Single parents find work and rest balance

Single parents find work and rest balance

The juggling act is hard and it needs work – it will not just fall into place. Decide what is truly important to you and your children and prioritise.

In my home, routine, healthy eating, quality sleep and rest, family time, achievements and cleanliness  – are my priorities.

The balance is not always perfect, however, because these are my priorities I am focused.

Possibly being a single parent can require more discipline towards yourself because you do not have another person reminding you or helping you prioritise.

• Routine helps children and adults feel organised.
• Healthy eating produces positive toxins in our body and helps our mental and physical balance.
• Quality sleep re-charges our healthy bodies.
• Family time and really being present for you child is vital. Have dinner together every night and really talk. Once a week ask you child/children if they want to play a game. It can be a few games of cards, checkers, or the *chocolate game!  And when your child tells you about their day try to really listen.
• Notice your achievements and your children’s achievements. Have rewards and show your excitement.
• Cleanliness and organisation in the home also clears the mind. Do a bit each day. Get your child involved too.

* The chocolate game is a great dessert game to play (2 or more people). It requires chocolate and a dice and a couple of dress- up items (mask, scarf, bangle, glasses, hat). It is a fast game and creates lots of laughs for all ages (even teenagers!). The youngest person can roll the dice and keep passing the dice until someone rolls a six. As soon as a person rolls a six they put on the agreed dress-up items and start eating chocolate (already broken up into bits) – one piece at a time. The person stops when the next person rolls a six. If the person only gets to start to dress-up and then another rolls a six…better luck next time! Have fun!