Being a single parent means that most of the decision-making is made solely by yourself. This then puts more weight on your shoulders, causing you to feel bad if anything goes wrong. But with this in mind, it is good to also remember that this is the opportune moment to raise your child with the skills, values, and habits that you would like him to have. 

The stress that comes with parenting will always be there, especially in the early years of your child. One thing to note is that stress is part of your parenting life, however, you have to be able to manage it well. Without being able to manage your stress, it can spill over to other areas in your life or worse, affect your relationship with your child. It is not good for a child to be surrounded by anxious adults as this could impact the way they view the world as well as their overall wellbeing. 

As such, it is very important to find ways to help calm yourself down or to best keep yourself strong both mentally and physically. In doing so, it would make you a great role model for your child, a person that they too would like to emulate. 

Here are some tips to help you find the balance you need!

Have a routine

Having a routine helps you to get the hang of things. This is because it allows you to know what is going on and when things are going to happen. It keeps you in check. By having schedules for things such as meals, homework time, family time, work, and bedtime, your child will also grow accustomed to this routine and you will find that the both of you can easily be on the same page. Not only that, having a routine creates a sense of calm and even security for your child as well as he knows what is going on. 

The availability of a routine would also mean that there is less time wasted on thinking about what to do next. 

Surround yourself with people who support you

A good support network is essential in ensuring that you as a single parent are not overwhelmed by the pressures that you have to bear. This group of support can come from anywhere, be it your family members, friends and you could also reach out to other parents for help when it comes to looking after your children. 

It is never a good idea to shoulder everything on your own. It is normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed, and you have to embrace it. Reach out to your support group whenever you are feeling down. Be sure to vent when needed and always find time for yourself to relax and recharge too. 

When you have individuals who are able to listen to your problems, they too can help you out with your frustrations by giving you advice or offering help when needed. These adults could also be another role model that your child will look up to and learn from them. A support network is therefore not only for you, but overall it also helps benefit your child as well. 

Always have time for your children

Regardless of how hectic your life may be or the many various things you have on hand, one very important thing to note is that you must always set aside some time to be with your children. Spending quality time with your child allows them to feel like they are still loved and appreciated. It helps to strengthen the bond that you have with them too. Being available to your children would also help them to open up more to you, looking to you as someone they too can confide in. 

If time is tight on your end and setting aside time every day might be hard, then at least have one day where you spend time with them. This time spent could be used to do a fun activity, to bring the children for a day out. Or even a simple meal together. This could help the both of you to relax and find solace in one another too. 

Organize your finances

Raising a child on a single income is not easy. As such, it is vital that you are able to manage your finances. Being able to do so helps to relieve the stress that you have on being able to provide your child with a comfortable lifestyle. To do so, take a look at the debts that you have and set goals on how to quickly pay them off. Set budgets and even think about long-term investments such as your child’s college fees or your retirement funds. Do this slowly and steadily, do not rush. 

Be sure to have Me Time

As much as you would like to be there for your child or to work enough to ensure that there is enough money to sustain your current lifestyle, it is always important to take a step back and relax. You are at your best when you are healthy both physically and mentally. Your child will appreciate it and he too will feel a sense of security. 

Being able to spend time with yourself allows you to have a few minutes to relax and think about your life. As such, it is good to set aside some time to do this at least once a week. Go on a self-pampering day too if you must!

Conclusion

Taking care of a child is never easy. So don’t feel like you are not doing a good enough job. Remember to take things slow and consider the many factors that might be contributing to your stress and how you can best manage it.