Raising children as single mother certainly has its challenges. On any given day, you may wake to a hear a screaming baby or one that is filled with nothing but cheer. The truth is, you never really know what the day holds, especially when your children are small. Here are a few things to consider, and some strategies to help you make the most of being Mom!

Being a Single Mom Is Serious Business

Have you ever played out the day with dirty hair, legs that need a good shave, clothes soaked in tears, juice or even vomit? While motherhood is a true blessing, it can also be quite difficult. You may be there to witness their finest, funniest, and cutest moments during growth, but you will also be there to witness any hurts, heartache or illness they endure. It isn’t always fun and games, after all, we are talking about raising another human to grow into a healthy and productive adult. Sometimes it can be beyond what you ever imagined.

Your Job Is Never Done

My children are grown and attending college, but that doesn’t mean my job is done. I feel like every phase or age group your child enters into brings a new problem or struggle to overcome.

As They Get Bigger, So Do the Challenges

As an infant, you worry about them sleeping through the night, incorporating a schedule that works for both of you, feeding them enough, choking hazards, and many other things that may often be within your control. As they grow, however, the worry often changes because of things that are now out of your control.

You may still be concerned about the things listed above, but you probably added the worry of your child getting sick once they have been introduced to the outside world through daycare or school. How about trusting the childcare providers you have selected as much as yourself? I’m sure that is a whole other issue.

The Perils of Helicopter Parenting

As a parent, there are many times that you will need to loosen the reins and swallow your fears. Single mothers may have a harder time with this, especially if it has always been just you and your child. Letting go becomes more of a necessity, than a choice. Remember, without space, there is no room for growth.

Just think, your child will one day be a teenager with a driver’s license, a boyfriend or girlfriend, or even plans to move away for college. These may not be things you want to think about, and maybe you have some time to prepare, but it will eventually come. That is why it is so important to stop helicoptering and let your child fly on their own. You should do the same.

Single Mom Survival Tips

Surviving motherhood can be mean something different to each person. My secret to surviving the crazy ups and downs of the day was to prepare accordingly. Again, you, like many, may consider some things more important than others. Here are just a few tricks I learned on the job:

I always tried to wake up before the kids, so that I could shower and dress for the day. It was a way to make sure that I didn’t let myself go. Believe me, it can happen. I’m sure we have all looked like a train wreck from time to time.

I also tried to plan events that would keep the kids occupied as well as tire them out. The playground was always a great spot. It provided an atmosphere that drained all of their energy before heading home. There is nothing worse than a wound up child with nowhere to let loose.

I avoided serving any foods that were high in sugar. In my opinion, kids have more energy than they know what to do with, without providing even more fuel.

And last but not least, I tried to seize every moment I could for myself. Whether that meant to take a nap right along with them or to set up a sitter so that I had the time I needed to interact with adults.

It is nice to spend as much time as you can making memories with your children – they are only young for such a short time – but you should also remember that goes for you too. In the blink of an eye, your kids will be grown, and so will you. Be young while you can!