It seems that there are 24 hours in a day: and yet you don't see them pass! It's not always easy to find the time to do everything when you're alone. This is why we must learn to organize ourselves.
Daily Schedule
When you can only count on yourself to do everything, it is important to establish your daily schedule, a task that you redo every week: it allows to see more clearly! Appointments, errands, activities, work: having everything planned will allow you not to always forget something. You will be faster and more efficient. What it means: time for you! Incredible, right? You'll see, your diary is about to become your best friend!
Scratch unnecessary activities from the agenda
Tasks that are not a priority, we cross them off the agenda. And we limit ourselves to an extracurricular lesson: you have to make choices, in life, and your children have to make them too. Moreover, boredom is extremely beneficial. It allows the child to exercise his imagination and forces him to be creative.
Say “no”
In the same vein, we must learn torespect your boundaries and say no. Enough is enough: it is better to do less and do it well than to say yes to everything and find yourself overwhelmed.
Long live the routine
Boring for many adults, routine is very reassuring for children. Thus, we establish clear rules, and we respect them. Bedtime, meals, bath time: if everything is fixed in advance, you will have less difficulty finding your way around and the children will cooperate more easily.
Establish Rituals
Small family traditions are important: establish them with your children. Reading a story before bedtime, a glued movie Friday night, popcorn afternoon… When your children are with their grand- parents or a babysitter, make sure these rituals are followed.
Build a network
Relationships, friends, daycare, school, community organizations: the network is essential! It is necessary to surround yourself well to survive – and to have a moment of respite, from time to time. Don't be afraid to ask for help: the people who love and surround you will never ask you to be a superwoman.
Rearrange your budget
With only one income, a budget is essential. There are some government aids and if you are unfamiliar with them, consult a planner. The ACEF and other organizations have resources and practical tools to support you in this exercise, take advantage of them.
Think of you
It's also important to think about yourself: give yourself a few moments of respite from your daily schedule. These moments of relaxation will allow you to have more energy and you will be more efficient afterwards. Practice a sport, pay attention to your diet. You shouldn't put a cross on your social life: friends are important and your child will benefit from being in contact with their various people.
