Recently I asked single moms and a few experts how new single moms can handle everyday stress. They shared this advice…
Real Single Moms Speak
I get my mom to watch them after they are asleep and go out for a few hours.–michigamom5150
I get stressed and I let it ride out.–delilahsmom1177
Basically spend his nap time, and bedtime doing things for me. –Delila12
I find something calming for all of us to do together. –happylife123
I take it day by day ..moment by moment.. breath by breath.. –KRIZZ25
I would take my kids to the park and or the pool for some destressing time…–brieri
What’s working momentarily (she is three, after all) is playing music with her.–thesj180herself
Being apart during the day helps us… he is in school or camp and I am at work. –virginiamama71
What helped with my stress is when my son had baseball practice.i got to see other parents and just talk…-baseballmom5416
I learned meditation years ago to handle every day stress and to unwind at night. –Robsessed98
The Experts Speak
Life Transitions Coach and Single Mom
I am a Life Transitions Coach and a single mom of two children aged 11 and 14. While their dependency on me has changed over the years, I have found that the tried and true tip that works at all ages is to prepare the night before to simplify the morning routine. Pack lunches, lay out clothes, pack school bags (sign permission slips, write notes to teachers), and plan the meal for the next evening.
Syd Hoffman
Get the whole family exercising together. Everyone’s stress will be reduced! Try whatever makes your family the happiest. At our house, we have a jar with slips of paper (hiking, biking, rollerblading, etc.) to use for a random choice. Jump roping, running, dancing to the radio … so many free activities!!!!
Author of All-Day Energy: 100 Ways to Boost Your Energy…Now!
480-814-1780
www.SydHoffman.com
It’s NOT selfish to put your own needs before your children’s when there is a healthy balance on both sides. Children need to learn that all of their needs are not going to be met all of the time, and that the needs of others also need to be considered and respected.
Heather Hans
Laugh! Remember that comedy is the flip side of tragedy. The two are closer to the same thing than you may think. Not only does every cloud have a silver lining, but it has a hilarious side, as well. Nothing challenges our faith as much as seeming tragedy. Humor helps us see our life from a new perspective (often times a more objective one), and it also allows us to come up with creative solutions to our problems. It raises our consciousness and energy level and can serve to enhance our spiritual connection amidst times of turmoil and life questions.
Heather Hans
As a psychotherapist, family counselor and single parent, one thing I did was to leverage my time and energy by forming a neighborhood cooperative where we took each other children for a few hours to give us a cost-free break. AND, it was often easier with a friend or two as they entertained each other and freed up more time to think and breath while remaining available.
Edie Raether, MS, CSP – The Bully Buster
Change Strategist: Speaker Author Coach
www.raether.com
Teresa Van-Zelle
Mom must put herself 1st. It’s not selfish, it is responsible. She can’t continue to give and give and give is she has no way of re-filling herself – perhaps having a friend or relative watch the kids for 2 hours two or three times a week to take a walk, go to the gym and roam around the book
store. Something she does just for herself. She will feel better about herself, release those endorphins and the result will be more patience with the kids and work. She will just be a better mom, friend, etc.
Teresa Van-Zeller, ACCHt
www.hypnosis2000.com
Dr. Peter Zafirides
Single moms deal with so much pressure. It is hard enough to take care of all the obligations of taking care of the kids and running a household on their own. They feel like they have to do everything AND do everything perfectly. Realize you are human and set proper limits – with kids, extended family and work.
Samantha A. Gregory is an author, consultant, and speaker. She’s a single-mom lifestyle, money, and parenting expert featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, ABC News, and Mint.com.
Samantha founded the award-winning RichSingleMomma.com™, the first online magazine featuring personal finance, parenting, and personal development content and courses for single moms.
She aims to inspire women who are ready to thrive and not just survive in their single motherhood journey. Connect with her on Instagram @richsinglemomma.
