Managing Your Schedule as a Single Mom by Courtnaye Richard

Life sometimes can get pretty hectic and busy, especially when you’re trying to raise your child alone. Outside of taking care of the home front, you’re busy scurrying around trying to get your child or children off to school or daycare, while trying to make sure that you start your workday on time. And even if you work from home or homeschool, it’s pretty much the same with trying to kick your day off right. I’ve totally been there before as a fellow mom. But guess what? I’m here to assure you that you can manage your schedule well as a single mom.

When I was a single mother, I had to carry the load alone and it was tough at times. However, through prayer, reading my Bible, and surrounding myself with other encouraging moms, that power-packed combination helped me to keep going on when I felt discouraged, lonely, hurried, depleted, or unmotivated. Actually, this blend became a part of helping me manage my life and schedule better as a single mom, along with a few other practical methods that I’ll share with you in just a bit.

But for now, I have a quick question for you. Who in your life keeps you encouraged, preoccupied, unhurried, energized, and motivated as a mom? Think about that for a moment. After you reflect, equip yourself with a few tips that I’d like to share with you about managing your schedule well as a single mom.

TIP 1: PLAN YOUR DEVOTIONAL TIME

Consider when would be the best time to have your quiet time with God. If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, prepare the coffee or tea pot before going to bed the night before (this is a part of my morning routine and I absolutely love it). This will give you a few extra minutes in the morning. Also, decide ahead of time what you would like to read. Journaling is also a refreshing practice first thing in the morning, as well as taking time to pray and prepare for the day ahead.

TIP 2: PREPARE YOUR DAY'S WORK

Whether you work in the office or from home, prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for your day ahead. Consider or look at your schedule the night before and plan accordingly. Start thinking about or laying out what needs to get done. Also, check to see if you have any deadlines that need to be met, reports that need to be run, or special projects that need your attention. Do you need to run a load of dishes or start laundry? In any case, prepare to be ready to take on each task with determination, dedication, and diligence. These are all good disciplines as you prepare for your workday.

TIP 3: PLAN TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH YOUR CHILD

Before you get into the new week, plan to intentionally spend quality and focused time with your kid(s). The reason why I say “focused” time is because we all (including children these days) can be distracted and unfocused with our cell phones. There is so much vying for our attention such as text messages, emails (Yep! On the phone, too), social media, and even calls. So, be intentional. Plan to watch a movie, play a board game, do a puzzle, talk, go out to eat, lay down and dream together, read a book out loud, and pray together. Take some time to incorporate quality time in your schedule with your kids, even if they are teenagers.

TIP 4: SCHEDULE SOME TIME ALONE OR WITH FRIENDS

Pencil in some “free” time just for you during the week or weekend. It’s important to take care of “you” while you do life as a single mom. Sometimes, I would arrange for my son’s father or grandparents to give me a break from time to time. Trust me. I needed it! And I’m sure you do, too. If you don’t have family to help, reach out to a church member, co-worker, or hire a babysitter that you trust to lend a helping hand. This will give you time to get away for a little bit to have lunch or dinner with a friend or do something that you enjoy. Placing this time into your schedule can be so life-giving!

Managing your schedule as a single mom takes thought and preparation. It also takes intentionality and proper planning. When your schedule is managed well, it can bring so much peace and calm instead of feeling frazzled and frustrated. It can bring structure when it seems like things are all over the place. It can help you bring your priorities into proper alignment. I love the wisdom from Proverbs 21:5 that encourages, “Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.” Plan ahead, momma!