Editor’s Note: This article was written by a contributor and not by Maman Caféine.
When I think about my life plan, let’s just say I didn’t expect to end up raising my kids on my own… Unfortunately, their father decided the grass was greener on the other side, and since our separation, he’s been much less involved with the kids than I am. He has them every other weekend, but between you and me, it’s more like one weekend a month, because he often cancels at the last minute (as if it were okay to “cancel” time with your kids the way you’d cancel a simple hair appointment… anyway!). Anyway…
When I found myself a single mom, I found it difficult. Even though I was largely in charge of almost everything related to the kids, there was still a second person to help with certain tasks when Mom couldn’t handle them anymore. I love my kids more than anything, and they bring me immense joy, but the truth is, I’m exhausted.
Exhausted from hearing the judgments around me, exhausted from having to justify my absences to my employer because I’m on my own dealing with all the little hiccups, exhausted from having to do everything all the time… And I’m lucky, because I have an excellent network of wonderful people around me; I can’t even imagine what my life would be like without my family and my precious friends.
The reality is that society is hard on single mothers. We’re expected to take on this role with grace and manage to do everything in a single day, but that’s not realistic. It takes incredible organization just to get the bare minimum done, and let’s face it—there’s no room for the unexpected…
Over time, I’ve developed a few tricks that help me catch my breath when I feel like things are getting a little too tough. I’m sharing them with you in the hope that they might help you a little!
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
The people who love you will never judge you for asking for help. Everyone needs to take time for themselves—it’s important for both mental and physical health.
Credit: Guillaume de Germain/Unsplash
Be organized
I’ve never been a very organized person, but motherhood has helped me develop that trait a bit. When I became a single mom, I simply had no choice but to be ultra-organized! It was a learning curve, but today, I can guarantee you that a little organization makes all the difference when raising children on your own.
Let Go
That’s right! I believe all parents need to learn to let go of certain things once kids come into the picture, but this reality is even more true for single parents. Remember that you’re doing your best—and that’s what matters!
Are you a single mom? How are things going for you?