1 of 15

Write now Article Tools

The first year of being a single parent is the longest year of your life. The birth was tough enough, but all of a sudden you feel as though you're on your own. You get the baby blues and your whole world seems to collapse. This isn't how it was supposed to be.

To make things worse, your little bundle of joy won't stop crying; he fills his diaper the minute you've finished putting a clean one on; he starts bawling his eyes out when you put him down for the night. You're constantly tired and you honestly think you aren't going to cope. Welcome to single motherhood.

It isn't going to be easy. But here are a few tips to try to help you ease the situation.

*Take up offers of support from your own family and friends. They have the advantage of being able to help out and then go home and switch off. All the tasks which are getting you down will seem simple to them. Psychologically, it helps to know you are not in it alone.

*Join a mothers and baby/toddler group. You will meet plenty of other mums in the same situation as yourself. It's all very well someone telling you things aren't that bad if they aren't in the same situation as you. You will give a sympathetic ear from another single mother because she can empathize with your problems.

*You need your own space. See if your parents or a trusted friend will babysit for you so you can have a night out with your mates.

*Try to get to know other single mums. See if you can start a group with coffee mornings in each others' homes. As well as enjoying adult company, you can exchange ideas on how to handle difficult situations.

*You have to be super organized. Your baby will soon slip into its routine. When he is going for a sleep, that is when you can do some housework, have a rest yourself, have a quick workout and catch up with any jobs.

*Do your weekly shop over the Internet. Stores are desperate for your business and will do home deliveries very cheaply or even free.

*Get your baby into the habit of sleeping when you put him in his cot. If he cries, don't go and pick him up and try to comfort him. He will get to realize that crying is a way of grabbing your attention. It may be hard, but you'll be grateful you ignored his crying later on.

*Look after yourself. You need pampering. Make an effort with your appearance. Tell yourself you are a marvelous woman who has brought a wonderful baby into this world. Don't stop caring for yourself. Your needs are important as well as the baby's.

Learn more about this author, Phil Hill.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Single parents: How to get through the first year?
We want to hear your view. Write now!