How To Be a Single Parent on a Budget
There is an endless array of challenges in front of you as a parent. A lot are unavoidable and go with the territory. Some are expected but many may blindside you. So keep reading!
If one day you find yourself as a single parent, your entire landscape will change. The financial walls can feel as though they are swiftly closing in on you, or even collapsing. This ongoing stress and anxiety can threaten your happiness and mental well-being.
Here are six ways to remain proactive, take stock, and steadily take back control in a measured way.
1. Live within your means
It’s important to accept your new reality and make meaningful efforts to adjust. This process is not easy, but it is vital in taking the next positive steps for you and your family.
This may start with eliminating unnecessary expenses. Create and stick to a budget that’s sensible and fair. Be sure to also budget for small things that make you happy.
2. Work for cash
Take jobs that pay you cash so you have more immediate resources. It’s a smart and temporary fix.
3. Work with the school system
It’s a good idea to become informed about how to avail yourself of everything at your disposal within your community. Take advantage of any programs or services your children’s schools may offer. That’s what they are there for so don’t be shy.
You’ll also tap into a network of people who may be able to give you ideas and resources that you may not have come up with on your own. Sometimes it takes a village and when it comes to your children, you’ll never regret doing all you could for their benefit and betterment.
4. Schedule some fun and self-care for you!
This is so important. You are the foundation and if your system goes down, it all goes down. Don’t get to the point where you feel burned out or numb. Find time to do things that recharge your batteries or rejuvenate your soul. It might be as simple as taking a walk outside on a nice day or closing the door and listening to some music for an hour.
5. Accept help
Most people who offer help are sincere so it’s a great idea to learn how to accept it readily and graciously. Someday you’ll pay if forward but for now consider it the ebb and flow of life. It may also be more meaningful to them to have you accept their help than you realize. This often is how the cosmic balance of both offering and accepting help and assistance plays out over a lifetime.
Establishing direction is however an important part of any successful plan.
It allows you to research, consider and engage accordingly, within the context of where you are heading, whether on a map or in a heated debate.
6. Accept every invitation
You never know where a good path may lead. If you receive an invitation to go out or to a party, always say yes, especially to trusted friends.
The energy and vitality of an emphatic “yes” can be life-changing.
You may have an unexpected chance encounter with someone who can change your life or, at the very least, your direction and outlook. Your alternative is staying home to ruminate, craft something else for Etsy or watch another overblown series on Netflix.
Most of all, try to go easy on yourself for remaining in the game and for doing your level best.
The very fact that you have not given up or that you don’t crumple into a heap of doubts and insecurities each morning speaks volumes. It’s a testament to your determination and resilience. These pointers are only meant to help you lighten the load you may already carry with dignity, strength and honor.
Lisa Ryan, LPC
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