How to Balance Work and Parenting as a Single Parent

Being a single parent in today's society is tough. Child support alone doesn't always pay the bills, and many single parents choose to work for their own fulfillment, as well as the needed pay check. But being a single working parent doesn't have to be a crisis if you take steps to balance your work and your family.

Instructions

1. Form a network with other single working parents to help support each other, provide childcare assistance and advise each other. You can form your group with other single parents at work or your child's school.

2. Avoid over-booked mornings by preparing for your day the night before. Pack schoolbags and your briefcase and leave them near the front door, make lunches and set out clothes for everyone.

3. Spend time together after work and school. Have a snack and talk about each others' day before sending the kids off to do their homework, let your kids help prepare dinner and clean up afterward, watch TV together and read stories before bed.

4. Set up a cleaning schedule you and the kids can do together over the weekend. Give everyone their own individual chores to do, then reward yourselves by playing outside and having a family barbecue or picnic.

5. Plan your vacation time from work to correlate with your kids' school vacations so you'll be off together. You can plan a family vacation, or vacation in your own backyard.

6. Research your child care options for school vacation days, sick days and preschool childcare (see Resources).

7. Remember to find time for you. Read a book, watch a movie or take a bath after the kids go to bed. You need some quiet alone time to unwind from the day and recharge for the next day.

Resources

• Find tips on researching childcare at i711.