The COVID-19 pandemic has been rough for almost everyone, but it’s placed a particular strain on working parents. It’s tricky enough trying to balance parental responsibilities with an ex during normal times, according to Strange Law Firm, divorce attorneys in Oklahoma City. Adding in the restrictions brought about by the pandemic makes it that much trickier.
It’s not impossible, however, and some single parents out there have found ways to adapt to a new way of life. If you’re a single parent and looking for advice on how to cope, then some of the following tips and examples should be of great benefit.
It Starts With Coming to Terms
Perhaps one of the greatest strengths that single parents are displaying throughout the pandemic is an ability to accept the situation so that they can figure out how to navigate it.
Instead of fighting fate, which would cause a near-infinite amount of frustration in a situation like this, parents who have coped the best have done just the opposite. They’re telling themselves, “this is how it is, now I have to deal with it,” then getting to work.
This sort of approach allows you to ignore the things you can’t control and focus on the things that you can. For sure, you’re going to have to make sacrifices and compromises, but in an unprecedented situation like this, that’s what you’ve got to do to get along.
Developing a Support Network Helps
If you think that successful single parents are doing everything by themselves, then you’re sorely mistaken. In addition to relying on their co-parent for support, many single parents also have connections within their community that they can lean back on when needed.
Friends, family, teachers — by reaching out and forming bonds with others, single parents bolster the network they can call on when the chips are down. This is how single parents are able to balance responsibilities in stride — sharing them with others.
Careful Planning Helps
There are very few things in life that are improved by “just winging it.” The same is true for parenting. The most successful single parents are those who know how to plan things out, and how to adjust when that initial plan may go awry. They stay ahead of issues with their child, co-parent, and anything other obstacles that might dot their path.
Stay Resilient
It might seem overwhelming, but just a few adjustments to how you approach things can drastically change your single parenting experience. Stay resilient, and keep giving it your all for both yourself and your child.