Single Mum survival ideas and tips

This page was provided by a Single Mum, and offers her own collection of guidlelines for sanity and survival
in the challenging role of a single mother.

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Single mom survival ideas often come from others in the same situation. No matter your country of origin (mom or mum), some common tips can help.
I also visited a family counseller in addition to listening to single mum survival ideas from other single Moms who I saw as successful. Here is what is working for me.

• Whatever you need to do, prioritize your down time, ie, exercise, relaxation and private time
• Looking after your own needs as well as the children's needs always ends up benefiting them as well. Most exercise and even relaxation can be done with your kids, but make sure to organise 'private down time' as well.

• Meditate (or at least sit quietly and positively contemplate all the things you have to be happy about) at least once a week

• Studies show that affirmations of some kind (at least once daily) keep many people on track and stave off the negative thoughts and behaviour that can affect any of us in tough times.

• Choose your friends wisely, surround yourself with those who are positive and want the best for you, listen to their single mum survival ideas and utilize the ones that are good for you.

• Constantly seek special offers and never knock back a freebie unless there is an unacceptable string attached

• Get out as often as you can to meet new people and open up your world, broaden your horizons and your opportunities.

• Spend as much quality time with your children as possible as the years fly by before you know it.

• Work hard on being independent but dont pass up genuine support which comes without strings.

• Stay positive and be grateful for all the plus things that life has brought you.

• Give your kids good boundaries, let your kids know clearly exactly what you expect of them. Talk with them respectfully about these expectations. Make sure the consequences are known and don't back down on them.(eg. withdrawal of priveleges, outings). If your kids get a whiff that you are easily coerced your respect has gone out the window.

• Help the kids understand that the household rules are for their benefit.

• Don't change the household rules without first openly communicating with your kids.

• When your kids are old enough, sit around the table on one regular night of the week and talk about how you all think the household rules are working and listen to suggestions from everyone. Kids will feel valued as you are listening to their opinion, even if you don't agree with them. If you listen to them they will feel respected and appreciated. They will also learn that you can disagree, make compromises and still get along. Always role model the kind of behaviour and values that you'd like to encourage in your children.