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“How to be a successful single mother?”
If I am being honest, I’m not crazy about this question. Success is whatever you define it to be.
Waking up every morning and grinding for your kids, to me, is being a successful single mother.
You do not need to wait for someone else to tell you that you are successful or that you are doing a great job.
If you decide that a certain amount of money will make you successful then so be it. If you decide that success is reaching all of your goals within a certain timeframe, then that is what success is to you.
In this guide, I want to share with you 9 important steps on how to be a successful single mother. Use these steps as a guideline or a checklist to help you stay focused and inspired on your journey.
In This Guide:
- Learn How To Say “No”
- Shift Your Mindset
- Be Flexible
- Prioritize You Savings
- Stick To A Budget
- Take Care Of Yourself
- Let The Kids Help
- Connect With Other Single Parent Families
- Focus On Growth
1. Learn To Say “No”
Think of yourself as the CEO of your life. CEOs don’t say “yes” to every document that’s put on their desk. They’re strategic, they prioritize, and they make sure their time goes where it really matters. So, get used to saying “no”. Don’t think of it as rejecting someone you love, think of it as a healthy boundary to help your family grow.
Pro Tip: If you get a bad reaction from someone you love when enforcing your boundaries then odds are they do not fit in your life anyway. The important people in your life truly understand and respect your boundaries.
2. Shift Your Mindset
Shift your mindset around how you think about your family. Many times we think of ourselves as single parent families that are not complete. Your family is complete and anyone new who enters your life is an addition to your family.
You are whole. Allow yourself to go after big goals and don’t let the fact that you are a single mom deter any of your life decisions. You deserve to exceed all your goals just like the next person.
3. Be Flexible
Being a single mom, we encounter a lot of ups and downs on our journey, whether it’s changes in employment, changes in our money, or family situations. Instead of getting stressed over the changes, learn to be flexible and welcome any changes with openness.
4. Prioritize Saving
Saving money is crucial when you are a single parent. When you make saving a priority, it helps reduce the financial stress that comes with managing money on one income. You already have a lot of things on your plate and having savings gives you a safety net in case unexpected things happen, like car repairs or medical bills.
How To Survive Financially As A Single Mom
Read how to effectively manage debt, build savings, and invest wisely to secure your financial future as a single mom.
5. Stick To Your Budget
Creating and sticking to a budget will be your roadmap to success as a single mother. Being consistent with your budgeting will allow for more time to create memories with your kids and less time to have to stress about money.
6. Take Care Of Yourself First
I know everyone says that your kids come first, but when you are the only one taking care of your children, it’s important to keep a strong mind and body.
It’s not selfish to put yourself first, I believe it’s necessary. Your physical and mental health directly impacts your ability to provide the best for your children.
Allow yourself to take breaks, find moments of relaxation, and address what’s really on your mind. Putting yourself first allows you to approach single mom life with clarity and patience
7. Let The Kids Help
As a single mother, I sometimes feel it is not the children’s responsibility to help me out around the house. Not because I love doing everything but because I didn’t want them to feel like I was leaning too much on them for support.
I had to realize that involving my kids in daily tasks is not about lightening my load but giving them a sense of responsibility and teamwork.
When your kids actively participate in household activities, they become an important part of your family’s success. Being involved gives them a strong work ethic, organizational skills, and a shared commitment to the well-being of the family.
8. Connect With Other Single Parent Families
Connecting yourself to women who have the same goals as yourself will keep you motivated to keep evolving. No one understands the life of a single mom better than another single mom. It’s important to build honest and trusting relationships to support your journey. Having a community to share experiences, tips or someone to lend a listening ear to can make a big difference in your life.
9. Focus On Growth
Do you want to start a business or go back to school? But, you question if you should just focus on your kids and keep your goals on the back burner. Absolutely, not! Go after that job you want or that business you’ve been dreaming of starting. Don’t deny yourself opportunities just because you don’t feel the time is right. Trust me, your kids will support anything you do. They just want to see their mother happy.
How To Be A Successful Single Mother FAQ's
Can I Survive As A Single Mother?
Yes, you can survive as a single mom. Your journey may have some twists and turns but if you believe in yourself, set realistic expectations, and seek out support when you need it, you will not only survive but thrive.
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