The Overwhelming Job of Being a Single Parent

People say that childhood flies by so fast, but as a single parent, some days seem to be about a hundred years long! If you are doing everything by yourself, that means doing the housework, taking the kids to school and after school activities, eraning the income and figuring out how to pay the bills. If you have a support system in place, it is a little easier. But what if there is only you? It can be overwhelming! There are days when giving up seems like a solution, but it's not. Hang in there;this too will pass. Make a list of priorities. Be very choosy about what REALLY has to be done. How many hours worked will pay the bills with no extras? No extras is no fun, but being there for the children is more important. There are many inexpensive ways to have fun and the guidance of a parent will be the greatest gift down the road. Get a schedule and have the kids help. Anything they can do will be good for them and the whole family. Even little ones can do dishes and pick up things off the floor. Have rewards for the family working together. A nature walk, a trip to a library program, a craft project, a board game-all free- and fun. Use your imagination and face life's challenges one at a time. Create friendships with other parents. Don't be ashamed to lean on others or ask for help. Find something good in each day and hold onto it tight. The kids will not be little forever and things will get better!