his is a guest blog by Josh Moore.
Check out more stuff of his stuff on DiaperDads.com
It’s no secret that parenting is not only one of the most difficult jobs, but a necessary one. It is on the fathers of today that the fate of tomorrow largely rests. And according to recent data, the number of single fathers has risen considerably in the last two decades. Here are a few tips to stay strong through the hardest times.
ACCEPT THAT YOU MIGHT NEED HELP
Single parents, especially single fathers, often have a difficult time accepting that they might need help. There is often the feeling that one should be able to do it all alone. If one cannot accept that help is sometimes necessary, then it will be even harder to ask for it. However, there are several people that can provide support in your life. Even a little bit helps. Consider starting with asking close friends, colleagues, and people from the community. There are also online resources and nonprofits that provide help and advice to single parents, like:
● Parents without Partners
● National Fatherhood Initiative
● The Fatherhood Project
You may also qualify for various other general assistance programs, including housing, food, and childcare.
LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE
There is assistance out there for single fathers, but one way to ensure a more secure future for your children is through education. Consider going back to school part time for vocational studies or certifications that might help in bettering financial and employment prospects. This is one way to slowly work through securing a future for your child. If money is an issue, there are several scholarship options for single dads as they consider a return to school.
BUILD YOUR OWN BUSINESS
For single fathers, money can be a near-constant concern. But working long hours for an employer can leave you with little time to spend with your children. Is there a solution? Today, it’s becoming more common for parents to start side gigs from home, and with entrepreneurship and homeschooling becoming more commonly accepted, this is definitely a viable option!
As a new entrepreneur, you’ll want to kick off your journey by creating a solid business plan and budget. Setting your company up as an LLC is the next item on your to-do list, and thankfully, it’s easy to register business in Illinoisonline (read: without hefty lawyer fees). This business structure will grant you helpful tax breaks and keep your personal assets protected.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Physical activity and exercise are a vital part of the equation to good health. Keeping an active lifestyle and making time for a few hours of our favorite sport or physical activity can go a long way in terms of health and stress relief. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that physical exercise can help in:
● Weight control
● Reducing cardiovascular disease
● Strengthening your bones and muscles
● Improving mood and sleep
● Improving energy
If you need help getting your physical health back on track, it’s worth it to hire a personal trainer for a few sessions. Along with recommending an exercise regimen, this type of specialist can also help you clean up your diet, which will also boost your mental health.
MENTAL HEALTH
Prolonged stress can have serious effects on your overall health. It can affect your brain and your body. VeryWell reports that chronic stress can trigger long-term changes in brain structure and function. Therefore, mitigating stress and depression is absolutely necessary in order to maintain a balanced life. By improving your physical health by watching your diet and staying active, you’re building the strongest armor against depression and anxiety.
ME TIME
In order to ensure your physical and mental health, you need to set aside some me time. Don’t forget about the hobbies that make you happy. This provides short relief from responsibilities, replenishes energy, fights off stress, and helps maintain a sense of self.The Spruce suggests ways to make this happen, even when it seems impossible:
● Give yourself one night per week
● Take walks when you have a break
● Introduce “quiet time” to your household
Remember that you have the most important and most difficult job in the world. On your shoulders is the weight of a life that needs you. However, neglecting yourself in the process will do no good. Instead, focus on staying positive, ask for help when needed, and take care of your physical and mental health. There will be mistakes, but with love, sincerity, and the right intentions, there is nothing you can’t overcome.
For more helpful advice for all parents, keep up with the blog on ParentingAdvice.net. You should also pick up a copy of site founder Dr. Bethany Cook’s book, For What It’s Worth: A Perspective on How to Thrive & Survive Parenting for more valuable insight.
