Finding Time for Yourself As a Single Parent: A Gentle Guide

The Invisible Weight of Doing It All

If you’re a single parent of a child between the ages of 6 and 12, chances are your calendar feels like a never-ending to-do list. Between getting through homework meltdowns, attending school meetings, preparing meals, answering big life questions, and managing financial or emotional burdens on your own, carving out time for yourself may feel like an impossible luxury.

But here’s the honest truth—your well-being is not a bonus; it’s a necessity. When you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and constantly in “parent mode,” it’s harder to show up for your child in the ways you want to. Making space for even ten minutes of genuine rest, personal pleasure, or quiet reflection can be transformative. But how do you find those moments when everything already feels stretched so thin?

Rethinking What “Time for Me” Really Means

As a solo parent, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that self-care means booking spa days or weekends away—things that might feel totally out of reach. Instead, think of “time for me” as permission to exist outside the role of parent, if only briefly. This could look like:

• Watching your favorite show after your child is asleep without guilt
• Reading a few pages of a book, not because it’s productive but because it nourishes you
• Stepping outside for five minutes of silence while your child is occupied
• Letting yourself cry if the day has been too much—and recognizing that moment of release as valid self-care

Self-care isn’t a destination. It’s a decision, made over and over again in small, sustainable ways.

Let Go of the Superparent Myth

You’re not failing if you take shortcuts. Parenting alone is a labor-intensive reality, and pretending you have endless energy doesn’t help anyone. Dinner doesn’t have to be cooked from scratch every night. Your child can wait a minute while you text a friend back or simply breathe. Releasing perfectionism makes room for peace.

One of the most challenging parts of solo parenting is the constant mental load: remembering homework deadlines, dentist appointments, grocery lists, bedtime routines, and your child’s evolving emotional needs. This is especially intense when your child is facing school-related stress or learning difficulties.

In moments when you feel stretched too thin, ask yourself: What matters most right now? It’s okay to say, “This can wait until tomorrow.” Real rest often begins with what we let go of, not what we add.

Creating Micro-Moments of Calm

If you’re waiting for a block of free time to magically appear, you may be waiting forever. The hustle of single parenting means you’ll likely benefit more from intentionally designed micro-moments of calm sprinkled throughout your day.

For example, while your child is focused on their homework—or listening to a story—you could step into another room with a cup of tea, put on relaxing music, or simply close your eyes for a few peaceful minutes. If you'd like help creating this space, consider using the iOS or Android version of the LISN Kids App, which offers enriching audiobooks and original audio series for children aged 3 to 12. While your child enjoys a calm, imaginative story, you can reclaim a few vital breaths of quiet.

Structure That Supports Both of You

Children, especially those experiencing academic or emotional stress, thrive on structure they can count on. And so do parents. Try creating a daily rhythm that includes dedicated reset moments—for both of you.

For instance, establishing a peaceful bedtime routine can give you a few moments of decompression in the evening. If that’s a challenge, this walkthrough on creating a peaceful bedtime routine might help. The key is consistency that still allows for breathing room, not strict scheduling that adds pressure.

Your child may need structure for their homework as well. If that’s a stress point in your household, our guide on organizing homework time without stress offers realistic suggestions tailored to single parents.

Asking for Help Is Strength

Even if you don’t have a co-parent involved in the daily grind, help can come in many forms: a neighbor who can watch your child for an hour, a friend who listens without judgment, another single parent you trade time with. Help can even take the form of digital support—thoughtful media that holds your child’s attention and nurtures their imagination without relying on screens.

You don’t have to go it alone. In fact, you shouldn’t.

If your child is grappling with complex emotions about family dynamics, our article on helping children cope with family separation might be a valuable read. And if you're looking for ways to connect and uplift your child during hard times, look into our reflection on how to praise and motivate your kids.

Start Small, and Keep Going

If you remember nothing else from this article, remember this: Even five minutes of intentional pause in a day matters. It may not seem like much, but stacked over weeks and seasons, these moments become the foundation of your resilience.

Caring for your child means caring for yourself. You are worthy of rest, of joy, of bursts of laughter and calm amidst the noise. Time for you doesn’t have to wait until everything else is done. It starts right here—moment by moment.