I am in absolute awe of parents who manage to do it all, all the time.
I am not a single parent but have felt like one the past couple of months when my partner has been away for work. I honestly felt like I wouldn’t survive some nights. I can’t fathom how parents go it alone all the time. There is no one stronger in my eyes.
In our area we also have a lot of single parent families due to working outside of our area. With less jobs available locally, families cope with one parent away for long periods of time for work.
Single parents are left to do everything. The list is a mile long, the indoor stuff, the outdoor stuff, the organizing, planning, prepping, cleaning, cooking, garbage, recycling and that’s just house stuff. They have to give all the hugs, wipe all the tears, answer all the questions, do all the homework, make all the lunches, give all the baths, apply all the Band-Aids, buy all the groceries … and so much more. They are always on and never get a chance to be off the clock. I love my job as a stay-at-home mom but honestly enjoy the moment my husband walks in and I can split the list with him.

Because single parents never get a break, burning out is a real possibility. Here is a list of tips to remind you to care for yourself amidst all the other people you’re caring for.
Give yourself a break: the house may not be clean at all times, the dishes may sit in the sink, but sleep when you can to keep your batteries charged.
Plan ahead and be prepared: even though planning can be exhausting it makes school days, events and routines run so much smoother. Make lists and reminders to keep you on track for what comes next in the day/week. Freeze meals ahead, use the crockpot and create casseroles.
Get help: you can’t be everywhere, all the time. Enlist family, trusted friends and neighbours. Trade off with another parent and get yourself a night off.
Don’t sweat the small stuff: some stuff has to be put on the back burner (sometimes much longer than you anticipated) in favour of more pressing things and that’s totally okay.
Sweat it out: whatever kind of exercises you enjoy; yoga, weightlifting, running, make time for it in your crazy, busy schedule. Sweating and deep breathing can really help you get through the most difficult moments.
How can you be supportive of single parent friends or family members? I found this list with some great tips at www.huffingtonpost.ca.
Listen: be there when they’re stressed, happy, frustrated, worried or just when they need an ear.
Babysit: offer to babysit whenever you can or whenever they need it!
Show up with supplies: there’s always something on low supply. Show up with supper, toilet paper or wine and save your friend from a small crisis. Running errands is definitely harder when you have to pack up all the kiddos.
Bring treats: single parents don’t always get birthday/ Christmas/Mothers’ Day/Fathers’ Day presents. Help the little ones make a handprint card, pick flowers or make them a special breakfast. Bring them to a store and let them pick up something special for their parent, and maybe even foot the bill.
Share their moments: my favourite advice, “Single parents don’t just want someone to gripe to, they also want someone to gush to.” (http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2017/07/05/how-to-help-single-parents_a_23017613/) Be there with them for their child’s kindergarten graduation or Christmas concert!
Regardless of why or how you’re a single parent, hats off to you! You’ve got this and you amaze me daily!