In the perfect single parent world, we would all have manageable schedules and get up and have the healthy, unhurried breakfast with our children; go about our days; come back together for a leisurely supper and then all climb into bed around the same time for a good night’s sleep. As most of you know, that ideal is just not the reality for many of us. I think one of the most challenging things for a single parent is when his or her work and sleep schedule are completely different from the needs of the children.
Not all jobs are 9-5—in fact, many parents work all sorts of other shifts. When there are two parents who can trade off, it can be complicated enough, but when there is only parent working and sleeping off hours, it can really get tough. My first nugget of advice to those parents who have to sleep at different times than your child or children is to get trusted help! You will need to have someone (or a committee of someones) to help you stay on top of things.
If you work nights and sleep during the day, this can work decently if and when your children are school-age. While they are in school, you can sleep. Of course, you will want a trusted person to stay with them while they sleep and you are at work. If you have very young children, you will still need help or to send the child to day care or to be with a trusted friend or relative so that you can get some sleep during the day.
Sleep is at a premium for any single parent, but if you are working split shifts or night shifts, you may really suffer from exhaustion. Get as much quality sleep as you can and consider adjusting the child’s or children’s schedule(s) to make it more compatible with yours. Any other suggestions from those of you who have to sleep at different times than your child?
See: Let’s Talk About Sleeping Schedules in our FORUMS section