Over the course of the last year and a half, I've learned a few things about myself and about being a single Mom.
Make a list: I never realized how easy it is to forget. I used to make a mental list of what was needed from the grocery store. No longer...if I don't have a list in hand, I will forget at least three things I need at home. Last time it was 9-volt batteries. The batteries are low in the smoke detectors and now it sounds like there are a family of crickets in the house.
Keep a calendar: Doesn't matter if it's online, in your phone, or a pocket calendar. It is handy to write down due dates for bills, when my Avon orders are due, and the various school functions for my Son. I almost forgot about class pictures tomorrow, until my Son reminded me. Sadly, the calendar I bought at New Year's didn't quite work out like I'd hoped. Fortunately, I had another that I'm going to try and use.
Pay attention to your Finances: I make it a habit to balance my checkbook online every day. What a lifesaver that has been. A couple of times, I have made a debit card purchase and forgot to either write it down or put the receipt in the check register to write down later. By balancing every day I've saved myself from overdraft a couple of times. It also helps me plan for those few times where there is a little something extra and I can treat my Son and I to dinner, or ice cream or buying a new movie/game.
Set aside time for your Family: After the divorce, it took me some time to learn how to balance working full time, being a Mom full time, and making sure everything was taken care of (bills, laundry, groceries, etc). I eventually realized that I wasn't really spending anytime with my Son. We would eat dinner together. He would play while I cleaned the kitchen, house or worked on laundry. Then at bedtime, I would read him a book. Not much time for just us to play or relax together. I do my best to make sure I play with him in the evenings, even if it only for 10-15 minutes. I sit down with him whenever he has homework, instead of trying to multi-task. Sunday afternoons when we get home from Church and my Parents house, we snuggle on the couch and watch a movie together. That is OUR time together. Saturdays vary, although if it is our weekend together, I try to include something fun for my Son during the day.
Set aside time for yourself: Boy if there was a toughie for me to learn, it was this one. I all too often would only focus on my Son, the house or a million and one tasks that needed to be done. Now, I set aside time for myself every day. Whether it's nothing more than reading for an hour after my Son's in bed, chatting online, or when it's his weekend at Dad's, I go out to a friends house.
I should have finished this and posted it last week, but just never got back to it...well, at least it's done now!
