Are you snapping at your kids more than usual? Feeling emotionally and mentally exhausted? Not able to see a light at the end of the tunnel? You may have parental burnout. It’s actually pretty common, and as a single parent, the likelihood that you could develop burnout is much higher than having a partner to help alleviate some of the stress.
We’ve all been there. Exhaustion, anxiety, being overwhelmed. Clothes all over the house, the kitchen is a mess, and kids screaming. Some days are hard…. some seasons are hard. It is so important that we, as parents, prioritize actions that help prevent burnout. I’ve experienced it, and I’m sure you have as well. Today I’ll share 5 tips to fight single parent burnout and ways to cope if you have it. I’ve also included this post on my IG, so if you don’t follow, head on over to @lindsey_r_j for more great parenting hacks and tips.
Wake up Early
I know, this sounds like the worst idea ever, especially if you’re already exhausted. But giving yourself time in the morning to be alone and not rushed, will do wonders for mental and physical health. Give yourself 45 minutes before you actually need to start getting ready. Do not pick up your phone or turn on the TV. Try doing one of the following things.
1-Read or spend time with God
2-Meditate or sit outside (Yes! You can drink your coffee on your deck)
3-Exercise!! Tourn on that video or do some yoga ion the living room. Move your body.
I promise after a few weeks of trying this, you will be used to getting up earlier and really start looking forward to your mornings alone.
Stay up Late
Please don’t hate me, just yet! I know I’ve told you to sacrifice much needed sleep in the morning, and now I’m asking you to give it up at night….I must be crazy! Seriously, these two times are probably the only alone times you will get in your day, so you need them. Stay up 45 minutes after your kids have gone to bed, but again….no phone and no TV. (OK, once a week to veg out with trash TV and cookies is fine, but no more than that!) Use your time to do one of the things I suggested for the morning or add in a standing phone date with a loved one. It is so good for your soul (and theirs) to know that every Monday night at 8:15 the two of you can chat. Try it for a few weeks and I promise you will start to notice a change in your attitude.
Hire a babysitter
I know it can be expensive and challenging to hire a good quality babysitter, but I want you to look at your calendar and schedule out a minimum of 2-3 hours once a month. Hire a sitter for that time, and don’t cancel on yourself. What you do, doesn’t really matter. Go to lunch with a friend, have a spa day, or simply take yourself to a picnic by the lake. The point is to be without your kids and just enjoy adult quiet time. You deserve it!
Find Your Tribe
You guys, you cannot raise your children alone. You weren’t meant to do this alone. Find some really good people who love you and your kids and make sure you are a good friend to them as well. You never know when you’re going to get injured or sick, need a meal, or someone to watch your kids while you run an important errand. The saying, “It takes a village” could never be truer than it is today. So, find these people and hold on to them hard.
Give yourself some Grace
Most importantly, give yourself some grace. You are trying to be everything to everyone, and it can be extremely overwhelming. Parent, cook, cleaner, homework-doer, chauffer, organizer, party-planner, dog-walker, the list goes on forever. Remember that God created you specifically for your children. No one lives in a Pinterest perfect house, and no one serves up Thanksgiving style dinners every night. You are doing your best, and your children love you deeply. So take a breath, and remember you are exactly what they need. The days are long, but the years are short.
I hope you enjoyed my tips for fighting single parent burnout and I hope you can start implementing some of them this week. If you are having overwhelming thoughts of depression or anxiety, please reach out to a trusted friend or MD immediately. We are not perfect, and sometimes we need help. Remember this is a season that you’re in, and it will pass. I love you, and God loves you too. Be sure to head on over to IG to follow me for more parenting tips/hacks: