Work-school balance: practical tips for single parents
According to a study by ISTAT in Italy, single mothers and fathers are more than 34,000 and the number is constantly increasing. Facing alone a task like that of being a parent which is usually shared with the partner, for many represents a source of stress that irremediably affects all aspects of life: work, social relationships, family, etc ...
Before delving into the matter together, here is a video to reflect on the feelings of guilt that often hold you hostage.
Single parenthood: let's see it from another point of view
Being single parents is not always a condemnation: there are those who found themselves in this situation not by their will, because unfortunately they have lost their spouse; others, on the other hand, have chosen independently to adopt a child or start a pregnancy with artificial fertilization , already knowing that he has to face the whole parental process in solitude.
Single parenthood, if seen in a different light, is not so bad: just think of how simple it can be to make decisions on your own rather than having to deal with your partner every time, giving rise to conflicts and quarrels that do not benefit anyone.
In all this, we cannot deny that it is very tiring, which is why the concept of work-life balance we were talking about at the beginning of the article comes back into play: making sure you find and maintain a balance that allows you to manage your personal and working life in parallel with all the needs of their children.
Tips for living peacefully as single parents
Balancing work and children's school can seem, at first glance, a titanic undertaking, especially if you do not have a partner you can rely on. For this reason we have collected a series of useful tips to put into practice immediately to avoid unnecessary stress.
Each business has its own space
If you work from home and at the same time find yourself managing the afternoon tasks of the children, make sure that there are well-defined spaces in the house for each of the activities. In general, that of separating spaces according to their function makes it easier for everyone to change their mindset according to the place of the house in which they are located.
Break all together
Both from work and homework the time has come to disconnect: then set a time when it will be a break for everyone! It takes just 15 minutes of leisure while you eat your favorite snack, to regain balance and harmony. It will be good for both the children and the parent and will also be a good time to ask for help from others if needed.
Find time to recharge
Whether it is while the child is in school or in karate class, make sure you find a time when you can relax. For some it will be a few hours in front of the TV or their favorite video game, while for others it will be a "going out with friends or a yoga class. The" what "is not so important, but the constancy it takes to dedicate time. to themselves.
Make a plan for the day
You can also involve children in this activity: what you will do is go and define together all the activities of the week divided by days, in this way it will also be easier for them to understand when mum or dad are busy and when, instead, it will be the time to relax and play together. All this will help young and old and over time will create a real routine.
Don't be too perfectionist
Unforeseen events and obstacles will be on the agenda, which is why we advise you not to expect too much from yourself and the children. Perfection does not exist and it will be necessary to widen the margin of error to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
Ask for help
You are not a superhero and like all mortals you don't have to be ashamed to ask for help when you find that you can't keep up with the pace.All this does not mean being weak or not having made it, but it can simply serve to recover energy in particularly stressful times. Whether it is that of a family member, an educator, a psychologist or a babysitter, do not waste time, ask for help immediately.
