and focus on what it means to achieve them.

14. Seek financial advice: Consider consulting a financial advisor to help you plan for the future and make informed decisions. It’s always a good idea to talk with an advisor. They can bring a perspective that you might not have thought about and give you advice you had never heard before.

15. Teach your kids about money: Finally, it’s important to teach your kids about money and financial responsibility. Start early by teaching them about saving, budgeting, and the importance of giving back to others. Pouring into your children and teaching them about financial responsibilities is a vital role for their future success.

Managing finances as a single mom can be challenging, but by following these tips, you can take control of your money and create a secure financial future for you and your family. Remember to stay motivated, set goals, and seek help when you need it.

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When it comes to mental health it can be hard to break down the different things that we need so that we can stay motivated. Whether it’s a lifelong struggle or a seasonal depression when you are feeling down it can be really hard to get motivated to do menial tasks around the house. If you struggle with getting motivated here are 10 different activities that can help you stay motivated

1. Exercise: Physical activity can help boost your mood and increase endorphins, the feel-good hormones. When we exercise there’s a rush of endorphins that help us feel a natural boost in mood and can make us feel happy. Try and take a walk around the block and if you are so inclined take a jog. Getting your body moving is also great for circulation and oxygen intake.

2. Connect with loved ones: Spending time with people you care about can help improve your mood and perspective. Having family and friends around naturally lifts our mood when we are healthy. If you have good strong connections with those around you reach out when you are feeling down it can really boost your mood and help you get through the rough times. Being connected to those around us is very important to our success.

3. Practice gratitude: Take a moment to reflect on the things you are thankful for, no matter how small they may seem. Thankfulness is a huge boost in focusing on what is good. When we focus on all the things that are going wrong we aren’t paying attention to what is good in our lives. Keeping a gratitude journal can help you focus on things you need to be thankful for and it can refocus us on what we have instead of what don’t have.

4. Help others: Doing something kind for someone else can shift your focus away from your own problems and bring a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Helping other people is a great way to disengage from self-evaluation and put our focus on those around us. Going to a homeless shelter or volunteering can help to get you out of your own way and focus on something else.

5. Get outside: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. There’s nothing like a great walk into the woods that will help your mood. The fresh air and plants can help to bring a feeling of freedom and peace that is not found in buildings. Go for a nature hike and enjoy the outdoors by yourself or with a friend. Make sure that you take long deep breaths to increase the oxygen in your body and brain. This will bring an overall feeling of well-being.

6. Get organized: Having a sense of control over your environment can help improve your mood and reduce stress. When you are feeling down start cleaning. Even if you don’t feel like it has a clean environment really can help change your mood. Enjoying your home space is so important to your mental health.

7. Do something creative: Engaging in a creative activity, such as painting or writing, can help distract you from negative thoughts and emotions. When we are creative we allow our emotions to flow and can get whatever is going on on the inside out. The act of creating activates a different part of your brain and helps all of the anxiety move out of focus. Creativity is a wonderful form of therapy.

8. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help reduce stress and improve mood. Training your mind to not think about the negative all the time can be hard but very worth it. Practicing mindfulness can be a way to train your mind to think about things that help to bring joy and healing to your heart.

9. Get enough sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for overall mental and physical health. The average adult needs about 8 hours of sleep to heal and restore their body and mind. It’s important that you work on getting quality sleep as well as deep restful sleep. Sleep can be a restart for all of your brain circuits. Turn your phone off 1/2 hour before sleep, play soft music, defuse lavender, and have some sleepy time tea to help put you in the mood for bed.

10. Treat yourself: Do something you enjoy, such as reading a book, taking a bath, or watching a movie. Taking time for self-care can help boost your mood and improve your overall well-being. Take time to do a hobby or something you really enjoy doing. This will help you focus on relaxing and having joy through activities you might want to do. Many times we put off activities we enjoy because we become so busy and now is a time when you can pick those activities back up.

No matter what you choose to do to motivate yourself it’s important that you take action steps in the right direction to help move away from feeling down. Enjoy practicing these 10 steps.

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With Valentines Day right around the corner here’s a cute craft that is simple and easy for little fingers to do! It’s a cute love bug!

Materials:

❤️ Pipe cleaners (red and black)

❤️ Googly eyes

❤️ Pompoms (red and black)

❤️ Glue or tape

Instructions:

1. Take a red pipe cleaner and shape it into a heart shape. This will be the body of the love bug.
2. Take a black pipe cleaner and shape it into two antennae. Attach these to the top of the red pipe cleaner heart.

Glue or tape two googly eyes to the front of the heart.

Take a red pompom and glue or tape it to the back of the heart to make the love bug’s tail.

Take two black pompoms and glue or tape them to the bottom of the heart to make the love bug’s feet.

Your child now has a cute and simple “love bug” craft to give as a Valentine’s Day gift to a friend or family member.

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