Single Parent Wisdom

Single Parent Wisdom

We recently asked single parents to share their “best mom wisdom” with the rest of the community. To everyone who participated, thank you so much for your helpful, and heartfelt, responses.

Single parent moms: Will you share your best piece of ‘mom wisdom’ with us?

Cheryl B. from San Pablo answers:
Don’t let guilt over there not being the other parent override your better judgment or allow your children to get over on you. I said “yes” many times when I should have said “no” because I felt guilty and I was always trying to make up for that. Huge mistake!

Sarah C. from Des Moines answers:
When you’re exhausted and feeling like you didn’t accomplish anything, do a “What I DID Today list!”

VERY HELPFUL! More than likely you got a lot done, it just wasn’t what you had PLANNED to do! And you’ll sleep a lot better looking at a long “What I DID” list than at the “to do” list that didn’t get done…..

Bvic from New York answers:
Don’t try to be Super-Parent on holidays. One or two fun and memorable activities will be more relaxing for you and perhaps better remembered by your child rather than trying to recreate the “perfect” family holidays of your childhood.

Deb H. from Shepherdsville answers:
Play! 
While it would be great if it works out for a mate – do not make that a priority. It will come if it is to come. Spend that energy with/on the kids and family life!

Jennifer D. from Lewisville answers:
Enjoy the time you have with your kids and make the most of it. No pity parties and don’t sacrifice family life for trying to recreate your previous single life.

Focus on creating a positive new life for yourself and your kids. You will blink your eyes and the kids will be grown.

Taking time for yourself is important but make sure the time is spent in ways that will lift you up.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it!!

Funmomof3 from Woodbridge answers:
Less housework and more fun!

Anita B. from Dallas answers:
Single moms need “me” nights just as much as couples need “date” nights! On a regular basis, take the kids to playcare or a sitter, and treat yourself to a few hours doing what you want or need.

Sometimes that may just be sitting in your own house with a pizza, watching your own shows on television. Seriously, Adventure Kids Playcare changed my life. Every mom needs some downtime.

Oh, and totally agree with FunMomof3…prioritize only what is really important and let go of the to-do list long enough to relax and have fun with the kids.

Tracyxo from Grand Prairie answers:
When I was a single mom, it would’ve been take advantage of your resources. 
Know who is there to help, and how. Single moms can get help going to school, with monthly expenses, healthcare and childcare through various resources. Don’t forget the resources within your own family and friends.

It’s ok to ask for help. You don’t have to do everything, all the time, all by yourself.

Jo W. from Saint Louis answers:
When I was a single mom, it was pick your battles. You always had this list that was a mile long and with any luck you got through a couple blocks. Seems too easy to look at that last half a mile and thinking you were a failure ignoring that most would have stopped after the first block, ya know?

Comment below to add your single parent wisdom to the list.