Feb

24

Time Management for Single Mothers Part 2: Children, Family and Friends

Posted by singlemom

February 24, 2009 |

In Time Management for Single Mothers Part 1, I discussed different ways in which we can get through our daily lives in an organized fashion. In part 2, I am going to discuss some different ways in which we can organize our time with the people that we love.

The most important aspect of our lives is obviously our children, so we will start our discussion with them. How can we be sure that we are spending adequate, quality time with our children?

  • This is easiest if you only have one child. You can carve out hours of time every day to spend with an only child, without having to worry about anything.
  • If you have more than one child, then things can be a little more difficult. It is important to be sure to do something as a family at least once a week. A family game night, evening walks, a trip to the playground. The activities that you can all enjoy as a family are limitless. Mark your family time(s) on your calendar so that there is no question about when you will spend time together.
  • When you have more than one child, you have to be sure that you are doing some things with your children individually. At least once a month, you will want to have a ‘date’ with each child. During week one, you may want to go for a walk with your teenage daughter to allow you both time to talk. During week two, you may want to take your toddler to the playground for some one-on-one time. And during week three, you and your ten year old son may like to play a video game together. The point is that you spend some alone time with each child. You can do this more frequently if you would like. Mark your ‘dates’ on the calendar.
  • Your children may also want to have time alone together. Maybe your teenage daughters want an afternoon without their younger siblings around. They may want to go out to lunch alone once a month. Have them mark this day on the calendar as well.

Now that I have given you some ways of finding quality time with your children, I will discuss how to carve out some time with other members of your family.

  • When my children were young, we threw huge birthday parties for them and invited all of their aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members. We made homemade cake, and only purchased ice cream, soda, chips and dip. We used regular plates and silverware, and Mom would bring napkins and paper towels. Sometimes Dad would supply paper plates and cups. Birthday parties are a great way to spend time with family. You can also throw parties for the adults in your family.
  • Family reunions are great places to get together and reminisce. This can be done at someones’ camp, in a hall somewhere, or out in your back yard.
  • I suggest getting together with your mother at least once a month without the children. Every single mother needs time away from her children. Mark this on your calendar so that you do not forget.
  • I also suggest getting together with your sister(s) once a month and nurturing the sisterly relationship. Mark this on your calendar as well.

Now I would like to discuss getting together with friends. Once a month or so, you will want to get out with friends. Friendships are very important to the single mother, and we want to nurture them as much as possible.

  • Have a girlfriends get together at least every three months, where everyone gets together for some fun. Mark this on your calendar as well.
  • At least once a month, hang out with just one or two friends. Go out to eat, shopping, or even take in a movie. Mark this time on your calendar.
  • Make sure you also call your friends at least once a month. Keeping in touch is very important.
  • If you have friends who live far away, try writing to them once a month. This can help to nurture your friendships as well.

So get out those calendars, ladies, and start writing in all of these plans for quality time with your loved ones.

Shannon

P.S. How do you plan quality time with your children, family and friends? Let us know in the comments section. Thank you.

Other Articles of Interest:

Daily Life for This Single Mom

Great Ways to Deal with Stress


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