How to Balance Work and Parenting As a Single Parent

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Write down a list of all of your commitments and responsibilities and analyze it.

   The big commitments are easy to identify: working, volunteering, appointments, and activities.
   
   Don't forget to put the day to day stuff like laundry, dishes, and shopping on your list as well.
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   Step 2: Analyze your list of commitments.

   Is there anything on that list that you can resign from, delegate to someone else, or hire help with? Are there things you can rearrange or group together to save time doing or getting to? Make the necessary changes to your schedule. , Any calendar with space to write down what needs to get done will work.
   
   Weekly calendars work best. , Color coding helps to identify the different types of commitments you have. , Target obtaining services for the time that you need someone on a regular basis to watch your child, usually during your work hours.
   
   If money is tight and you have to pay for someone to watch your child, target using a regular service only for your work hours and then promptly pick up your child after work.
   
   Hire an occasional sitter for special occasions. ,, It does not have to be expensive, but try to vary the activities instead of doing the same thing every week.
   
   It will give you both something to look forward to and will relieve stress. , If you don't have childcare planned well in advance it will be much more difficult to find someone to watch the baby. ,, If the child, especially younger children and babies become to used to another person, instead of their parent, they could become more attached to the other caretaker. , Your children's smile is well worth what you are going through right now.
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   Step 3: Use a calendar with space.

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   Step 4: On your calendar

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   Step 5: start with writing your work schedule on it and then filling in the commitments that you have decided to keep.

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   Step 6: Hire or set up someone to be the primary caregiver (daycare

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   Step 7: grandmother

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   Step 8: friend or relative) when you are away and set the pay rate in advance.

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   Step 9: Try to line up about 3-5 people that you can call to watch the little one in different situations that may come up ... and they will.

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    Step 10: Do something fun with your child every week.

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    Step 11: Try to plan a month or two ahead

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    Step 12: if possible.

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    Step 13: Ask your boss for a schedule change

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    Step 14: if that would help.

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    Step 15: Spend undivided time with your child every day.

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    Step 16: Try to keep work related emotions at work.

Detailed Guide

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