As a single parent myself, there are a few things I wish to share with other new single parents. There's a lot to learn on this new journey, but I have discovered 5 things that are important to me and maybe they will help you too.
A little about my single parenting journey
To start, things happen and some of us take very different paths in life. I had my baby boy as a single parent to start. Luckily for me, my mother was also a single parent so I felt a little more prepared to take on this responsibility alone but it still seemed I had no idea how to raise a child on my own and I was in the middle of switching career paths.
Here are some things I told myself to get through this journey and make the best of my single parenting.
- Have confidence you can do this and you're not alone
- Make friends with other single mothers
- Forget about alone time and enjoy experiencing memories that you don't have to share
- Find ways to make extra cash
- Sometimes it's not as easy with the other parent
Have confidence you can do this and you're not alone
Know that single parenting is on the rise and you are not alone. The first emotion I had once I knew I was doing this alone was fear. Fear of the unknown. Well I'm here to tell you, you are not in unknown territory any more.
There are many successful single women out there where you can learn and get guidance from. Read their stories and know it's not an easy road but not any road is and I can tell you this one has its rewards!
I started reading other mother blogs for information, health topics, working from home, working as a single mother and so on. I slept little but key is to educate yourself and your confidence will grow quickly. The fear of the unknown will become the happiness of your content life with your adorable little one.
Make friends with other single mothers
A big help in getting through what seems hard times are having friends. If you don't have any with kids too, I would go to meet ups, the gym that has daycare or other social events to make some. Other mothers understand more than anyone else to help you when you need it.
Daycare can be very expensive so if you need help while you work, friends that are nannies are very economical. If you need a place to stay, friends are there to help. Mother friends are your best resources next to family.
Forget about alone time and enjoy experiencing memories that you don't have to share
Another feeling single moms get is the feeling of missing any time for herself. I used to feel this way until my son had to be in daycare all day and I hardly saw him. He doesn't have to be in daycare anymore so now I cherish every second I have with him.
Some of his very first words were in the bathroom with me. His first steps happened when I was with him. If you feel you need space, just think you might miss something because they're only that small once.
Find ways to make extra cash
Depending on your situation, money and time might be a challenge to juggle. To save money, I moved in with another single parent and I spent money sparingly. I also discovered ways to work from home to save on daycare costs.
I found an online easy part time job, I started a blog with affiliate links and I sell artwork. You do what you can to make extra cash. Some baby sit for others. That can be great extra cash and some manage to work great full time jobs and pay for daycare. I advise against daycare because my son got sick a lot and I ended up losing my job. So it's important to think jobs through thoroughly and always have a backup plan.
Sometimes it's not as easy with the other parent
I have seen many parents who stay together but argue over every way the other parent parents. Guess what, you don't have this problem when you're the only parent. Everything you say, goes! No argument, no differences, your child is being raised exactly how you desire.
There are some psychological problems that may arise from a child only having one parent in its life. However, these problems may subside with the acceptance and knowledge of single parenting rising. Some times having the other parent could cause more psychological problems around the child than not. Seeing the light in single parenting, there is less confrontation that the child does not have to see.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, positivity and growth with help your child grow perfectly healthy with you. These times do not have to be so hard with help and education. You can do this and your little one will feel more loved and one day, you may help other single parents too.
Good Reads!
Download the book below "single parenting for moms". It has everything you need in it. Great information for first time moms and first time single parents. It is very useful and I highly recommend it. You can click on the picture below for the ebook to make things easier.
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For spiritual development on your new journey with your little one, try fantasy meditation. It is a new way to meditate that is perfect for mothers who have little time for themselves and need to relax for a moment.
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