Single Parents: How To Fit In A “Me” Time – Part 2

 

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This is the second part of a 2-part blog series titled – Single Parents: How To Fit In A “Me” Time. Some parents think that it’s impossible because taking care of the kids and working eight to ten hours a day will take a toll on your health. This is true, but you have to combat this way of thinking. If you are stressed and pressured, you will really be fatigued. Fight it, and you have to win against these mental health issues.

Take my advice, as I have been a single parent of five kids for the last seven years. You must have a ME time, every single day. This will keep you sane and grounded. You are indeed a mom (or a dad), but that is not YOU as a whole. You are Anne, Marie, Steve, John, or Paul. To give the best love and support, on your own, to your kids, you have to be whole. This is what you have to do so you can be complete.

Single mom or dad, take multivitamins or supplements. This is an order. You will need all the strength you can get if you want to stay on top of things.

Mama or Papa, you also have to eat right and exercise when you have the chance. If you read Part 1 of this blog, part of my ME time is working out. It’s not only for me. This is also for my children because if I am fit and healthy, I will be able to take care of them. This is a must.

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Mommy or daddy, you have to budget your time wisely. Overtime at work is okay as long as you have allotted what needs to be arranged at home. It is also necessary to give the kids responsibilities so that work at home will not fall solely on you.

These things that I have mentioned above are essential, and I swear by this since that’s what I have been doing for seven years. Anyway, to be specific, this is how I do it.

I need to get to bed by 8:00 PM because my alarm sets off at 4:00 AM every day. All of them knows of my ME time each night, and with that, they never disturb me except when it is a valid reason. The kids understand what this is all about. That’s the rule at home.

After dinner with the boys, when I’m done with all the work (and the big girls do the kitchen on rotation schedule), I have my ME time. What do I do?

I watch Netflix. Sometimes, I read a book. Right now, I am focused on Og Mandino’s “The Choice.” I also go out on dates with respectable men, but strictly head home by 10:00 PM, or eleven at most. (Never an overnight date – yet.) Or I do my work out session, visit my mom or sisters, have fun with my friends, and more. I let the kids understand that while they are my children, I have my own life too. That’s how I have my ME time.

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Maybe I am just lucky with my kids because they are loving, kind, considerate, and respectful kids. I think I did a banging job on raising them on my own. They are rational when they have to be, and when family rules are concerned, they don’t let out their stubborn sides that much.

I hope you learned something from my experience. The key here is communication with your children and self-discipline. If you want ME time, make it happen.