5 Time Management Tips for Single Moms

The life of a single mom is difficult, there’s no doubt about it. You’ve got your career, your kids, your finances, and so much more to keep up with. When you include squeezing in time for entertainment and dating, the whole thing can seem overwhelming.

However, rather than throwing your hands up in the air and becoming frustrated, there are ways to fit in all of your responsibilities without destroying your quality of life. Here are some tips you can use as a single mom to gain effective time management skills:

1. Plan Your Day in Advance

There are certain parts of your day that are constant, such as going to work and picking up the kids. But it’s what you do with your remaining time that makes all the difference.

Take a few moments before you go to sleep at night or before you leave for work in the morning to plan out what you want to do for the day. Use a personal planner and write down for each day what you need or want to accomplish, keeping in mind how you’d like to prioritize these goals. Getting it all down on paper will also help you ensure you’re running your errands efficiently. Whatever you fail to accomplish, simply transfer to the following day.

2. Reduce Time Spent in the Kitchen

Learn about how to save time and money with family meal planning and make a list to get the week’s food all in one trip. Stock up when you can on staples and you’ll avoid excessive trips to the grocery store. Also, try to prepare food in big batches to save time. To help you out, consider using a meal planning service such as eMeals, and purchase groceries online from retailers like Peapod home delivery.

3. Learn How to Say No

As a single mom, you’re performing duties that are normally shared by two people. When it comes to things like volunteering at school or helping out a neighbor, don’t feel pressured into saying “yes” every single time. In fact, you need to prioritize the things you say “no” to.

For example, while it may be easier to miss your child’s play than say no to an extra project at work, is that in line with your priorities? It might be, and that can be fine, but just make sure that your nos and yeses match up with what’s most important to you. This will free up your spare time for the things you value most.

4. Inquire About Telecommuting

Recent estimates show that anywhere between 20 and 30 million people in the U.S. work from home at least one day per week. Consult with your supervisor to see if this is an option for you. One less day of battling traffic and getting ready for work could free up a significant chunk of spare time, and you’ll save money on the commute.

5. Allow Time for Yourself

Regardless of how many things might currently be in your pending file, you’ve got to allow time for yourself. Unwinding at the end of each day is crucial to your overall physical and mental health, so be sure to set aside at least a short period for unplugging, letting go, and relaxing. This needed respite will help you be more prudent in managing your time and every other aspect of your life.