10 Tips for Raising a Child as a Single Parent

1. 0333 370 3701 info@singleparentsonholiday.co.uk 10 Tips for 10 Tips for Raising a Child Raising a Child as a Single as a Single Parent Parent

2. 0333 370 3701 info@singleparentsonholiday.co.uk Whether it be the terrible twos, the pressures of school, or their moody years as a teenager, anyone who has ever been a parent will tell you, it is never easy raising children. This is especially true for single parents, who do not have the benefit of a partner at home from whom which they can draw regular strength, support, or respite from. However, the lack of a significant other, doesn’t mean that being a single mum or single dad cannot be a very rewarding experience. Admittedly though, going it alone will mean adopting some strategies to make life a little easier. Effective strategies for raising your kids alone without single parent stress While all children are different and there is no right or wrong way for bringing them up, every parent – single or not – can provide a safe, loving, and caring environment for their kids to grow up in. To help you do this, here are our top 10 tips for raising a child as a single parent:

3. 0333 370 3701 info@singleparentsonholiday.co.uk 1. Develop 1. Develop a a routine routine There is a lot to manage in a single parent household, not least school and/or nursery runs, homework, cooking, cleaning, washing, bath times and putting the kids to sleep – in addition to holding down a job. As a single parent it is important to be super organised and to forward plan, as this can save you a lot of time and stress. Preparing healthy family meals when you have little time can be a challenge and it’s all too easy to open a tin of beans or grab a freezer pizza. The best way to avoid falling into the trap of serving ready meals, is to pre-plan dinner for the week ahead and even preparing some meals in advance. As is doing a little bit of cleaning every day – as opposed to all-in-one go, which might seem overwhelming when the time comes to do it. Be sure also to do things like making the school lunches and getting your work clothes and your children’s uniforms ready the night before, as this will enable you to be less rushed off your feet the next morning.

4. 0333 370 3701 info@singleparentsonholiday.co.uk 2. Find good 2. Find good childcare childcare As much as many of us would love to spend all day with our children, this is often not practical, especially when you are a single parent with work commitments. So, there will be a time when you need to consider childcare. But even those single parents who don’t work, will undoubtedly consider childcare a godsend, as it gives them much needed time to recharge their batteries, go to doctor’s appointments, go food shopping, and catch up on housework, without having to worry about keeping the kids occupied at the same time. This in turn, frees them up to spend quality time with the children during the remainder of the day. 3. 3. Utilise Utilise after school after school care care If you are lucky enough (or have chosen wisely) and your children’s school offers a breakfast and/or after school club, use it! As a working single parent, you might even be given priority as places are often sought-after. Some schools also offer after school clubs that will playfully teach your kids a range of skills whilst providing an extra hour of much-needed childcare.

5. 0333 370 3701 info@singleparentsonholiday.co.uk 4. Build a support 4. Build a support system system Not having a partner around to raise the kids with, is tough. Of course, many single parents have an ex who sees the kids regularly and helps out with some of the extra-curricular activities. Yet statistically it is likely that the single parent who lives with the children most of the time will bear the brunt of the daily juggle that is drop offs and pickups, homework, and household chores – all in addition to their own work commitments. To ensure that perfectly crafted daily schedule works even when there are unforeseen events, it makes sense to have a backup plan. 5. Develop healthy 5. Develop healthy habits habits Something that is so easy to overlook but so very important is the need to develop healthy habits in our everyday lives and to lead by example. Trying to ensure you eat healthy food, get plenty of exercise and good solid sleep on a regular basis is important for any individual, but especially single parents raising children alone. Being sick or lacking energy is not an option, not even with the best network.

6. 0333 370 3701 info@singleparentsonholiday.co.uk 6. Let the kids 6. Let the kids help help As a single parent there is a lot to do. So, don’t try and be a hero and do it all yourself. Instead, try and enlist the help of your children if you can, and more importantly, if they want to, as this will not only provide a bonding experience, but also ensure you have less on your plate. 7. Make time for 7. Make time for holidays holidays Something you should always strive to do, whatever your budget, is to go on holiday. Whether that’s going away with your kids or on your own, a short weekend getaway or a few weeks abroad – whatever works to recharge your batteries and fits your budget.A single parent holiday will enable you to spend real quality time together as a family and make memories the kids will cherish for the rest of their lives.

7. 0333 370 3701 info@singleparentsonholiday.co.uk 8. Spend quality time with your 8. Spend quality time with your kids kids Spending quality time with your children is very important, and it is something you should do every day. It is not really the length of time that matters, more the experience of what you do with them, that is crucial. That said, if you can, you should aim to spend some quality time with your children every day. Be mindful though, that during this time, it is important to do what they want you to do. 9. Try and become financially 9. Try and become financially secure secure Easier said than done for many of course, however the sooner you can become financially secure the better for your mental and physical health. Not having to worry about your finances and being able to afford nice things for yourself or your children, is a wonderful feeling. But the budgeting strategies single parents have to apply so often will pay off and you will recover financially in due course and that is when you can start to put money aside for much needed renovations, holidays, pension, etc. So never give up, strive for financial security and you will get there.

8. 0333 370 3701 info@singleparentsonholiday.co.uk 10. Don’t neglect 10. Don’t neglect yourself yourself As a parent, especially a single parent, putting your child’s needs before your own comes with the territory. However, you should never lose sight of the fact that you are human and have needs of your own that should be met. So be sure to take the time to practice self-care, and don’t be afraid to go out with friends and treat yourself every now and then to a massage or some pampering. After all, it stands to reason, that the more you look after yourself, the more you will be able to look after and provide for your children. Whatever you do, don’t look for perfection. Set yourself realistic goals and maybe a family motto if you fancy the idea. But don’t despair if you cannot achieve every single thing, you set out to do each week. If you adopt a positive “can do” mindset, you have made a big leap towards the finishing line. Just keep trying to de-stress and declutter your life, never hesitate to ask for help, and adapt your parenting style to your and the children’s needs. There is no perfect way of raising a child as a single parent.

9. 0333 370 3701 info@singleparentsonholiday.co.uk Contact Us 3 Hayes Court, 116 West Common Road Bromley BR2 7EG Email Id:- info@singleparentsonholiday.co.uk Contact Number:-0333 370 3701 Website:- https://www.singleparentsonholiday.co.uk/

10. 0333 370 3701 info@singleparentsonholiday.co.uk Thank you!