Last Updated on January 22, 2024 by Lori Pace
It is difficult to be a working mother. Single moms are the breadwinner, child-rearer and chef-on-demand. It is a huge task to manage it all. So, how can single working moms balance their lives? You have to know that the United States has the highest percentage of single-parent households. In which, 78% of single mothers are employed in some capacity, with 2/3 of them working outside of the home.
How Single Working Moms Balance Their Lives?
Single Working Moms Need To Know When To Accept Help
Multi-tasking mavens often believe they can do everything. We can’t. It is impossible to be everything for everyone every day. Be honest when someone asks you what you can do.
- Which would be most helpful?
- What would help the most?
- What about a meal?
- Assistance with yard work?
These kind gestures of assistance have made a huge difference in my life and allowed me to rebalance my priorities in work and personal life.
It Takes A Village To Do What Single Working Moms Are Doing
Sometimes you will need to travel to work, attend a business meeting after hours or pick up your children from school. If you have a list of people you can call for help, these situations will be less stressful. If you have a short-term request, it is a good idea for several contacts, or a support group to help through tough time.
Build A Community
Single parenting can be very isolating, regardless of whether you share custody or have full-time custody. It’s easy to feel isolated, despite the fact that statistics show it.
It’s time for you to create another circle if you feel the same. Check with your employer to see if they have an Employee Resource Group for single parents. Or, try a new hobby to make new friends.
Find A Supportive Employer
Mothers are great employees. Great employers understand the importance and needs of working mothers. Single moms may need flexibility to be able to pick up their children from school early or take care of all the doctor’s appointments.
Flexibility comes with responsibility. Your schedule should be as consistent as possible to ensure that your team understands when they can reach your office and when they might have to wait. Be firm about your availability. It can be tempting to check in after hours, or reply to emails on weekends to let others know that you are working hard. This is a dangerous precedent.
Single Working Moms Need To Prioritize Mental Health
Last but not least, single moms should often put their own needs first. As we try to be everything to everyone, this can lead to burnout. Recognize when it’s time to take a break, and then honor that need. You can set aside 30 minutes to have a cup of coffee and make a call with a friend once a week.
You may also seek therapy, which would help you understand yourself more and keep yourself at ease. It’s important to keep your mental health at peace.
