In general, it’s tough being a mom. You don’t have the time to worry about yourself. You’re so focused on making sure everyone around you is taken care of. There are mom’s who don’t go to the Dr for themselves, but make sure everyone else has gone. Mom’s tend to be the first one out of bed and the last one to bed. Making sure dishes are done so they wake up to a clean sink. That lunches are ready to go the next day. Toys are picked up. When you’re a single mom, it seems even harder to take care of yourself. So, to my single moms out there, this is for you. Here is my list of self care tips for single moms.
1 – Take time for yourself. This is a big one for this list of self care tips for single moms. Even if you take half an hour to read a book, or magazine that you haven’t been able to get to yet. Do your nails, or put that face mask on. Take two hours and go to a movie, get your hair done, or get a facial. Meet with friends for coffee or a glass of wine. If you have younger children, hire a babysitter for a few hours. Or do this when your child goes to their father’s home.
2 – Have your person. Don’t keep things bottled up. Have one or two friends that you talk to about what’s going on. If you have siblings, they are not always the best to talk to. Not because they’re not supportive and don’t love to talk to you. But, because, their first instinct is to protect YOU. If you have a complaint about your child’s father, they may proceed in the bashing process. Which may not be what you want. There are times you just need an ear to listen to you.
3 – Time Outs. It’s ok to tell your child(ren) that you need some quiet time. You don’t have to be the one to keep them occupied every single second they are awake. If you need to pay bills, respond to emails, or whatever. You are allowed to take that time for yourself. Put on that electronic babysitter if you need to! This will ensure that you can get to bed at a reasonable time.
4 – Plan and Prep. Have one day that you plan your meals. Get that crockpot going, or make some casseroles. Freeze them if you’re not going to eat them that week. Or, if you cook three times a week, make enough for two meals. Leftovers don’t kill anyone! If you have teenagers, get them in on the action. They need to learn to survive on their own when they leave the nest in a few years, right?
5 – Say No. This is my second biggest in this list of self care tips for single moms. I promise you, saying no will not hurt. It may annoy the person you’re saying no to. Or your teenager may get mad because you won’t drive them two hours to a concert. But, you need to know that you can say no and the world will continue revolving. The next day will come. As moms, we get so wrapped up and trying to be supermom and doing everything. There are only so many minutes in the day, and you are only one person.
6 – Listen to Music. If you love music, listen to it! Dance around your home, even if your kids groan and tell you to stop. Keep doing it! As the saying goes, “Dance Like No One’s Looking”. I was singing along with my Alexa radio and my son and his girlfriend had come to our apartment. They stood outside the door laughing at me singing Hips don’t lie. lol.
7 – Stay Connected. Your life outside of your children is just as important. You should stay in contact with your friends. Text them that stupid gif that you cracked up at. Let them know how much they mean to you.
8 – Read a Book. Whether you like selfhelp books, or you want to read the Harry Potter book for the 30th time. Sit down and do it. Give yourself time to wind down before going to bed. Or if you choose to wake up early to relax before the day starts.
9 – Learn a new Hobby. Take that painting class. Learn how to pole dance. Bring some creativity into your life so you can learn what you’re interested in!
10 – Get more sleep! This is my final, but, the most important for this list of self care tips for single moms. Use some of the tips above to make sure you’re not up hours after your kids go to bed. Take a nap when you’re child naps, if they do. If they don’t, let the electronic babysitter work for you and you take a brief nap on the couch. Show your child the clock, when they can read and tell them they are not to leave their room until, whatever time you set. I did 8:00.
These are my self care tips for single moms. One’s that I’ve found work for me. I have a 17 year old, so, he’s mostly out of the house anyway and I have more freedom to do these. But, I get that it’s tougher for single mom’s with younger kids. If they go with dad, make the most of the time when they aren’t with you. That way, you are recharged and ready to go when they come home. If you’re divorced from your child’s dad, check out my post for tips on co-parenting after a divorce.
What would you add to this list of self care tips for single moms? Comment below or share on my Facebook page!
If you enjoy reading, you should check out my YA Paranormal book, Cavern Cove! Click the image to be taken to Amazon. It is also available at Barnes and Noble for your Nook and in Paperback! It’s also available on iBooks!
These seem like amazing tips!
Confession: I’m not a single mom. But your list could work for me, too. I like the ideas. Some are very practical, like the meal prep night. Good tips.