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Flying Solo: A Single Parent's Survival Guide for the Day-to-Dayby Joy LapteeravutI've been a stay-at-home mom with two small children for the past three years. My spouse is a management consultant who is out of town on business from Monday to Friday. I'm not officially a single mom, but I do face some of the challenges that of a single parent. Granted, I don't have to "work" outside the home and I'm not financially on my own but raising kids on your own five days a week is quite a load. There's no break from being attentive to your children when you are the only parent they have access to most of the week. 
As well as no break for yourself, it's either sink or swim when it
comes to day-to-day things. The verdict is not in yet but so far, I'm
still breathing. Below are my tips for self-presevation when flying
solo.
* Babysitters It's important to have at least two trusted babysitters on your speed dial. Whether you have a doctor's appointment, PTA duties or just need some "me" time , it's nice to know that you can physically and mentally unattach yourself for an hour or two while your child is being well-cared for. * Register Your Child at a Local Drop-Off Daycare Center If you can't get a babysitter (because most babysitters are only available in the evenings or on weekends), you can always try an hourly daycare for any unexpected emergency situation. Places like this specialize in short-notice childcare and they are professional and licensed. * Shop at a Grocery Store That Has a Childcare Shopping with small children is worse than standing in a long line at a DMV, a least it is for me. If you are lucky like me. you have a local grocery store with a childcare room where you can leave your child while you shop. * Join a Gym with Childcare (and use it) I find that my time working out at the gym gives me a natural high, which makes me a nicer mom to my children. Plus, you'll notice a difference in your waistline. Most gyms nowadays have a childcare room, so really there is no excuse! It's a win-win situation. * Have a Lunch Date with a Friend Try to have a coffee or lunch date once a week. Being away from your spouse can be lonely and you're going to need some adult conversation. * Join a Mom's Club/Stay-at-Home Parents Club Even if you don't participate in any of the activities, it's useful to have that network. They can help in finding references for a babysitter, getting the inside scoop on schools/teachers or even selling off your child's old toys. * Activate Your Alarm System Pay that monthly service because it is worth it. As a single parent with children, you can never be too cautious when it comes to safety. You'll sleep better at night. * Sign up with Reverse 911 This service allows your city to rapidly notify you by telephone in the event of an emergency (i.e. tornado, and other sever weather alerts). * Be Good Friends with Your Neighbors I'm not talking about just being on friendly terms with your neighbors. You are going to need to establish a real friendship with one or two of your neighbors so you have a trusted back-up to help you out from time to time with things like checking on your house when you're gone or driving you to the repair shop. * Daily Communication with the Traveling Parent With today's technology, you can have your child video conference with the traveling parent so he or she doesn't seem so far away. Even a simple phone call to check in will do. |
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