Parenting is a challenge.
Without a manual or formalized training, parents are expected to raise children into happy, well adjusted adults.
There are sacrifices and much effort that goes into this project, and there are inevitable bumps and mistakes on the way.
Sometimes, we have a partner with whom to discuss ideas and decisions about child rearing, but for those who are single, we make the decisions alone.
Single mothers have an especially great challenge if they are the primary caregiver and bear the responsibility for financial stability as well.
It is a challenging road, but an incredibly rewarding one.
Here are 3 steps to maintaining balance and sanity in raising children as a single mother: 1.
Take very good care of yourself physically.
Eat right, and avoid highly processed foods and sugars.
Make fresh fruit and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains the focus of your diet.
Take vitamins and supplements if needed.
A food based multivitamin and fish oil is a good start.
Adopt a doctor-approved exercise program.
Regular cardiovascular exercise not only elevates your mood, but increases physical health and improves body image.
2.
Gather your support network around you.
Engage your friends and family socially as often as possible.
Surround yourself with loved ones who affirm you, support you, and inspire you to grow.
Allow them to help you whenever they offer.
Don't be an island.
3.
Do things that nurture and care for you.
Take breaks when you can, and allow others to babysit and give you time to yourself or for adult endeavors.
Make a list of small things that you enjoy doing and pick one each day to complete.
Your children will do better with a happier, less frazzled mom who takes a little time for herself now and again.
This is also a good lesson in life balance for them.
Without a manual or formalized training, parents are expected to raise children into happy, well adjusted adults.
There are sacrifices and much effort that goes into this project, and there are inevitable bumps and mistakes on the way.
Sometimes, we have a partner with whom to discuss ideas and decisions about child rearing, but for those who are single, we make the decisions alone.
Single mothers have an especially great challenge if they are the primary caregiver and bear the responsibility for financial stability as well.
It is a challenging road, but an incredibly rewarding one.
Here are 3 steps to maintaining balance and sanity in raising children as a single mother: 1.
Take very good care of yourself physically.
Eat right, and avoid highly processed foods and sugars.
Make fresh fruit and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains the focus of your diet.
Take vitamins and supplements if needed.
A food based multivitamin and fish oil is a good start.
Adopt a doctor-approved exercise program.
Regular cardiovascular exercise not only elevates your mood, but increases physical health and improves body image.
2.
Gather your support network around you.
Engage your friends and family socially as often as possible.
Surround yourself with loved ones who affirm you, support you, and inspire you to grow.
Allow them to help you whenever they offer.
Don't be an island.
3.
Do things that nurture and care for you.
Take breaks when you can, and allow others to babysit and give you time to yourself or for adult endeavors.
Make a list of small things that you enjoy doing and pick one each day to complete.
Your children will do better with a happier, less frazzled mom who takes a little time for herself now and again.
This is also a good lesson in life balance for them.
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