Hey, Single Mom: 5 Ways To Alleviate Your Summertime Stress
Written by: April McKnight (Assistant Executive Director, Shepherd’s Village)
Your kids may be getting excited as they think about the blissful days of zero homework, lots of pool time, a few beach days, and very lazy living.
Bring on summertime!
Oh, hey, Single Mom. We see you there. You’re already tired, and your mind is playing a background track that sounds a lot like notes of nervousness and stress. You don’t see the approaching summer as a magical playland. Instead, it feels like a logistical landmine and a potential financial disaster.
You’re not alone. In 2016, the TODAY Show parent poll revealed 44% of parents think that summer is more stressful than the rest of the year. Add in the component of single parenting, and that number is likely much higher. Summertime can cause more pressure for single moms because of the added stress of finding affordable and reliable childcare.
We’re giving you five practical ways to navigate around the significant stressors that come with summer planning.
#1: Rally the Kids
Get your children involved in the summer planning. Initiate conversations with them about what is most important to them this summer.
#2: Create A Schedule
Take the time to create a schedule. Grab a calendar and fill it in week-by-week with activities so you are clear on what you and your children are doing. Allow room for flexibility just in case plans change.
Join our Single Mom’s Facebook group and ask other single moms for ideas.
#3: Work Within Your Budget
Budget can sound like a dirty word, but there is freedom when you know where your money is going. Prioritize food, housing, and transportation.
#4: Avoid Adding Debt
If you need to go to work and you have kids who need childcare, you probably will need to pay for that care unless you have a large support system. To help soften this, you could save a little each month throughout the school year for your summer expenses.
Don’t panic. Evaluate your options and decide on the best course of action.
#5: Squeeze In Time for YOU
It can be easy to forget that you matter too. Taking time to rest brings peace and shows that you trust God to help you accomplish your tasks. Even God rested after He created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 2:2)
You’ve Got This, Mama.
Your kids deserve to have fun during the summer, but their excitement shouldn’t come at the expense of your mental health or your bank account.
For more information about Shepherd’s Village, Single Parent Family Outreach, visit https://shepherdsvillage.com/.