5 Ways to Build a Better Life For
Your Family as a Single Mom
Author: Katie Conroy is the creator of Advice Mine and a valued blogger with the Going Solo Network. She enjoys writing about lifestyle topics and created the website to share advice she has learned through experience, education, and research.
As a single mother, you always want to give
your children the best life possible. But when you’re navigating parenthood on
your own, you might find yourself struggling. Here are a few tips you can use to
overcome tough situations that you might deal with as a single mom.
Scheduling
Childcare
Naturally, figuring out childcare is one of
your biggest concerns as a single mother. You might split custody with your children’s father, and
if this is the case, it’s important to stick with a schedule that you have both
explicitly agreed upon. On days when you have other commitments, you may need
to get in touch with a relative who would be open to babysitting. You can also
hire a trustworthy local babysitter. One option is to ask family and friends
for recommendations, or you can look to a trusted sitter site to find someone near you.
Managing Your Finances
You may feel the weight of being the sole breadwinner for your household. And if you have been renting for a while, you might assume that you would have trouble finding a home within your budget. But homeownership is not out of reach for single mothers.
If you’re interested in purchasing a home, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the local market. While purchasing a home on one income could be challenging, there are plenty of things you can do to stretch your budget and savings. One option is to look for a fixer-upper, ideally with good bones and that doesn’t need loads of work. The caveat is that a home inspection could reveal deeper issues, since most fixer-uppers are sold as-is, so be prepared to walk away if this happens. Other ways to save include shopping for used clothes, toys, and books for your children, reducing your grocery expenses, and taking advantage of any available tax breaks for single parents.
If you’re looking for a higher-paying and more
rewarding career, consider going back to school to earn
your master’s. Reputable online programs allow you to work at your
own pace so you can continue working and caring for your children.
Dating
Dating as a single mother can be complicated! You know that getting into a serious relationship means introducing someone new into your children’s lives, which is a responsibility that should be taken seriously. The Good Men Project recommends talking to any potential partners about your kids on the first date and waiting until you’re certain that a relationship is serious before you let your new partner meet your children.
There is a new dating site Meet The Right.com 1 where you can connect with other like minded parents who are also dating. Join groups for Single Dating Mothers, Single Dating Fathers and Dating Single Parents.
Focusing on Your Mental Health
You may have a lot on your mind as a single mom. If you feel stressed or overwhelmed, it’s perfectly normal. If you’re struggling with your mental health, therapy is always an option. It can be hard to find childcare during consistent therapy sessions, so you could consider virtual therapy. You may also be interested in joining a group for single moms - you might make new friends who understand what you’re going through.
Check out the Going Solo Community.com site as this is a transition community which connects you with other singles who are traveling through the loss of a relationship, stepping into their new life of being single and experiencing the transition of dating.
Having Fun With Your Kids
Of course, the best part of being a single mom is making amazing memories with your children! Finding the time to have fun with your kids is crucial, and your whole family will look back fondly on these days. And fun activities don’t have to cost a lot of money, either. From going to the park to play catch to having family movie nights, there are plenty of family-friendly activities that will allow you to keep costs down.
Single moms often feel like they lack support. If you’re a single mother, you might deal with lots of uncertainties in your daily life. But with the right advice, you can be a great mother to your children and raise them with confidence.