The shift from married to divorced is challenging in many ways, but it often hits your parenting routine the hardest. Even if your co-parent wasn’t much help when you were married, at least you had another adult to lean on when the days were long or sleep was hard to come by. Finding a new normal as a working single parent is not easy, but with these tips, you can find a routine that helps you and your child thrive.
Looking for compassionate, experienced legal representation as you navigate divorce? Let us help. Call Holcomb & Russell at 228-206-5843 to get started.
Find Your Village
They say it takes a village to raise a child, but few families these days actually have a village. That’s not how it’s supposed to be—with a strong network of friends and family members beside you, you can get a break when things are tough, share your child’s accomplishments with loved ones, and ensure that they are surrounded by adults who love them and want the best for them.
During the divorce process, you’ve likely already discovered who’s really there for you and willing to stay when the going gets tough. Lean into those people, and don’t be afraid to expand your circle. You may want to join a single parents social group or support group, where you can vent, share ideas, and build bonds.
Establish a Strong Coparenting Relationship
This tip isn’t relevant for everyone—if your co-parent is uninterested in using their parenting time or is unreliable, expecting them to pull their weight will only increase your mental load. However, if your co-parent is equally committed to your child’s stability and well-being, then that can be another source of support.
While you may not be able to provide each other emotional support anymore, you can at least lean on an established co-parenting schedule that gives you regular breaks. It’s even better for you if you and your co-parent can get to a place where you are willing to switch days occasionally to help the other out.
Use Flex Work Options
Working is tough for single parents—when your child is sick on your parenting time, you may not have anyone else who can go pick them up and care for them at home. If your employer has flex work options, take advantage of those when you need to. If you’re allowed to work from home part of the time, use those days when your child is sick and needs you at home.
You can also use flex time to attend your child’s doctor appointments, school concerts, and other activities. If your place of employment doesn’t have any established flex work options but you have worked there long enough to build a strong reputation, consider connecting with a manager and asking about your options.
Carve Out Time for Yourself
Working and raising a child on your own is draining. You simply can’t do it effectively if your needs aren’t being met. Whether you make time for yourself when your child is sleeping, at a friend’s house, or with their other parent, find what makes you feel fulfilled and set aside time to do it. For some, it’s spa days and naps. For others, it’s learning a new language or picking up a new hobby. Others live for their time at the gym. Find what fuels you and hang onto it.
Create New Traditions with Your Child
You and your child may be struggling with the loss of your family traditions. Instead of trying to duplicate those, which can often feel sad after a divorce, find new traditions that your child can grow up with. Maybe you’ll get donuts before school each Wednesday or listen to an audiobook together every night before bed. Maybe weekends are for movie nights and pizza, or perhaps they’re free to invite a friend over every Saturday. This will strengthen your relationship with your child and help you find your new normal.
Get the Legal Help You Need with Holcomb & Russell
If you’re still navigating your divorce and the questions that come with it, we’re here to help you. Let’s sit down and talk about what comes next. Call Holcomb & Russell at 228-206-5843 or send us a message online to take the first step.
