Being a single parent is like balancing work, parenting, and fulfilling household duties all together. Amidst the endless pending decisions to make, tasks, and emotional demands, theres one thing that almost every single parent feels—isolation. Did you know that nearly 23 percent of kids in the U.S. are raised by single parents?
The logistical and emotional load that the parent carries is the reason why they struggle with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Despite this, single parents get up every day to take care of their little ones to make them feel the best. However, at some point this isolation may even reflect on the kids. This is your sign to take a break and deal with the heavy weight of creeping isolation.
Read this article to explore some of the most helpful loneliness tips for single parents on how they can deal with isolation and build a confident and connected life.
Helpful loneliness tips for single parents
Here are some helpful tips to help you deal with loneliness and isolation as a single parent.
Like-Minded Network
According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, individuals who have a strong social support system are at 27% lesser risk of struggling with chronic stress. Most single parents struggle with the biggest challenge of lacking someone in their life with whom they can share both the emotional and practical aspects of raising a child. And if you’re feeling alone, you’re most likely to fall into the trap of thinking you have to do everything on your own.
In this case, having a strong, like-minded support system will help ease your parenting journey in the long run. You can begin by reaching out to other parents, and you will be surprised to know how many other people are also looking for connections. If you’re hesitant about the idea, you can think of how helpful it would be to have someone in your life who can help with child care, offer emotional support, or simply listen.
Self-Care Is The Key
Did you know that according to the American Psychological Association, individuals who regularly engage in self-care activities experience 38 percent less stress than compared to those who don’t?
The idea of self-care might feel overwhelming if you’re a single parent who doesn’t have time. But it can be as simple as taking 15 minutes at the end of the day to meditate, read a book, or even sip a cup of tea in peace. And these small moments can play a big role in coping with the feelings of isolation.
While between managing your kid’s schedule and packing up with the corporate demands, self-care might be the last thing on your to-do list. The thing is, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of your little ones effectively.
Therefore, it’s time to begin with a Saturday morning walk while your kids are with a sitter, or maybe it’s indulging in your favorite Netflix series after the kids go to bed.
The power of yes in accepting help
If you’re a single parent, asking for help might seem like admitting defeat. However, the reality is far away from it. Did you know that 64% of single parents who regularly accepted help from friends and family reported lower stress levels?
It is not uncommon for single parents to think they have to prove they can do everything singlehandedly. The truth is—you don’t have to. And there’s no shame in accepting help. In the end, seeking help is not a sign of weakness. You must know that there's a reason why people help—it’s because they care, and more often than not, they are happy to lend a hand.
The next time you go out, do not hesitate to take the kids off your hands for a few hours.
Turn Loneliness to Creativity
Solitude is a great reason why many individuals turned their loneliness into creativity—whether it’s music or an art form. From painting to baking, channeling your emotions into artistic pieces has never been easier with countless choices. Moreover, creative expression can serve as an emotional release and even become a form of therapy for handling isolation.
After all, taking out time for yourself and engaging in some fun activities can simply help balance the feelings of isolation and improve overall mental health. Whether it’s about taking just 15 minutes before bed to read, journal, or listen to your favorite podcast, these little breaks make all the difference.
Conclusion
Loneliness often feels overwhelming at times; however, as a single parent, your most powerful strength is your resilience to lead you through your toughest moments. From finding joys even in those moments of happiness to focusing on self-care and self-growth, a little change in your approach to dealing with life can make a big difference. In the end, your journey is not about taking care of your little ones but also feeling connected to the societal landscape.