HAPPY SINGLE PARENTS DAY – if you’re one of the many people out there trying to bring up your kids alone – then I salute you. I have a huge admiration for all that you’re doing. This is a day dedicated to recognising and celebrating all the hard work, dedication and sacrifices that single parents have to make along the way. It’s typically observed on this day – March 21st each year. As a single parent blogger, I’ve been there, done that and want to share some of the highs and lows with you.
It’s certainly not an easy job and there are many challenges when you’re doing all the heavy lifting on your own. Hopefully, even if you’re separated from the other parent, you have a reasonably good working relationship and can share the load, but it doesn’t always work like that. Kids find it tough going to two separate houses, but I always remember someone saying that children will always prefer two happy houses rather than one miserable one. AND they become super resilient and get good at packing their own little bags….it’s been a good lesson for my kids – they rarely forget anything when they travel these days!
There are many joys in single parenting – you can revel in the freedom of being the only one to make the day to day decision – even if the school runs are always hard work. I remember the times I had to force clothes on my kids, food in their mouths and then drag them up the road to school. Just so, so relentless and exhausting. But it’s all worth it in the end. You will have a stronger relationship with them at the end of the day and hopefully they will appreciate some of the things you did for them. You too will become stronger and more resilient and form unique bonds with your children. Even when you’re exhausted, know that you will get through this and tomorrow will be easier!
I found that sharing the workload with other single parents helped. At times, we almost had a commune – when I started working part time again I had an arrangement with a friend of mine who would scoop up all 7 kids and bring them back to my house after school. Cook for them all and get them settled with homework and then I would appear to help with the nighttime stuff.
It can of course feel isolating at times, but know that you are not alone and always ask for help from friends and family when you need it. I feel so very grateful for the support of my family and friends during the difficult times and we’ve now all come out the other side!
Don’t forget to dance in the kitchen with your kids on a regular basis. It’s very uplifting! You can overcome many obstacles and create your safe space with them to make everyone feel happy and secure.
If you want any more advice – let me know! I’m happy to help if I can.
