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How to Balance Single Parenting and Self-Care: Practical Tips for Thriving

Single parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles you can take on. You’re constantly juggling responsibilities—from school runs to bedtime routines—and it’s easy to put yourself last on the list. However, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When you take care of yourself, you have more energy, patience, and joy to give to your children.

I wanted to share practical tips for balancing single parenting with self-care, along with some personal insights from my own journey because I’m always asked how I manage to stay so happy and positive.

Why Self-Care Matters for Single Parents

Taking time for yourself is crucial for maintaining your mental, emotional, and physical health. It’s not about being indulgent—it’s about making sure you’re at your best for your children. Remember: a happy, healthy parent makes for a happy, healthy family.

1. Redefine Self-Care

Before I became a parent, I thought self-care meant spa days After having my son, I quickly learned self-care could be as simple as enjoying a hot bath without interruptions!

Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant. It’s about finding small moments of joy and relaxation throughout your day.

Quick self-care ideas:

• Listen to a podcast while cooking dinner.

• Read a few pages of a book before bed.

• Take a 10-minute walk during your child’s football practice.

These small but meaningful actions can recharge you and improve your well-being. I often get bath bombs, soaps and toiletries as gifts and instead of saving them, I open them up to use and make the most of the opportunities to pamper myself at home.

2. Create a Realistic Schedule

Time management is essential when you’re balancing parenting and self-care. A realistic schedule helps ensure you don’t overlook your own needs. Use tools like a family planner or apps like Google Calendar to keep track of all the school events, birthday parties, clubs and term dates.

What works for me:

I carve out small pockets of “me time” during the day. For example, I signed up for my local leisure centre’s gym so while my son is at his sports clubs I can do a class or workout of my own.

Planning ahead ensures that self-care doesn’t get pushed aside by the daily to-do list.

3. Set Boundaries and Say No

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay to say no. Setting boundaries helps protect your energy and teaches your children about respecting personal time.

How I set boundaries:

I’ve established an evening “quiet time” routine with my son for weeknights. We both have long days so he plays with Lego, draws or does puzzles while I relax with a book of my latest food magazine. This routine gives both of us the chance to unwind. It’s not often I have to say “no” because the routine we had been in place for so long.

I need a little bit of time first thing in the morning at the weekends, I love not setting an alarm on a Sunday but Arlo is a very early riser and is on the go from the moment his eyes open. He knows which toys he can play with in the mornings and this does not include his musical instruments.

I also quickly learnt to set up breakfast snacks for Arlo after he went to help himself cereal at 4am one morning without waking me up (and made the kitchen a disaster zone) – but there’s no point crying over spilled milk. We created a list together of breakfast foods he can prepare for himself independently and had a good discussion about safety in the kitchen.

Arlo knows he must not turn on the oven or use sharp knives on his own, and I also have to remember to pour a little bit of milk in to a small jug from the large bottles.

Children thrive on structure, and we have had our little routines in place for a long time, I find if you communicate your needs clearly, with explanations then they’ll adapt and learn.

4. Build a Support Network

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and that’s true for single parents too. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a strength.

Ways to build support:

• Swap childcare with a friend.

• Lean on family members for school pick-ups or babysitting.

• Join single-parent support groups online or in your local community.

It’s really hard to let go when you spend so much time with your child, but I’ve been allowing Arlo to build up his independence, mainly through necessity when I have had work commitments. As a teacher I have had to work on parents evenings and open days.

He enjoys being picked up from school by grandparents when I have to work late and he also loves the various different summer holiday clubs and activities I sign him up for. Six weeks in the summer is such a long time we have lots of fun together exploring new places but it’s also great to be able to organise some independent activities. His highlight last summer was going on a water sports day and telling me all about his paddle boarding and cliff jumping exploits.

5. Practise Mindfulness

Parenting can feel overwhelming, but mindfulness helps me stay grounded. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present.

Quick mindfulness practices:

• Deep breathing exercises for two minutes.

• Noticing the small joys, like your child’s smile or a moment of calm.

• Writing down three things you’re grateful for each evening.

Mindfulness doesn’t erase stress, but it helps you handle it with a clearer head. I often pause in my car, rushing from work through traffic to pick up Arlo from school is often stressful so I like to just have a couple of minutes to decompress so that I can greet him with a huge smile and am ready to chat about his day.

I do the same in the morning, after dropping Arlo off I like to sit in my car before I head in to work and transition from mum mode to work mode.

Every day Arlo and I talk about our best bits – that could be the funniest thing we heard that day, the most interesting animal we saw at a zoo or the scariest ride we conquered at a theme park, or it could be about how many new times tables and spellings he’s learnt. He also likes to ask me about my best bits too. Thinking about the little things and ending each day on a positive note is some of the best advice I’ve ever taken.

6. Look After Your Physical Health

When you’re busy, it’s easy to neglect your physical health, but even small changes can have a big impact.

What works for me:

• Meal prepping to ensure healthy meals are ready during the week. My favourite recipes include chicken so I always prep some marinades at the weekend so I have go to meals for busy weekdays. I also always have a quick and easy air fryer meal option available. My quick freezer meal to go to is fish fingers, chips and peas.

• Short, fun workouts like dancing with my son in the living room is one way to keep moving. We also love visiting our local parks and I will run around after him on a bike or scooter. I’ve even hired a bike to join in the fun with him and get some exercise minutes in.

• Staying hydrated—I keep a water bottle with me at all times. I refill it constantly in work and on days out (which is also a great money saver). In summer you can partially freeze a water bottle to stay refreshed.

Taking care of your body helps boost your energy and sets a great example for your children.

7. Embrace Imperfection

No parent is perfect, and trying to do it all will only leave you feeling burnt out.

For example, I used to stress about having a spotless house, but I’ve realised it’s okay if things aren’t perfect all the time. Now, I focus on what truly matters—spending quality time with my son. No one is ever going to give you a parenting medal for getting to the bottom of a laundry basket – so do what I do….. and leave it for another day, especially when the sun is shining.

Also I’ve always thought life is far too short to waste time ironing. A steamer was the best thing I ever bought in to my home.

8. Celebrate Small Wins

Parenting is tough, and each day is an achievement. Recognising your efforts, no matter how small, can help keep you motivated.

What I do:

I take pictures and videos constantly, not just of big events but little moments. Funny selfies, new jokes, and all sorts.

Looking back on these moments reminds me of how far I’ve come. Social media and my photos app like to give me daily memories and I love going through them and seeing my exactly what we were up to “on this day.”

Balancing single parenting and self-care isn’t always easy, but it’s absolutely possible. By redefining self-care, setting boundaries, and finding joy in the little things, you can thrive as both a parent and an individual.

Remember: self-care isn’t selfish—it’s an investment in your happiness and your family’s well-being.

You’re doing an amazing job, and don’t forget to take a moment to acknowledge that.

What do you think? Leave your comments below:

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