Housing, when you have a single income and children, is not always easy. This is one of the reasons why, in large cities, some single-parent families decide to live with a roommate.
Indeed, cohabitation between single-parent families is increasingly “trendy”, at least in France. Not only does this alternative overcome the financial difficulties that often accompany single parenthood, it also offers a solution to loneliness and organizational hassles.
The benefits of living together
Cohabitation, only for young students? Not necessarily! Indeed, there are several advantages to living together.
- Often, single parent families have to juggle one income, which means a smaller home. However, it is not because we are no longer in a relationship that we have shrunk in the wash! Cohabitation therefore makes it possible to afford a more spacious home that is more to our liking.
- It's not just the rent that we divide, there are also the accounts! Thus, the cable, the electricity, the heating, all that, we pay for it twice. And it looks in budget!
- It makes us a friend who understands wellour situation, since she lives it too.
- And between girlfriends, it's known, we give each other a hand. Dropping the kids off at school, babysitting one weeknight, making meals: that relieves your overloaded schedule!
- Children can play together.
Find the rare pearl
Obviously, we don't have a single parent girlfriend in our entourage! It is therefore possible to shop our new life companion. You can view ads on sites like Kijiji, or PACS, for example, or even post one yourself! Find out: maybe there is a Facebook page for parents in your neighborhood? Since you're getting ready to live together, find time to chat and get to know each other before making a decision. Make a clear list of what you are looking for and what values are important to you. It is best to have several things in common, such as lifestyle and rhythm of life, children of the same age and similar interests so that your cohabitation has a chance of succeeding.
You can also fall back on someone who has no children. Make sure, however, that this person shares your values. She also needs to know what living with a child entails.
Find accommodation
Is it love at first sight? Great! If you do not already have a home or a house to share, now you need to find a new roof. Ideally, your new home should be near the children's school, and eachshould have his room. Make sure you have enough space so you don't step on your feet.
Organization
As in all relationships, communication is key! You must immediately clarify the basics and agree on the organization of the household. How will grocery stores work, each for himself or we share? You must set yourself rules of life with regard to cleaning, sharing cupboards, visits, etc. By clarifying at the very beginning of the cohabitation, you avoid a lot of inconvenience afterwards!
Temporary situation
Of course, this roommate may not represent your ideal: but it could allow you to overcome a more difficult period, financially and emotionally speaking, while providing good stability for your child. Of course, this situation should be temporary, but who knows, maybe you'll get a taste for living together!
