Being a single parent can be challenging at any age. Becoming a single parent when you’re under 30 can present a range of additional challenges, as you will not have had as much time to build up your career and savings before the kids came along. It is crucial to put your all into raising your kids and ensuring they have a healthy and happy family life. Doing so on your own can be tricky, but it is doable.
You should plan and prepare for all that life could throw at you, but any parent knows that the problems and curveballs that life can throw at you can be unpredictable. This article will explore some of the ways that single parents under 30 can make their lives easier.
Prioritise Your Mental Health
Being a single parent comes with all kinds of stresses, and if left unchecked, these can have a negative impact on your mental health. Your health, mentally and physically, is crucial for your kids to grow up healthy themselves.
You should set a good example of how to manage mental health for your kids. This means learning about healthy ways to manage stress and not being afraid to get help from a professional if you need it. Therapy or counselling can be invaluable to help you manage the daily stresses of life in a healthy manner.
Ask For Help From Trusted Loved Ones
Since it will only be you caring for the kids when they’re with you, it can help to ask for help from trusted loved ones. You could ask grandparents to help with the school run on days when you have important meetings at work or take the kids for an afternoon if you have a job interview.
You could even ask for help keeping on top of the housework if you find yourself becoming overwhelmed. Your loved ones will likely be more than happy to help and will have your best interests at heart.
Find A Rota Of Reliable Babysitters
Babysitters can be invaluable to give you time to yourself, to do chores and stay connected with your social network. You should find a range of babysitters so that you have a list to call if you need help. Find babysitters from your friends and family, as well as professional sitters. Ensure you have people available to babysit at a range of times.
Connect With Other Single Parents
Building a support system of other single parents can be invaluable. Single parenthood can still be stigmatised even in modern times, so having others that understand the highs and lows of being a single parent can help immensely. You can also create a community of other parents that can help each other out when needed.
Keep An Organised Calendar
Keeping track of where you and your kids need to be on any given day is critical. It is a good idea to keep a calendar of all the daily tasks, events and responsibilities for you and your kids. This could be on a hardcopy calendar or an app on your phone. If using an app, you should share access with your kids as they get older so they can update with their own reminders.
Buy A Dependable Car
Having a reliable car is crucial for any family. You should look at all the options available to help you buy a car. The car doesn’t necessarily need to be brand new, and it can be a better investment to buy a car that’s a few years old.
If you have a low credit score, this can make buying a car challenging but by no means impossible. You should look for financing options to help find the most affordable choice. Use reputable comparison platforms like ChooseMyCarto help you find the right lender.
Build A Healthy Relationship With Your Ex-Partner
It is crucial to your children’s well-being that you have a good relationship with their other parent. Discord in the family home can significantly impact your kids’ mental health now and in the future. No matter what happens during your separation, it is vital to work past it for the sake of your children. It is also important to avoid arguing in front of the children and speak well of their other parent.
Enjoy Quality Time With Your Kids
Spending quality time with your kids is crucial, and it can feel difficult to find the time when you’re a busy single parent. It is a good idea to try and carve out some time each day to spend with your children. You could go for a walk to a local park after school and work, or read them a book. Sitting down to eat together can be the perfect way to connect on a daily basis.
Make – And Stick To – A Budget
Money can be tight for any family with young children, and being a single parent can make it even more challenging. Creating a budget can help you live within your means and ensure you can also save money. You should note down where every penny of your monthly income goes. This can help you identify if there is any unnecessary spending you could cut back on.
Do Meal Prep On Weekends
Preparing the week’s meals at the weekend can be a great way to save time on weeknights. You could make larger batches of meals that freeze well, like Bolognese or chilli. These can then be defrosted as needed and added to fresh sides like pasta and rice.
Find A Job Working From Home
Working from home is an excellent way to give yourself a better work-life balance. You could ask your current employer if they would be willing to let you work remotely part-time or even full time. Working from home allows you to tackle some of the daily tasks during downtime and on breaks which can help you stay on top of chores. It can also drastically reduce the costs of childcare, as you will be able to mind your kids after school while you finish up your workday.
