We all have times in our lives where we bite off a little more than we can chew. This is especially common among mothers, and perhaps even more common among single mothers who are doing everything on their own. In order to be a good mother we feel as if we need to take our children to soccer, piano, and ballet, volunteer in the classroom, help kids with homework, make sure they are getting three wonderfully cooked homemade meals each day, while talking to your mother on the phone, maintaining a spotless home, and preparing a presentation for your latest work project at the same time.
As single mothers we have so many responsibilities. We are taking on the role of both parents and thus are required to do twice the work. When we overextend ourselves in this way the first thing to go is our own personal care. We are so busy taking care of our children’s needs that we don’t have time to take care of our own. When we overschedule our lives, we inevitably find ourselves burned out. This exhaustion often leads to depression, anxiety, and a number of other health problems, which in turn affects our parenting.
If we are going to be the best parents we can be we have to take care of ourselves. If that means not adding a border to your poster for tomorrow’s presentation because you need to get some sleep tonight, then so be it. If that means you have to say no to volunteering in your child’s classroom this week so that you can have an hour to read a book before the kids get home, then that is ok too. Your needs are important. As hard as it is to find that time for yourself, you will be a better mother for it. You will be happier, and as a result, so will your children.