@lisa79 So first thing’s first—don’t let yourself go. That’s the important thing I want to say here. No, you don’t stop existing because you’re a single parent. You don’t stop mattering. I fucking hate when people confidently look at single parents and go, “Your life isn’t about you anymore”. Why yes, yes it is, and I’ve always planned on making sure that was true no matter what.
I coparent with my son’s dad. We’ve basically got 50/50 custody. My son is 2, and basically it all boils down to being smart, efficient, and having a system. Like I pick one night a week where I meal prep for like 3/4 days. I’ll make breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for a few days in a row so I can just come home and microwave something. It’s actually pretty good. Nice n easy, and then not cooking means I can journal or workout or do whatever while my son watches his cartoons.
My son has a lot of fun just playing on his own. I’m always going to the dollar store to find new stuff to add to his toy box so he’s got cute little surprises to come home to here and there. I save going out on trips for weekends, so during the weekdays we stay local and hang out at home. I usually take him to the park and make sure he gets a good run (which also benefits me) so he knocks out by his specific bedtime (9PM) so I can do my school stuff. I’m studying 24/7 when he isn’t with me, and when he is, I do most of my studying and reviewing early morning/late night.
Make sure you keep buying little self care products for yourself! Journal, take nice baths, and don’t forget make up in the morning! Nothing is sexier than a mama who’s got it together