Managing work and kids after a divorce can be one of the most challenging aspects of your post-split life. You've left a relationship but aren't always sure how to handle being alone. And now you must deal with the fact that your kids are sad about their parent's separation—and may even be acting out because of it! Here are some tips for making things easier for both you and your children during this challenging time:
Create a schedule that works for everyone:
Once your schedule is in place, it's essential to stick with it. Your children will benefit from having a daily routine and knowing what to expect. But if something happens or one child needs more attention than usual, don't be afraid to change things around.
Certain days work better for everyone than others--say there are extracurricular activities on Fridays and Saturdays that take up most of your time (and maybe even into the evenings). Or Saturdays are better because they offer more opportunities for playdates or other social activities than other weekdays. That's okay! It's all about finding what works best for everyone involved and ensuring everyone has enough time together without feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities at home and outside of school/work/etcetera.
Don't be afraid to ask for help:
Feel free to ask for help. You may feel like you need to do everything independently, but that's only sometimes realistic. If you have friends or family willing and able to help with babysitting, household chores, and other tasks, take them up on their offers. Your kids will benefit from having extra attention from other adults in their lives.
You can also ask your ex-spouse if they would be willing to watch the kids occasionally so that you can go out with friends or get some much-needed adult time on your own-- make sure it's something both parents agree upon first!
Be flexible.
Flexibility is critical when it comes to managing work and kids after divorce. Feel free to change the schedule, ask for help, and call in sick when needed. Being flexible will make your life easier in the long run and help keep things running smoothly at home with your kids.
Introduce your kids to their new routines.
Introduce your kids to their new routines.
Explain to them that you are doing your best and ask for their help.
Be patient and calm; this can be challenging for everyone involved.
You can do this. You are a great parent with the strength to endure this time. You can be the best parent for your kids, even if they aren't living with you full-time.
There are many ways to balance work and kids after divorce. The most important thing is to remember that you can do it! Remember to create a schedule that works for everyone, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. It's also important to keep things flexible so everyone feels comfortable in their new routine. Introducing your kids to new ways can be challenging but will pay off in the long run as they adjust more easily over time.
Please Remember to take care of yourself!
xoxo
Erin