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Parenting
Aayushi Kapoor August 21st, 2023 · 4min read

Are You A Single Parent? Learn How To Beat Single Parenting Stress

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Single parenting is tougher than it looks. Single parenting does not only revolve around raising your child, sending them to the right school, selecting them the right toys, or cooking healthy food for them. Single parenting is more than we can imagine.

Single parenting is all about raising your child alone without any co-parent or relative, keeping up with your child mentally, answering your child’s question, handling the stress of both and the list does not end here.

My biggest salute to all single parents in the house, take a bow! Trust me; you guys are already doing amazing! Listen to me, you are not alone, single parenting is quite common which means you get to learn from each other.

In this blog, I have listed some of the ways to beat the stress and burnout caused due to single parenting. So, let’s get started.

What is Single Parenting Stress?

If you ask me, I cannot tell you any proper definition for single parenting stress. Single parenting stress is that stress which can be caused by anything such as, is my child healthy (mentally and physically), is my child eating well, is my child getting too much screen time, am I feeling guilty for not being available to my child 24*7, is my child getting the appropriate support?

When the whole burden of raising your child and making choices for your child is on you, single parenting stress can be a common mental health issue for you.

Indeed, single parenting does not end here; we get stressed about other challenges as well like financial issues, relationship issues, toxic marriage, custody, and more. Let us understand some common symptoms of single parenting stress.

Symptoms of Single Parenting Stress

Single parenting stress could be motivating sometimes, but if not handled on time or becomes chronic, you might need some extra support. Below are some of the mental and physical symptoms of single parenting stress.

  1. Anxiety
  2. Depression
  3. Irritability
  4. Weak immune system or frequent illness
  5. Reduced creativity
  6. Reduced motivation
  7. Reduced productivity
  8. Reduced energy
  9. Headache
  10. Dizziness
  11. Muscle tension
  12. Sleeping issues
  13. Digestive issues
  14. Frequent changes in appetite or mood

Ways to Beat Single Parenting Stress

While single parenting can be overwhelming and stressful, below are some effective ways to overcome single parenting stress.

1. Can we skip to the good part?

Trust me; no matter if it is single parenting, co-parenting, or parenting, guilt always stays there. How far we will go with that guilt? It is somewhere hurting us only. Therefore, try to not feel guilty about being away from your children. Prioritize your mental health, find fun in little things, and try out some relaxation activities so that you can make your life balanced again with your children.

2. Make time for “Me-Time”

It does not matter if you’re a working single mom or father, co-parent, or parent, you should always make some time for yourself. Even if you can only take 60 minutes for yourself, take your time and enjoy as much as you can. “Me-time” should be your time and only you should decide what you want to do with that time.

3. Positivity should be used as a sanitizer

Do you know what a sanitizer does? Sanitizer basically removes all the toxic bacteria from your hands. Similarly, use positivity like sanitizer to kill all the negativity and toxicity from your life. Stop negative self-talk, focus on your family; keep yourself away from anxiety and stress. And keep using positive vibes as a sanitizer.

4. Seek support when required

If you don’t have a support system, you should start making some friends. And, it would be better if you can make friends with something common so that you can relate with each other. If you are not able to express your feelings and are unable to cope with them, you can always take the help of a mental health advisor.

To connect with a professional and experienced mental health expert from BetterHelp, click here.

5. Set boundaries

It is really essential for single parents to set their own boundaries. Clearly, judgments and toxicity are never going to stop, therefore, you will have to set your limits for what you can accept and what you cannot accept. You should never allow other people or your relatives to take advantage of your small family.

I hope this blog helps you to overcome single parenting stress. Comment down your views or experience on single parenting stress so that you can motivate other single parents as well. For more such content, connect with us on all social media platforms.

Thanks for reading!

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