Image: Unsplash David Straight
There’s tremendous pressure on parents to raise their children a certain way. As fixed as some judgemental people may be on these “principles,” the truth is that even the experts can’t agree on one particular approach. Too much screen time? If you’re a single parent, it might be your only opportunity to check your phone or make a cup of coffee. It’s easy for the rest of the parenting world to forget how difficult life is as a single parent. Here are five ways to give yourself a mental break:
- Small Comforts Can Ease The Stress
Small comforts that are considered luxuries in two-parent homes become necessities and part of a survival plan for single parents. For example, having a dishwasher or a rumba. It’s not to say you can let household chores slide, but when you consider that house chores are usually divided between two people, it’s only fair to spend a little money on simplifying these day-to-day functions. Single parents can finance these moves with low interest money loans.
- Develop Your Own Hobbies
Between holding down a job and meeting the emotional, physical, and intellectual needs of your children, there are very few hours left to meet your own emotional and mental needs. Even if the hours existed, you have almost no energy. For that reason, this suggestion may contradict your instincts to rest. Take up a hobby. Whether you have to ask a friend or a family member to babysit or find a hobby you can do at night at home – do it! It offers your brain a complete escape from life and stress. This is one of the most powerful ways to bring new and fresh energy into your life.
- Have A Social Life
A social life can take on many different looks. It could be a night out on the town, a chat via instant messaging or joining a book club or a single parent’s support group. Connect with others because it gives you a sense of community and also because it enables you to connect with people who don’t have expectations of you. Your work colleagues and your children expect a certain diligent version of you. Find a group or an individual you can relax around.
- Teach Your Children To Be Self-sufficient
Initially, instilling a good sense of responsibility in your children feels like hard work. You’re nagging them to pick up their toys and it’s far easier to just do it yourself and eliminate the frustration of negotiating. However, persevering with that nagging will give you a lighter load to carry, long term. It will mean each person in the home can contribute to maintaining it, relieving you to a degree you will appreciate. Instead of the nagging approach, look at some recommended techniques to get children to complete each of their daily chores.
- Disconnect for A a Day
Disconnect from the noise. What noise? The jabber of society in general. Social media, people contacting you, and the expectations that can offer feel burdensome. Once in a while, have a screen-free day. Walk barefoot on the beach or take a hike in a forest. This brings your brain out of your daily routine’s cycle of worries. It’s like an anti-inflammatory tablet for your thoughts. Moreover, learning to play a musical instrument, like those offered at the Music Academy of Texas, can also provide a much-needed escape.
Your children deserve a parent whose needs are met. Needs include proper nutrition, adequate rest, a sense of purpose outside of maintaining your daily life, and meaningful adult social interactions. Meeting your needs will make you a better parent – so the children always benefit!
