Sometimes as a single parent it is difficult to find or make time for yourself. There isn’t anybody else to sit with the kids during homework time, or tuck them in bed at night. Single parents often feel as if they never get any time at all. It is important to rectify that as soon as possible, to prevent resentment from building.
How do single parents find time for themselves?
Early Riser/Night Owl
Many single parents choose to wake an hour earlier than their children, or stay up a little later after their children have gone to sleep. This doesn’t always work for everyone, as some single parents work full time and need as much sleep to function as they can possibly get. However, even rising twenty minutes earlier, or going to sleep a half hour later can truly help a single parent find a little time to themselves.
Solicit a Sitter
Some single parents are lucky enough to have family nearby, affording them the opportunity for free babysitting once in awhile. If a single parent has this luxury, it should be used and used wisely. It should not be taken for granted, or used to often, but to occasionally afford the single parent a bit of time by themselves, it can be a true lifesaver (as well as cost saver). If family doesn’t live nearby, a teenager or neighbor might be available for an hour or two a week to provide services for a nominal fee.
Support Groups
Most communities offer a single parenting support group and often provide free babysitting during the time of the meeting. There are also activities and events that are planned for the single parents, in which babysitting is provided for free or a low cost. This is a great way for single parents to meet other single parents and enjoy time for themselves.
Are you a single parent? How do you make time for yourself?
Nicole Humphrey writes about the creative and memory preserving side of life and families in the Scrapbooking Blog and Fun Blog, provides helpful hints to blended families and single parents on the Parents Blog, and provides informative tips and advice for students, teachers and parents on the Education Blog. She also guest blogs on a variety of topics. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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