Being a single parent may be common today, but that doesn't
mean it's easy. Many single moms are experiencing dangerous
levels of stress, and they don't see any way around it.

Chronic stress is harmful to your body, mind and spirit. As
a parent, you need to find positive ways to deal with the
stress so you can be healthy for both your children and
yourself.

With a little bit of planning, help, and effort, you can
juggle being both the parent and provider of your family.

Here are some tips to help you combat the everyday stresses
of being a single mom:

1. Plan ahead. The best thing you can do when you're a
single mom is to plan ahead. You'll find that the simple things
in life that often cause the most stress can be managed or
outright eliminated when you plan ahead.

* Prepare meals in advance and freeze them until you're
ready to use them.
* Have everyone put out their clothes the night before and
their shoes by the front door so getting the day started will
be a breeze.

2. Involve the kids. You can't do everything by yourself, so
get your kids involved in getting things done. Any help that
your kids are able to contribute will save you a lot of time
and stress each day, plus it's teaching them the importance of
responsibility and contributing to the family.

* Teach them age-appropriate tasks like cleaning their room,
doing laundry, making the grocery list, planning meals,
cooking, taking out the trash, vacuuming, cleaning the
bathrooms, and so on.

3. Know your limits. When a friend, co-worker, or family
member asks something of you that you know you can't do, say
no. It may not make the other person happy, but knowing your
limits can help you from being overworked unnecessarily.

* If you don't respect your time, who else will?

4. Create a support system. When you have people that you
can turn to, you'll be able to release stress in a positive
way. When you need a bit of reinforcement, it helps to know you
can pick up the phone and call in backup!

* Your support system might consist of family members and
friends who are willing to listen to you vent or even help you
around the house.

5. Make time for yourself. Schedule at least 10 to 15
minutes just for you into each day. This time can even be for
something simple, like painting your fingernails, taking a hot
bath, or reading for pleasure.

* Your alone time will refresh and revive you!

These are all very simple, yet effective, ways to deal with
the stress of being a single parent. These tips won't do away
with stress altogether, but they'll help you manage it in a way
that will allow you to get things done and enjoy your life and
kids.

Your kids will only be small for a short time, and you don't
want to waste these years in a stressed out daze. Instead, take
advantage of the here and now by incorporating these stress
management tips into your life. It's easier than you think!

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