5 Ways To Prioritize Yourself As A Single Mom: 2022 New Year's Resolution

Keisha V Stubbs
Jan 17, 2022
3 min read

Between work and kids, how do you find time for yourself? Is it even important?

Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your children. When you're at your best you perform better at work and at home. On your long list of things to do, be sure to add yourself! For 2022, put yourself at the top of the list. It isn't selfish. It is ensuring your children have the best version of you!

Make 2022 the year you take care of you by doing the five things listed below.

#1- Accept Help

A lot of us don't even like to ask for help, but raising a child was not meant to be done alone. Accept offers from friends and family members you trust to watch the kids or drive them somewhere. Ask for help when you need it. Ask for help when you want it! Asking for a break so you can take a nap is totally acceptable. No one enjoys burnt-out mama.

You've heard the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child". Your child will be more well-rounded because of the team of people helping you to care for them and you will have more time to get things done. It is ok to accept help of others even if it is to get some time to yourself.

#2 - The "B" Word

Brace yourself. You need a budget. Personally, I hate making budgets, but it's necessary. You create a snapshot of what you're expenses are and where you may be able to cut things out. Not knowing where you stand financially is more stress than is necessary. Who wants to reach the end of the month and be surprised with a deduction from their bank account?

#3 - Make No A Full Sentence

Our childless friends don't understand everything we have going on. We try to explain why we can't attend a function and they still don't understand. Just say no. It is a complete sentence and frees up time from the needless explanation.

Is one word too harsh for you? Try "I'm not going to be able to do that.", "I won't be able to attend." or "Sorry, I can't make it."

However, you word it, just say no. Don't force yourself to do things you really don't have the time for.

#4 - Set A Schedule For The Kids

It might seem like this is prioritizing your children, but that isn't the only thing a schedule is doing. A schedule for your kids works to your benefit. When you set dinner, bath and bedtimes you create an outline for their day as well as yours. You know where they're supposed to be and when and can schedule things for yourself around that.

Bedtime was one of my favorites. I knew that after my son was down for the night I could write in my journal, watch my favorite TV show or take the bubble bath I'd been promising myself for months.

Set their day up so you can squeeze in time for yourself.

#5 - Set Aside Time For Hobbies

Set aside time for the things you enjoy. You are likely working most of the day, week, month and year. I know it may seem like everything you do needs to be productive, but that is not true. Finding time to do the things you enjoy helps to relieve burnout. This helps you to be able to maintain your identity outside of mother, employee, entrepreneur, chef, maid, etc.

You deserve the time to release your creativity for the sheer joy of doing it. Just as your kids need play-time, so do you! Don't forget that you like fun too!

You Deserve To Be Happy Too

I know we try to focus on our children as the main priority, but don't leave yourself out in the cold. Just as you want your children to be happy, they want you to be happy as well. Your parenting will be much more effective if you take the time to take care of you!