You have had a long day and you are very tired. The kids will not cooperate with even the simplest request, as their day has been particularly tiring as well. Does this sound familiar? Anyone who has children can identify with this. Those that are in a dual parent situation might be able to ask their significant other to take over while you recoup. What is a single parent to do though? If you are fortunate enough to have a reliable support system with another adult to rely on for help that is great, but some single parents do not have that as a back-up means of support.
When the day has sapped almost all of your energy and the kids are not their usual little angelic selves you must readjust your life and downgrade your expectations to make it through without losing your sanity. It does no good to get upset to the point of an uproar. Save yourself and just concentrate on getting through in one piece without causing everyone undue distress. It is most likely pretty close to dinnertime when the whole family comes together at the end of the day. That is a plus on some days. You hate to wish away the time, but some days you just do. It is your only saving grace that everyone will be in bed in a matter of hours and you can all get some much needed rest.
Throw together some dinner as quickly as possible. It does not have to be gourmet. Your patience is low so do not push it lest you will do and say things that you do not mean and then have regrets afterwards. Regrets are burdensome to the soul. Eat your dinner and hopefully this will quiet the children. Try to talk about pleasant things and let simple squabbles and not so perfect table manners roll off your back, unless of course they are out of control. After dinner clean up as quickly as possible enlisting the help of your little minions.
Zoom…..dinner over and done. Nobody got hurt physically or emotionally. You did it. You made it through. Next are the homework and nighttime preparations. Try to get everyone working at once on the homework. Do not plan to get any of your own work accomplished. This is more important. Promise an hour of television or their favorite bedtime story if all is completed within a certain amount of time. Complications will probably arise, but try to remain calm. The day is almost over and you can hear your bed calling out to you. With the homework out of the way baths need to be taken and clothes ready for the next day. Television, bedtime stories, what have you….you promised, they complied. Keep your promises. Their trust in you is important.
Finally, the magical time of night when you can finally rest. Prayers, bedtime stories, rituals…all the things that children count on from you. Kisses good night and lights out. Your beautiful children are off to dreamland and you look upon them and smile. That is why you do what you do. For them. Nothing can be greater than that. Sleep well and may tomorrow be a little bit easier.
Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health.