by Ted Sherman

Created on: August 02, 2010

The life of a single parent is a difficult one. Even with two adults present in the family, raising children leaves little time for a life outside the home. Everyone needs to be able to find some me time, even to catch a few moments to rest, recuperate and get away from the never-ending pressures.

If the single parent is a mom who must also work full- or part-time away from home, and already difficult home life can become overwhelming. For the sake of sanity and survival, how to find me time should be the goal of all single parents.

How can that busy single mom or dad find some helpful me time? With intelligent efforts, it can be ... and should be ... done for the sake of that super-busy person and the kids. Considering that the kids are already in a one-parent household, maybe some suggestions could help.

1. Unless it’s a widow or widower situation, get some useful help from the absent parent! If the ex is available, make sure there’s cooperation and sharing of some of the responsibilities with the kids.

Further, that estranged parent should take the kids away periodically, whether for just hours or days at a time. If necessary, and as unpleasant as it may be, you may need to consult with an attorney to begin legal action to make sure it happens.

2. To get yourself some me time away from the kids, find cooperative family members and/or reliable babysitter help. If you can get away only for a few hours at a time, join a club or gym class to help keep fit.   

3. The single parent should fit in a schedule of nights out to the theater and other cultural happenings. Go alone or with friends for dinner together and then on to the evening’s entertainment.

4. If your interpretation of me time also involves improving your mind, sign up at the local high school or college for interesting courses. If you never had the chance to complete your bachelor’s degree because of marriage and kids, consider getting back on track again. Many colleges offer credits for required course that are combined with online studies.

5. Get some real me time by taking a singles-only cruise, where you can get away for a long weekend or maybe even a full week. Ask relatives or hire quality childcare to take care of the kids while you’re gone. If you prefer to have friends join you on the cruise, find another single parent or two to also try their luck with you on the singles-only cruise.

6. Some very busy single parents would not consider volunteering as me time. They believe those precisou hours or days are meant for rest and relaxation from the work load at home. However, helping people in need for just one day a week may give you a meaningful diversion from your own responsibilities. Additionally, it may help you appreciate your own family situation.
 
Finding me time for the busy single parent can often seem to be an impossible dream. However, with cooperation within your family and determination, you can do it.

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