by Patricia Bunch

Created on: January 26, 2009

Being a single parent is a position becoming more common in the society of today. There are single parents who have chosen to have children who have never been married and are doing great jobs with the blessed children they chose to adopt. It doesn't matter why one is a single parent, it does matter that the one parent a child has takes very good care of themselves, given the fact they are the main source of stability in their child's life and their child/children are depending on them for their support and care.

Loving parents have a tendency to have a one-track mind and it always runs on the child's well being, not their own. If a parent is worn out, over worked, sleep deprived, under weight or over weight, and not taking the best care of themselves possible, they are not at their best to give of themselves to the needs of the children. How does a single parent juggle all of life together to include caring for themselves and do everything else?

Take inventory of your own needs.

Before one can go about fixing problems and making improvements, one must define the problem. Take a good look at yourself in a mirror. What do you see? Are you satisfied with the reflection looking back at you? Are there physical improvement you need to make to help you feel better about how you look? It is a proven fact, when you look your best, you will feel better. Self-esteem is elevated and you smile more. The brain releases endorphins to put you into a better mood when you smile; that's why it is so important to laugh and be joyful. One of the wisest author's ever to pen a book says that laughter is a good medicine.

Set aside alone time.

All to often single parents forget it is necessary to have time alone to recharge their batteries. Sometimes single parents will even give in to their small children and allow them to take a bath with the single parent. A single parent needs this time alone. Pick a time when the children are safe in their own beds and pamper yourself with a long bath or a hot shower, whichever does you the most good. Sit down to a nice cup of tea or a glass of wine and unwind before going to bed yourself. Sleep will be more beneficial to you if you fall asleep in a peaceful state of mind.

Physical appearance is important.

Single parents are often times short on funds and funnel all the money into paying household bills, and taking care of the needs of the children. Haircuts, perms, and colorings are done at home to conserve money. There are ways to get this done on

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