Learn how to make time for self-care as a single parent. Prioritize your well-being with these strategies to balance parenting and self-care like a pro.
Being a single parent is no joke. The demands on your time are relentless, and squeezing in moments for yourself can feel impossible. But self-care is big deal—not just for you but for your kids, too. They need you at your best, and that means figuring out how to take care of yourself in the midst of everything. I’ve been there, juggling work, parenting, and all the in-between moments, so here’s how to make time for self-care as a single parent.
Let’s face it, being a single parent is exhausting. You’re juggling work, household responsibilities, school runs, and playdates. There’s not much time left for yourself. However, if you don’t make time for self-care, burnout is inevitable, and this impacts both you and your children. Finding how to Make time for self-care as a single parent can feel impossible, but it’s about being creative and intentional with your time.
I’ve been there—running on fumes and wondering how I could ever manage to squeeze in a few minutes for myself without feeling guilty. But I soon learned that self-care is vital not just for me but also for my ability to parent effectively. Here’s how I learned to prioritize my well-being, and how you can too.
The Importance of Self-Care for Single Parents
First off, self-care is not selfish. As single parents, we often put ourselves last, thinking that we must give everything to our children. But in reality, when you neglect your well-being, you’re doing a disservice to your kids. You can’t pour from an empty cup. How to make time for self-care as a single parent isn’t just about finding spare moments, it’s about realizing that you deserve those moments. Self-care recharges your emotional and mental batteries, and this makes you a better parent.
I used to think I needed hours to myself to feel better, but I realized that self-care as a full-time parent could be squeezed into small, manageable chunks. Even just taking ten minutes to breathe and unwind can make a world of difference.
When you’re a single parent, it’s easy to put yourself last. I know the drill—taking care of the kids, keeping up with housework, and making sure everyone else is happy. But self-care is a necessity. How to make time for self-care as a single parent is about shifting your mindset. You have to recognize that self-care is a form of maintenance, not an indulgence. Think about it: if you run your car non-stop without gas or oil changes, it’s going to break down. Your mental and physical health works the same way.
Break It Down: Micro Self-Care Moments
We often imagine self-care as a spa day or a weekend getaway, but it doesn’t have to be like that. How to make time for self-care as a single parent is all about small, manageable pockets of time. You don’t need hours; you need minutes. Micro self-care moments—like taking five minutes to breathe deeply, making yourself a cup of tea, or stepping outside for fresh air—are incredibly powerful.
I started setting a timer to remind myself to do these small things. Even if I had 15 minutes before picking the kids up from school, I’d do something that was just for me, whether that meant reading a page from a book or just sitting in silence for a moment. It helps to build self-care into your daily routine in small, intentional ways.
This can be even harder if you’re a working single parent. Have a look at this article: Real Life Self Care Strategies for Working Single Moms.
Carving Out Time: Get Creative with Your Schedule
Time management is key. The idea of how to make time for self-care as a single parent might sound daunting, but there are ways to incorporate it into your schedule. I started by waking up 15 minutes earlier than my kids just to have some time for myself. Sometimes, it’s a quick workout or just enjoying a cup of coffee in silence. These small moments are precious, and they really help me reset.
One trick I found helpful is time blocking. I assign specific tasks to certain times of the day, which helps me stay organized and allows me to find pockets of time for myself. For example, while my kids are doing their homework or playing independently, I use that time to meditate or journal.
Don’t underestimate the power of multitasking either. I often do a face mask while cooking dinner or listen to an inspiring podcast while folding laundry. How to make time for self-care as a single parent often involves finding little hacks like these to ensure that you’re taking care of yourself without sacrificing your other responsibilities.
Self-Care on a Budget
Being a single parent often means working within a tight budget, but that doesn’t mean self-care is out of reach. There are plenty of affordable self-care ideas that don’t cost a dime. One of my favorite activities is walking. Not only does it help me clear my mind, but it also keeps me physically active. Plus, it’s a great way to get the kids involved. We turn our walks into little adventures, which benefits all of us.
Sometimes, I take advantage of the quiet moments after the kids have gone to bed. A long bath, lighting a candle, or watching a feel-good show are simple ways I unwind. How to make time for self-care as a full-time parent doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming; it just needs to be intentional. Here are some Beauty Tips That Actually Work, most of them are natural too, so they can easily fit into any budget.
Involve the Kids in Self-Care
Sometimes, making time for self-care can be as simple as involving your kids. I found that doing activities like family yoga or meditation was a way to bond and take care of myself at the same time. It teaches your kids the value of self-care too! You can try journaling with your children or having a creative time where everyone does something they enjoy for 15 minutes. That way, you’re modeling healthy behaviors and getting a breather too.
This might sound counterintuitive, but including your children in your self-care routine can be incredibly helpful. I started practicing yoga at home, and soon my kids wanted to join in. Now, we have little yoga sessions together, and it’s a great way to bond while also prioritizing our mental and physical health. Involving your kids not only teaches them the importance of self-care, but it also gives you the opportunity to fit it into your busy day. How to make time for self-care as a single parent is all about being flexible and creative.
You can also try creating a calm space in your home where everyone can go to relax. Set up a cozy corner with blankets, pillows, and some quiet activities like coloring or reading. Having this designated space allows both you and your kids to recharge and enjoy some peaceful time.
By including my children in self-care activities, I was able to build habits that not only benefited me but also my kids. It’s amazing how it changes the dynamic when everyone understands that downtime is important.
How to Make Time for Self-Care as a Single Parent
Establish Boundaries and Say No
Learning how to say no is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a single parent. You can’t do it all. There are only so many hours in the day, and if you stretch yourself too thin, your self-care will be the first thing to go. Setting boundaries is extremely important for maintaining your well-being. For example, I used to feel obligated to attend every school function, but I’ve since realized that it’s okay to skip a few events if I’m feeling drained.
I also set boundaries with my children. It might sound tough, but explaining to them that you need a few minutes alone teaches them that self-care is important. It’s about leading by example. How to make time for self-care as a single parent sometimes means saying no to certain commitments and protecting your time and energy.
Time Management Hacks for Single Parents
Let’s be honest—time management is the real challenge when it comes to making time for self-care. You need to prioritize what’s important and let go of what isn’t. One thing that helped me was batching tasks. Instead of running around doing laundry every other day, I’d dedicate one day a week to it. That freed up chunks of time for self-care and other priorities.
Another thing that helped was setting boundaries—both with my time and my energy. Like I said above, It’s okay to say no to extra obligations, whether that’s at work or in your personal life. If someone asks me to volunteer or join another committee, I ask myself if I’m really in a position to give that time. If the answer is no, then I decline without guilt.
Try building a self-care routine. Here is my Self-Care Routine For Moms | How To Have Time For Yourself. I made it especially with moms in mind.
Ask for Help
As a single parent, you may feel like you have to do it all, but you don’t. Another lesson I learned was to ask for help. Whether that’s asking a friend to watch the kids for an hour or hiring a babysitter for a couple of hours a week, find ways to get breaks. Self-care as a full-time parent is hard, but it’s not impossible, and asking for help is a game-changer.
Being a single parent often feels isolating, but you don’t have to do it all alone. Building a strong support system can significantly impact your ability to practice self-care. I leaned on my friends and family when I needed a break. Whether it’s asking a family member to watch the kids for an hour or organizing a playdate swap with another single parent, having help can give you the time you need to focus on yourself.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. How to make time for self-care as a single parent is much easier when you have a network of people who can support you.
How to make time for self-care as a single parent isn’t about trying to do more; it’s about letting go of what you can and accepting help when it’s offered.
Prioritize Sleep
This might sound like a given, but sleep is one of the most overlooked aspects of self-care. For a long time, I sacrificed sleep to get things done. But the less sleep I got, the worse I felt, both physically and mentally. Now, I prioritize sleep just like I do any other essential task. I set a bedtime for myself, and I stick to it as much as possible.
A well-rested parent is a better parent, and sometimes, how to make time for self-care when you have children means making sleep a priority. Get enough rest, and you’ll find that everything else becomes more manageable.
Here is a Bedtime Routine For Better Sleep and Stress Relief
Sleep is probably the most underrated self-care practice, and it’s something that parents often sacrifice first. I know I did! But getting enough rest makes such a huge difference in your energy levels and your ability to parent better. To make time for sleep, I started setting a consistent bedtime for myself, just like I do for my kids. This small change helped me feel more rested and better equipped to handle the demands of parenting.
Build a Self-Care Routine
Creating a routine was a game-changer for me. I used to think that self-care had to be spontaneous, but having a plan actually made it easier. Each week, I carve out at least two blocks of time—whether it’s a morning before the kids wake up or an evening after they’ve gone to bed—where I focus on my own well-being. How to make time for self-care when you have children becomes much more manageable when it’s part of your routine.
Final Thoughts
Making time for self-care as a single parent is challenging, but it’s also essential. By breaking it down into micro-moments, involving your kids, and managing your time wisely, you can find ways to recharge even in the busiest of schedules. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a way to make sure you’re the best version of yourself for your children.
The secret to how to make time for self-care as a single parent is consistency. Whether it’s a five-minute break or an hour-long workout, self-care needs to be a regular part of your routine. You deserve it. Remember, your well-being directly impacts your children. When you’re happy, rested, and healthy, you can be the best parent possible.
By trying to add these ideas into your daily life, you can find the balance you need to take care of yourself while still being there for your kids. Learning how to make time for self-care as a single parent may seem challenging, but it’s possible with a little creativity, time management, and support.
Self-care as a full-time parent may feel like a tall order, but with a few simple changes and intentional actions, you can make it a reality. Start small, and over time, you’ll see the benefits both for you and your kids.
I share practical and insightful advice on Healthy Daily Routines about self-care, self-love, personal growth, and productivity. I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge in these areas, and my blog has already helped countless people achieve their goals and live more fulfilling lives. My ultimate goal is to continue inspiring and empowering others.
