Are you a single parent looking for ways of thriving in single hood? Worry no more because, in this blog, I will be exploring the six most powerful ways that will help you bring back the lost strength and joy in your life.
In this World, there are many single parents raising their kids. Research shows that approximately one in every 5 kids have been brought up by a single parent.
You must therefore accept the situation as it is, and focus on your future life and that of your kids. Being single does not mean a life full of loneliness and lack of progression as many people might think.
Actually it’s an opportunity for you to progress in your career without any obstacles. Work hard and set proper goals in your life.
Let’s dive deep into the six most powerful ways of thriving in single hood that I have gathered for you.
1. Proper Finance Management– most powerful way of thriving in single hood
Thriving in single hood entails living within your means. Do not compare yourself with other people especially married ones. Remember, all the responsibilities are yours and no one to share with.
Budgeting should be the most important thing when dealing with finances. You cannot afford to spend money blindly because you will have no one to look up to. Spend it wisely while keeping your bank accounts in good shape.
In case your financial responsibilities become more than expected, make a scale of preference to fit your budget. Don’t buy things because you saw your friends buying. Spend your money wisely.
If your income allows, set aside a few coins as savings for any uncertainties like sickness that might come your way. In addition to that, avoid too many debts which might end up messing your budget. This can become very traumatizing especially if you have no one to call for assistance.
Perhaps you also need to cut on bills. This will help you avoid wastage as well as set aside significant amount for savings.
Sometimes, you might consider selling some home appliances which you don’t require. All the old clothes and shoes in your house can be turned into cash. Moreover, your house will be more organized without all those unnecessary items.
2. Being Organized
Most Single parents lack time in their lives to keep their house in order. Thriving in single hood will involve keeping both your house and schedules organized.
Set consistent routine activities so that your kids can know what is expected of them at any given time. This will help you have a very easy time, without yelling and shouting unnecessarily. At the same time, they will grow up being responsible children.
Similarly, routines such as bedtime, feeding time or cleaning time should be consistent too. This will save you a lot of your time
likewise, if your finance allows it, plan and shop weekly instead of daily. It will not only save time for you but also money spent while buying items in small quantities.
Nevertheless, do not forget kids in your plans. Create some time for them no matter how busy your schedule is. Have meals together as this is a good opportunity of interacting with them. It also improves their eating habits and helps them not to hate meals.
Spare some minutes in a week to Play, jump or even walk with them. This is a good way of strengthening the bond between you and them as well as a good way of exercising.
3. Building a community
You need people to encourage you during difficult moments. Consider organizing with other single women to go out for coffee or have a chat right in your house. They will understand what you are going through and also offer help where they can.
Although friendship is good, chose the right friends. At times a company of married people might leave you feeling inferior. They may not understand that your time is limited like the way a single parent will.
Incase you don’t have friends yet, don’t worry as there are many WhatsApp and Facebook groups for single parents.
It’s in these groups that you can share a lot of experiences. You can also seek for answers to several questions regarding single hood.
These social networks are good because they will always remind you that you are not alone. You will meet many role models who will give you encouragement and strength to move on. Create time for these meaningful interactions.
4. Self-Care
You need to have enough hours of sleep every day for good health. Sometimes if time allows, take a nap during the day. This will reduce fatigue after a long day’s work.
Being a woman, I realized that house chores can never be completed. They keep reoccurring every now and then. Therefore, do what you can and leave the rest for another day.
You are not a perfect woman in the sense that everything in your house has to be done perfectly. For instance, you don’t have to mob your house everyday even when you are really tired. The utenclls can also be cleaned early in the morning after waking up.
Finally, take good care of your body. Spare some time to do manicures and pedicures and probably have some makeup. Fill yourself with activities that make you feel relaxed and fulfilled as a single woman.
If you want people to see a strong woman in you, one who is thriving in single hood, then look attractive. Despite having children, you might meet another single parent, who may get attracted to you and settle down with him
How My Single Friend Got Married
I have a friend whom we were teaching with in the same school. She had three kids and had separated with her husband two months after the baby was born. The husband was working in the army. One day, he went to work in Sudan, where he found another lady and married.
My friend (the first wife of the man in the army) was so devastated. She didn’t know where to begin with three kids in the house, all by herself, after the divorce. To cut the story short, this lady friend of mine met another man in the church choir.
The wife to this man had died in a road accident leaving him with two boys. He was so traumatized that he never got the strength to marry again, until then. He is now happily married to my lady friend. The same can happen to you.
5. Seeking Support
I will advise you not to die in problems. Seek help from friends or close family members. In this life, you cannot leave alone. You need people to help you in times of need. For instance, your kids might fall sick and need someone to assist.
Sometimes, you might need to create time for yourself to run some errands. Organize with one of your relatives or close friend to accommodate your kids for two to three days.
In case you are a religious person, the church leaders are very understanding people. You can interact with them and share your problems whenever you feel discouraged. Never let stress ruin your life and that of your kids. It’s good when you ask for help from somewhere.
6. Writing a will– Final tip of thriving in single hood
I know this sounds awkward. Many people including married ones, are ignorant of writing a will.
It prevents many problems that might occur in the lives of your kids. For instance, one of my aunts had separated from her husband for more than twenty years. After her death(died out of cancer), the ex-husband was demanding the property she left behind. Fortunately, she had already written a will.
Don’t be ignorant. Writing it does not make you die. It is a good way of ensuring that your kids do not suffer in case of death. It’s in this will that you nominate a responsible person to manage your wealth or take care of kids in case you die.
Conclusion
Being single comes with a lot of responsibilities for you. However, how you handle your strengths and weaknesses determines your future.
Don’t let your miserable past dictate your future. Instead use it as a strength to build on your future. Also, focus on your goals, career and the life of your kids.
One day the father of your kids will be ashamed when he sees them in prosperity. That is if he is still alive. Pray God for good health of yourself and that of your kids.
i hope this article encouraged you as a single parent. In my next article, I will be writing about the benefits of single hood. Stay in touch for more on that.
