How to keep your sanity as a solo parent

Solo parenting can be really hard. Between the constant, unnecessary worrying, to the daily scheduling and grind, you’re basically doing the job of 2000 people (for free) that should be shared between two people. And you know what? That makes you a frickin super human. A super human that deserves all the praise, appreciation, and kind words in the world. BUT, since those are hard to come by, I’m here to give you some tips to keep your sanity, and to remind you how wonderful you are.

Tip #1: Understand you are doing an AMAZING job
But seriously though. Clap your hands out loud right now and cheer for yourself. You’re alive. Your kids are alive. And you are making things work somehow. And that’s enough! Being present ALL the time and having responsibilities ALL the time is exhausting. There is rarely a moment in the day where you aren’t worried about your child in some way. So please just know that by being who you are and raising little humans, YOU. ARE. AMAZING. If you journal, take a second to write down 3 things that you are proud of yourself for, and do this daily to remind yourself of your strength!

Tip #2: Find a support team
It doesn’t matter what size your support team is, but having at least one friend, family member, babysitter, or even your kids’ friends to call on once in a blue moon is necessary. You need time to just be free, let go, and recharge your batteries without worrying about a child. Don’t ever feel guilty for asking for help. I know from experience that it can be hard, cause you feel like you should be the one that is there for them at all times, but you will come back with more energy and love for your children after a little break. Plus, your kids will probably have a blast without you (no offence) and enjoy someone else’s energy for a little while. It’s a win-win.

Tip #3: Make time for yourself
If you can’t find a babysitter, it can be harder to find time for yourself with little people in your presence at all times. But don’t feel bad about plopping your kids in front of the TV and giving them a free pass to eat all their halloween candy while you hide in your bedroom and watch your own show. Those 10, 20, minutes or even an hour can be just what you need to recharge. Remember the days when you just worried about yourself? Me either. BUT, once you start prioritizing time for yourself, you also start to find yourself again. Your passions, your interests and your desires become important again. This creates more balance between maintaining your own sanity and raising happy, healthy little people.

Tip #4: Be honest with your kids
Have your kids ever caught you crying, and you’ve had no idea what to tell them? I’ve used: “I was watching a sad video and it made me cry” or “I hit my knee and it hurt so bad” a few times. But, with time I’ve become more honest and have really opened up with my feelings and surprisingly, this has turned into them sharing their feelings more with me as well. Kids can be the most supportive and understanding people on this planet. They can also be your biggest cheerleader given the opportunity. If you’re feeling down, tell them and hug them really hard. If you need a break, tell them and take it. If you just got a new job, celebrate with them. It’s likely that their reaction will be the most honest of anyones, and also full of the most emotion. Your kids will appreciate your honesty and learn that communication is valuable to you, and in turn will be honest with you as well.

Tip #5: Give your kids responsibilities
Ironically, I didn’t notice how much I did for my kids until someone on the outside told me. When you are so used to being a super human and doing everything for everyone, you forget to give some of the responsibilities to your kids. You think it’s easier to get it done yourself, since you know you are capable (and at times the best for the job), but eventually this can lead to burnout. But, kids are strong, and adaptable, and in the end , you want to raise adults that are confident, capable and helpful right? That is why you have to give them responsibilities as children to mimic what life will be like when they grow up. Kids can change their routines if you let them and will be greatful as adults when they can do their own laundry and keep a clean house.

At the end of the day, all we want as parents is to raise happy, kind and strong adults. So think of it that way. Raise the type of adults we need in this world. It’s a big deal to have that on your shoulders, so hopefully these tips help you in some way. And please remember your kids will be okay, so make sure you are too.

Looking to try something new with your kids?

Try acro yoga! If you know me and my kids or follow us on instagram, you know that acro yoga is one way love to spend our time. I challenge you to check out some of our acro yoga videos on IGTV on my instagram, and try something new with your kids. This can be a great way to connect, stay fit, and become stronger together.

Keep checking back here for blog posts about our crazy, upside down and beautiful life.