Celebrate Single Parent Day- March 21

This is a The Motherhood paid campaign but all thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Parenting is the hardest position we will ever have in our life.  How we raise our children is crucial, and it has an impact on how they live their life.  I was raised by a single mom, and it was hard on both of us.  When I was young, I never understood why my mom had to work so much and had very little time with us.  Now as a single parent myself I KNOW NOW!  

However, I’m taking a different approach to raising my kids then my mom did and guess what that is OK too!  My mom raised a strong woman who doesn’t give up and strives to do her best.  So raising my kids the best I can is vital to me, I will always put my kids first!  

First thing is you need a VILLAGE!  

We all need support and so build your community. Family and friends are of course who you want in your circle.  Sometimes they can help with picking up the kids or if there an event you are unable to attend then send your Best Friend or Grandparents.  I have parents, single friends who have no children, family and my friends who are all there for my kids! I’m also there for them, too! 

Focus on what you can control

Don’t dwell or feel some way on what the other parent is doing because you don’t control anyone but yourself!  If they miss a visit or broke a promise that is on them not you! Do just you, and that is all your kids want. No need to bad mouth or complain about the other parent that doesn’t do the kids any good.  My mom still does this, and I hate it even now, and I’m in my 40’s! 

Don’t try to be Super Parent

This is hard for me because I thought I had to do it all! No one is going to be upset if there is dishes or bed isn’t made. It’s okay not to have a perfectly clean house.  I rather spend time with my kids than clean anyways.  

Multitask Chores

I do this a lot!  I will fold clothes when I’m watching a movie, or do dishes when I’m making lunches or snacks.  Balance the check book when kids are doing homework.  Just think of things you can do while doing other tasks.  Do all your errands in one day, delegate chores to the kids; laundry can be taken to the wash house and get it done in ONE DAY!  

Schedule ME TIME

We all work hard and deserve a break here and there.  Whatever you like to do, please DO!  I have a friend that I switch kid swap with and it works out for both of us.  She gets to go out with her husband on a date, and I watch her kids.  Then I get my nails and hair done while she watches my kid.  

National Single Parent Day is on March 21, and Georgia-Pacific’s Angel Soft® toilet paper brand is launching a poignant video that shares the stories of three single parents and how they have overcome incredible odds through raw, personal interviews.  Then it culminates with a granted wish that will help make their everyday lives a little easier. 

VIDEO:

DID YOU KNOW THESE FACTS:

U.S. Census Bureau 

• There are 12 million single parent families in the U.S.
• Eighty-four percent (9.8 million) of single parent households are single mother families and
• 16 percent are single father families.
• The 2013 median income for families led by a single mother was about $26,000, one-third the median for married couple families ($84,000). Nearly half of single mother households have an annual income less than $25,000. Thirty-nine percent of single dads have an annual family income of $50,000 or more.

SingleMotherGuide.com

• The annual cost of center-based infant care averaged more than 40 percent of the state median income for a single mother.

Whether someone is a single parent themselves, were raised by one, or has been touched by one personally, Angel Soft wants to honor these everyday heroes and is asking people to share the video to honor the single parent in their life.

Please Follow Angel Soft on Facebook – this way you can know what is happening and keep up with their updates! 

The National Single Parent Day campaign is supported by social, digital and advertising activations to help build awareness for National Single Parent Day while encouraging people to recognize the single parents in their lives. The National Single Parent Day video is the latest iteration of Angel Soft’s “Be Soft. Be Strong” initiative which highlights the softness and strength of all types of families to handle life’s circumstances.

Let us know your tips on being a Single Parent or do a shout out to a Single Parent! 

#SingleParentsDay