Summer survival tips for the single parent
“I’m old enough for camp this summer. Can I go? I can save my allowance, and the church is doing a car wash to help earn money.”
I had this conversation with my son many years ago, and even though he was offering to help, I clearly remember the panic I felt in realizing that summer would soon be here.
As a struggling single mom, I dreaded the stress of summers. Summertime simply meant school was out, evenings were longer, I’d need extra funds, and I’d be worried about how to keep my kids entertained while I was at work.
But I learned a few things about parenting alone while school is out. These tips might help you, too:
They may not be aware of your struggle to provide quality care for your kids. In appreciation for their help, you and your kids can bake cookies to share. Your children can also express gratitude by doing odd jobs, like watering plants or walking dogs, for friends and family.
Discuss day camp and sleepover options with friends and neighbors, and talk to your children’s teachers about reputable summer programs. Research each program until you find one that best meets your kids’ needs and fits your budget. Check camp ratings, state licensure and safety standards — and make sure day camps have procedures in place for dealing with restraining orders and unplanned visits from the other parent.
Ask your children’s minister to connect you with a stay-at-home mom who could help with transportation.
Many cities have free summer concerts in the park or free outdoor movies. Consider the local zoo and see when it has reduced rates. Develop a chore schedule so your kids are done early in the evening, and you’ll have more time to do things together in the community.
You can do crafts, explore in the backyard and enjoy cooking projects together. One summer I took my kids to the paint store and told them they could pick any bedroom color they wanted. We had a blast!
Linda Ranson Jacobs created and developed DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K) and currently serves as its ambassador.
Linda Ranson Jacobs is recognized as a forefront leader in the areas of children and divorce, and single-parent family needs. Having been both divorced and widowed, she was a single mom who learned first-hand the emotional and support needs of broken families, and she developed a strong passion to help meet those needs. As a children’s ministry director, public speaker, trainer, author, and therapeutic child care center owner, Linda has ministered to countless divorcing couples and single parent families and their children. She is the founder of the DivorceCare for Kids program and a regular contributor to many blogs and periodicals. She has written two books: Attract Families to Your Church and Keep Them Coming Back and The Single Parent: Confident and Successful. Linda has re-married, and she and her husband, Bruce, have 10 grandchildren.
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