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How to Survive Solo Parenting
How to Survive Solo Parenting without going crazy
Let’s be real—solo parenting can be tough! After navigating this rollercoaster for years, I’ve gathered some wisdom that may help anyone feeling overwhelmed. The endless juggling act can leave you feeling disorganized, drained, and utterly exhausted. But here’s the silver lining: with a few helpful tips up your sleeve, you can absolutely not just survive, but thrive in solo parenting!
Tips for Thriving in Solo Parenting
As a military wife with almost a decade of experience, I’ve become quite familiar with the ups and downs of solo parenting. If you’re new to this lifestyle or just seeking some fresh ideas, I’ve got you covered!
The insight I’ve gained didn’t come overnight—believe me, I’ve stumbled plenty of times on my journey. The key is to try one tip at a time and see what clicks for you and your family. If it works, great! If not, don’t worry; just move on to the next one.
Establish a New Routine
First and foremost, embracing a new routine is essential. I know, changing habits is never easy, especially when you’re used to a rhythm that involved two parents. But when solo parenting kicks in, everything can start to feel a bit chaotic and overwhelming.
Finding what suits your family is a bit of trial and error, but stick with it! The sooner you discover a routine that works, the quicker everyone will adapt, and the smoother the days will become.
Make meal times easier for everyone
Skip the dishes
Don’t let the pots and pans overwhelm you remember, you’ll have to wash them afterward! In military housing here in the UK, it’s a bit of a dilemma: you either get a dishwasher or a tumble dryer. Most folks opt for the tumble dryer to combat the pesky mould creeping behind our lovely magnolia walls—because who wants that hassle, right?
Before you dive into cooking, take a moment to scout out which ingredients can cosy up in the same pot. It’s not just efficient; it’ll make clean up a breeze! Happy cooking!
Embrace the disposable utensils
Let’s talk about the magic of disposable dishes and cutlery! If you’ve got a toddler on your hands, you know how chaotic mealtime can be. Investing in these handy items can make life so much smoother, especially on those days when you just can’t deal with a mountain of dishes. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Keep it simple
Don’t hesitate to give your little ones what they crave at dinner! By the end of the day, you’re likely running on fumes, and the last thing you need is the stress of preparing a gourmet meal that ends up in the trash. I can’t count how many times I’ve put my heart into cooking only to see it rejected (and maybe even half-eaten by me out of sheer exhaustion).
I vividly remember my parents bringing over M&S microwave meals back in the early days of solo parenting. They knew I was burnt out and needed a little TLC! It’s all about making things easier for yourself while keeping the family fed and happy. Embrace those shortcuts—you deserve it!
Home Workout
Hold on a second! I’m not suggesting you turn into the next big fitness influencer on Instagram!
Honestly, I’m not the biggest fan of fitness myself. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a leisurely stroll now and then, but you’ll never catch me signing up for a marathon—Haha!
However, during my solo parenting adventures, I do find myself ramping up my fitness game. It’s a great way to boost those endorphins! I dust off my old yoga mat and dive into some fun dance workouts on YouTube.
My go-to? The Fitness Marshall! His videos are so lively and full of energy that even my kids jump in and join the fun sometimes. It’s the perfect way to get moving and have a blast together!
"Remember You are one person doing a task built for two people"
Embrace an Earlier Bedtime!
Now, here’s a tip that might not be the crowd favorite: consider shifting your kids’ bedtime when you’re solo parenting. I love my little ones dearly, but sometimes their adorable antics can be a lot to handle after a long day!
Changing their bedtime has worked wonders for me. It gives me some much-needed breathing space in the evenings and leaves me feeling more refreshed to tackle whatever the next day brings. Plus, it ensures that my kids get the best version of me—less drained, more engaged, and ready for another adventure together!
Take a look into our solo parenting routine
Between 4:00 and 5:00 PM, we sit down to enjoy dinner together, and afterward, I clean the kitchen for the evening. I also take care of preparing the school bags and packing lunches for the next day. By 5:30 PM, everyone heads upstairs for showers and baths, getting into their pyjamas.
At 6:15 PM, I start reading a book to my little one before putting him to bed for the night. Once he’s settled, around 6:30 PM, my two oldest children come downstairs for a light supper and a drink before heading off to bed. By 7:00 PM, both of them go back to their rooms to read, colour, or play while I take a quick shower for myself.
At 7:30 PM, I read to my daughter and we chat about her day before she gets into bed. She listens to her Toni box for around 20 minutes to wind down. By 8:00 PM, it’s lights out for her, and I head downstairs for some evening time while my eldest tends to stay in his room, watching TV and engaging in drawing.
Thanks to this routine, I get a good few hours to myself during the evening, which I cherish. I often use this time to pamper myself or dive into a good book. This is probably also when you’ll see me active on social media, as I take advantage of those quiet moments.
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How to Survive Solo Parenting
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