Every morning, I wake up before the sun, not because ISA国际影视传媒檓 an overachiever but because itSA国际影视传媒檚 the only quiet 'me' time ISA国际影视传媒檒l get all day.
I head to the gym before the kids wake up, then use extra space to prepare for my day ahead. This may be journalling, having a meeting with my coach or simply reading with a hot cup of green tea. Never chores. This is my time before my duo awakes.
From there, it's a shift into my other roles. ISA国际影视传媒檓 a single parent to one child full-time, and every second week, ISA国际影视传媒檓 also a parent to another. My life runs in two rhythms: the everyday hum of one-on-one parenting and the joyful uptick when both kids are home. Either way, ISA国际影视传媒檓 the number one go-to for everything: scraped knees, school projects, middle-of-the-night fevers and those hard conversations.
And in between? I run a business, help manage another, work part-time and write for the newspaper.
The truth is, neither role ever SA国际影视传媒減ausesSA国际影视传媒� for the other. Business doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 slow down because someone is sick. My child doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 stop needing me because I have a looming deadline. ISA国际影视传媒檝e taken client calls while folding laundry and sent proposals from the front seat of my car during school pick up.
But ISA国际影视传媒檝e also learned something essential: just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to sustain a business SA国际影视传媒� and my village doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 look like a neat little community.
ItSA国际影视传媒檚 friends who do drop-offs and pickups when my calendar explodes. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 clients who understand if a meeting needs to shift because someone is ill or got hurt at school. It's also a boss who gives flexibility when life throws a curveball. Asking for help isnSA国际影视传媒檛 a weakness. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 a strategy for survival.
Over time, ISA国际影视传媒檝e developed a few simple habits that make this juggling act work and these strategies might help other single parents trying to do the same:
1. Protect SA国际影视传媒渒id timeSA国际影视传媒� like itSA国际影视传媒檚 a board meeting.
Dinners and bedtimes are blocked off. Once the kids are up on weekends, business work comes to a halt. If itSA国际影视传媒檚 on the calendar, itSA国际影视传媒檚 not up for negotiation. In those moments, ISA国际影视传媒檓 not a business owner SA国际影视传媒� ISA国际影视传媒檓 not managing issues outside my home. ISA国际影视传媒檓 just Mom.
2. Build your SA国际影视传媒渧illageSA国际影视传媒� intentionally.
You donSA国际影视传媒檛 need dozens of people. Just a few you can call on for swaps, school runs, or last-minute help. My small circle of friends allows my kids to get to know them better for those times when I'm out of town for work and they may need to stay overnight. Always offer help back when you can.
3. Batch your business work.
Group similar tasks together so you're not constantly switching between SA国际影视传媒減arent brainSA国际影视传媒� and SA国际影视传媒渂usiness brain.SA国际影视传媒� Early mornings can look like deep work time, afternoons for calls, and evenings for family.
4. Learn to say no without apology.
If a commitment steals time from your kids or your core business, itSA国际影视传媒檚 OK to pass. Boundaries are a form of self-respect. Don't overbook yourself in an effort to serve a client before serving your family first.
5. Keep a SA国际影视传媒淧lan BSA国际影视传媒� ready.
Unexpected sick days, school closures or client emergencies will happen. A short list of backup caregivers, quiet activities for kids and flexible work options can save your sanity. I block Fridays. If a day earlier in the week completely turns sideways, I have Friday as my back-up plan for clients and hold space for extra work.
ItSA国际影视传媒檚 not always smooth and problem-free. There are nights I fall into bed exhausted, but most days it's feeling tired in the best way. The kind of tired that comes from building something you believe in while being present for the people you love. When my child curls up beside me at night, or my in-box pings with a thank-you from a client, I realize this is the life ISA国际影视传媒檝e intentionally built and the life that provides so much more for myself and my kids than an income.
ItSA国际影视传媒檚 a life held together by determination, my love for my children and a village of people who make it possible to raise both a family and a dream.
