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Tags: relationships, post divorce, single parent
 Being a single parent is all about multi-tasking. Standing as a mother and father can drain you mentally and emotionally. Whether you’re a single mom or a single dad, it doesn’t matter. Whether the reason is death, divorce or untimely pregnancy, you are now faced with the responsibility of raising a kid on your own.
Unlike having a partner in raising a kid- you can have a division of labor in financial, physical, mental, and emotional aspects. That’s the reason why as a single parent you need to work double time to cope up with your obligations and responsibilities. Though the task of taking care of your children can be very rewarding, feeling exhausted and worn out is also going to be a major issue.
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As a single parent, you need to give time to re-energize and to reflect on your situation. If you get consumed by too many obligations everyday you can get burned out. Burn out is a condition of emotional and physical tiredness due to long term stress. You know you are suffering from psychological burn out when you lose interest and enthusiasm.
You feel powerless and hopelessness. You also feel bitterness and cynicism towards other people. You feel very tired all the time and have no energy to do anything. If you are burned out you are risking losing your job and your relationship with your children. Your emotions are dulled when you are suffering from emotional burn out.
When you are a single parent you are prone to this condition because the demands and duties of being a single parent can be overwhelming. Since being burned out dulls your emotion, it’s important to prevent it while you can. Here are some ways to prevent burn out and be the coolest single parent ever.
Count your blessings- cliché as it sounds, this really works. Some might even advice you to make a list, but I think internalizing your blessings in your own quite moment is just as good. It can help you get through emotional blockage. Getting though the day is one big thing to be thankful for.
Your health and your children’s health are also things to be grateful for. The roof over your head is also a blessing you should never take for granted. Appreciate the little things your life as a single parent, has to offer. The way your kid kisses you, when you’re asleep; the way your kid says “I love you”.
This is the stuff that matters. Savor moments like these because they make everything worthwhile. To steer clear of stress you have to give time for yourself. You need this, you deserve this. Having your own moment gives you time to re-charge and re- energize. Having your own time gives you a moment to reflect and not forget the person you are.
Hanging out with friends and enjoying yourself can alleviate stress. The great thing about being a single parent is not having a curfew. There are so many things you can do in your own time. And you can even chose to improve yourself when distressing if you like. You can go to a single parent support group or sign- up to a gym.
These are the times when you can practice your stress management techniques. And most importantly, never lose your sense of humor. Life of a single parent can be tough but if you can find humor in it, the load becomes a little less heavy to carry.
About the author
The author of this article, Ruth Purple, is a successful Relationship Coach who has been helping and coaching individuals and couples for many years. Get your copy of Ruth's ebook Breaking Free From Break Up. Learn how you can get your life back after a break up in 21 days - guaranteed!
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