Single Motherhood - 3 Tips For Being the Best You Can Be
As any parent knows, raising a child or children is no easy task.
It is a constant process of learning, adjusting, and giving, and with no "vacations.
" This is even more of a reality for single mothers, who must shoulder the load without the alongside support of a partner.
With all the demands on a single mother - financial responsibility, child nurturing and teaching, and running a household alone, it is common for single mothers to run ragged doing everything possible to support their children, sometimes to the neglect of their own needs.
The truth is, everything we do is a model and a teaching to our children, and it is important that one of the lessons we impart is balance.
This is challenging to be sure, but important.
Here are 3 tips for being the best you can be as a single mom: 1.
Take good care of yourself.
Your children will take note of your lifestyle and it will bear strong influence upon their choices.
Eat healthy meals (alongside your kids), take vitamins and supplements as necessary (a naturopath can give you a supplement regimen that addresses any specific health concerns).
Fish oil and a food based multivitamin can benefit many people.
Exercise regularly according to your doctor's recommendations.
Of course, you can include your children in these activities, which benefits them not only by example but by doing.
Caring for your needs helps your children understand good lifestyle habits, helps them to understand you have needs and boundaries, and keeps you healthy and energetic, which you need to be when parenting solo.
2.
Develop and lean upon your support network.
You need adult support, on an emotional level as well as a practical one.
Let others help you when they offer.
It is beneficial for your children to have contact with other loving people in their lives, and to see different ways of handling issues and life (as long as they are safe and healthy).
This helps teach your kids to reach out and ask for help - which is a very important skill to learn.
You will also get a much needed break that will recharge you and help you be more responsive to your children's needs.
3.
Make a list of small activities you enjoy, and commit to doing one thing per day off that list for yourself.
It is important to give yourself a few minutes of relaxation each day to recharge so you can be more centered.
It is also important to have something to look forward to - and your kids can learn about giving themselves small rewards as motivation as well.
It is a constant process of learning, adjusting, and giving, and with no "vacations.
" This is even more of a reality for single mothers, who must shoulder the load without the alongside support of a partner.
With all the demands on a single mother - financial responsibility, child nurturing and teaching, and running a household alone, it is common for single mothers to run ragged doing everything possible to support their children, sometimes to the neglect of their own needs.
The truth is, everything we do is a model and a teaching to our children, and it is important that one of the lessons we impart is balance.
This is challenging to be sure, but important.
Here are 3 tips for being the best you can be as a single mom: 1.
Take good care of yourself.
Your children will take note of your lifestyle and it will bear strong influence upon their choices.
Eat healthy meals (alongside your kids), take vitamins and supplements as necessary (a naturopath can give you a supplement regimen that addresses any specific health concerns).
Fish oil and a food based multivitamin can benefit many people.
Exercise regularly according to your doctor's recommendations.
Of course, you can include your children in these activities, which benefits them not only by example but by doing.
Caring for your needs helps your children understand good lifestyle habits, helps them to understand you have needs and boundaries, and keeps you healthy and energetic, which you need to be when parenting solo.
2.
Develop and lean upon your support network.
You need adult support, on an emotional level as well as a practical one.
Let others help you when they offer.
It is beneficial for your children to have contact with other loving people in their lives, and to see different ways of handling issues and life (as long as they are safe and healthy).
This helps teach your kids to reach out and ask for help - which is a very important skill to learn.
You will also get a much needed break that will recharge you and help you be more responsive to your children's needs.
3.
Make a list of small activities you enjoy, and commit to doing one thing per day off that list for yourself.
It is important to give yourself a few minutes of relaxation each day to recharge so you can be more centered.
It is also important to have something to look forward to - and your kids can learn about giving themselves small rewards as motivation as well.
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