#6 Don’t Have A Competition With
Yourself
On days when I have to get out of the house to bring JD to school so I can work, I often try to do it all—make beds, do breakfast dishes, play and clean up toys. But it occurred to me one particularly chaotic morning (think Cheerios on the floor, a missing sneaker and an empty mascara tube), the only thing I have to do by 8am is feed JD breakfast, shower, get both of us dressed and out the door. No one was keeping score of the unmade beds but me. Now I ditch morning chores and play blocks or color with JD instead of rushing to clean before we leave. This laidback approach takes a lot of pressure off me, and I know my son enjoys the extra quality time.
On days when I have to get out of the house to bring JD to school so I can work, I often try to do it all—make beds, do breakfast dishes, play and clean up toys. But it occurred to me one particularly chaotic morning (think Cheerios on the floor, a missing sneaker and an empty mascara tube), the only thing I have to do by 8am is feed JD breakfast, shower, get both of us dressed and out the door. No one was keeping score of the unmade beds but me. Now I ditch morning chores and play blocks or color with JD instead of rushing to clean before we leave. This laidback approach takes a lot of pressure off me, and I know my son enjoys the extra quality time.
#7 Point Out Good Qualities In Men/WomenNo mom/dad in the picture? This means it’s up to you to show your child that there are good men/women all around him. So when my older brother put our new kitchen table together, I made a big deal about how awesome and helpful he was being in front of JD. When my dad shows up to JD’s soccer practices and games, I tell him how much Poppy loves him and that he used to coach his uncles’ teams, so he can show him how to make a winning goal. I asked my brother Brian to attend the Father’s Day party at JD’s school and I make a point to hang out with my platonic guy friends in front of JD, because I want him to see the interaction. If Mom's/Dad’s not around to show your son or daughter how a good woman/man behaves or to do “guy/girly things,” than it’s your very important job to seek out these role models.
#8 Congratulate Yourself
I know this sounds silly, but if you live alone with your child, no one is going to pat you on the back when your kid is finally potty-trained or when you serve up a hot, healthy dinner after working all day. You should be aware of these epic achievements and know you’re the one making it all happen. I smile proudly when JD burps and says “excuse me,” without me having to prompt him. When he shares his toys at the park, I feel good that my constant “share with your friends” speech has sunk in. I do it all, and I deserve the recognition.
I know this sounds silly, but if you live alone with your child, no one is going to pat you on the back when your kid is finally potty-trained or when you serve up a hot, healthy dinner after working all day. You should be aware of these epic achievements and know you’re the one making it all happen. I smile proudly when JD burps and says “excuse me,” without me having to prompt him. When he shares his toys at the park, I feel good that my constant “share with your friends” speech has sunk in. I do it all, and I deserve the recognition.
#9 Always Be Prepared
I never leave home without a sippy cup and snack of some kind. I also keep crayons, a coloring book, a few Matchbox cars and snack in my purse at all times. I stash clean clothes, snacks and juice boxes in my car. Being prepared is important for all parents, but even more so for single ones since it’s up to only me to squelch a meltdown or entertain my child while we wait to be seated for dinner.
I never leave home without a sippy cup and snack of some kind. I also keep crayons, a coloring book, a few Matchbox cars and snack in my purse at all times. I stash clean clothes, snacks and juice boxes in my car. Being prepared is important for all parents, but even more so for single ones since it’s up to only me to squelch a meltdown or entertain my child while we wait to be seated for dinner.
#10 Multitask Strategically
I try to accomplish housework and playtime simultaneously, so I’m not up for hours after bedtime getting chores done. I sit on the living room floor with a basket of clean laundry and fold while JD races cars on a ramp. Every so often, I make a “vrooom” noise and slide a car down the path. I can also hold up a shirt to quiz JD on his colors, or encourage him to pair socks together. Work, play and even some sneaky learning gets done and everyone is happy.
An article from Parenting by Christine Coppa
I try to accomplish housework and playtime simultaneously, so I’m not up for hours after bedtime getting chores done. I sit on the living room floor with a basket of clean laundry and fold while JD races cars on a ramp. Every so often, I make a “vrooom” noise and slide a car down the path. I can also hold up a shirt to quiz JD on his colors, or encourage him to pair socks together. Work, play and even some sneaky learning gets done and everyone is happy.
An article from Parenting by Christine Coppa
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