50 Hacks to Master Work-Life Balance as a Single Parent

Hey there.

As a single mom of three, balancing work, caring for my kids, and looking after myself can be challenging.

Things got even more complicated when my parents got very ill. Dealing with their illnesses and responsibilities on my own left me feeling worn out and overwhelmed.

It wasn’t until I hit a breaking point that I realized I needed to change my life. That is when I decided to enroll for a health coach program and started making small changes to regain control of my life.

These 50 hacks helped me transform chaos into balance, and I’m confident they can help you, too.

Work-Life Balance Hacks

Managing my time was a big challenge. I had to juggle work, taking care of my kids, and looking after myself, so I had to find a way to bring some order into the chaos.

Here are some things I found helpful:

#1: Time Blocking

I found that structuring my day with time blocks gave me control over my schedule. I allocated specific hours for work, family time, and self-care each day.

Learn more about the power of time-blocking here and get your FREE Time Blocking Template now.

#2: Set Boundaries at Work

I’ve learned that knowing when to say no at work is essential. I’ve started setting specific work hours and logging off entirely once the workday ends.

#3: Use Task Management Apps

With so much to keep track of, I began using apps like Todoist to organize my to-do lists. This cleared mental space for more important things.

#4: Wake Up Earlier

Though I was often exhausted, waking up 30 minutes earlier gave me the quiet, personal time I needed to plan for the day ahead.

#5: Create a Morning Routine

I started my mornings earlier with stretching or meditation, setting a positive tone for the day. To start a morning workout routine check here.

#6: Delegate Responsibilities

I had to learn to stop trying to do everything myself. I assigned chores to my kids—even small tasks like folding laundry or helping prep meals made a difference.

#7: Plan for Interruptions

Life as a single parent is full of interruptions. I built buffer time into my schedule, allowing for those inevitable moments when things don’t go as planned.

#8: Use a Weekly Planner

My planner became my lifeline. It helped me track personal and work-related goals and gave me a sense of accomplishment when I ticked tasks off the list.

#9: Automate Tasks

One small but impactful change was setting up automatic payments for bills, saving me the stress of managing finances manually.

#10: Log Off Completely After Work

I logged off and turned off notifications when work was done. My kids deserved my full attention during our evenings together.

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Stress Management Hacks

I struggled with burnout for years—especially during my parents’ illness, my divorce, and while juggling work and kids. Managing stress became a priority for me.

#11: Engage in Creative Hobbies

I rediscovered my love for painting and writing to release stress. Learn more about wellness hobbies here.

#12: Mindful Breathing

In moments of overwhelm, I pause and take deep, slow breaths. It was an easy way to calm my mind in chaos.

#13: Gratitude Journaling

I wrote down three things I was grateful for every night. It helped me focus on the positives, even on difficult days.

#14: Mindfulness

Staying present was challenging, but I practiced mindfulness throughout the day. Whether enjoying a cup of tea without distractions or playing with my kids, being in the moment made me feel more grounded. I learned about the concept of dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing, and started living my life more intentionally.

#15: Daily Breaks

Working from home during the pandemic blurred the lines between work and family. Regular breaks to stretch, walk, or step outside kept me sane. Plus, it is good for optimal vitamin D level.

#16: Set Realistic Expectations

I had to let go of perfection. Realizing that some days would just be ” good enough” saved me from unnecessary stress.

#17: Unplug Before Bed

I used to spend my nights scrolling on my phone, but I started unwinding by reading instead. This gave my mind the rest it needed. Mindful reading tips here.

#18: Plan Mini-Vacations

Even if it was just a day trip with my kids, planning small getaways helped me recharge. Mini vacations have been my jam after separation. They are realistic and not as overwhelming as regular vacations, providing me with an opportunity for self-care and healing.

Learn more about 8 self-care strategies after separation here.

#19: Join Support Groups

Connecting with other single parents through online support groups was life-changing. It made me realize I wasn’t alone.

#20: Use Meditation Apps

I started using meditation apps like Calm for short sessions whenever I felt overwhelmed.

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Parenting Hacks

Parenting became even more challenging after losing my parents and going through a divorce. I needed to find ways to help my kids adjust to our new normal.

#21: Create a Homework Station

I set up a dedicated area for my kids to do their homework, which helped reduce the chaos of schoolwork. See DIY tips here.

#22: Set a Homework Routine

Establishing a set time for homework made it easier to manage the after-school rush.

#23: Break Down Homework Tasks

When my daughter felt overwhelmed by significant assignments, I taught her to break them down into manageable steps. Explore homework strategies.

#24: Involve Kids in Meal Prep

I included my kids in meal prep, making it a bonding activity that taught them valuable life skills.

#25: Reward Completed Tasks

Rewards like extra screen time or a treat after completing homework motivated kids to engage and finish their tasks.

#26: Teach Independence

Encouraging my kids to work independently was a game-changer. It freed up time for me while also boosting their confidence.

#27: Make Learning Fun

We turned weekends into learning adventures by visiting parks or museums. Check out these 30 weekend activity ideas for you and your kids.

#28: One-on-One Time

I scheduled one-on-one time with each child, even if it was just a 10-minute conversation, to connect with them. As a single mom of three, I recognized the kids’ need for one-on-one time during sick days and started practicing it whenever possible. It is such a small act from my side, and it means the world to them.

#29: Limit Distractions During Homework

We turned off the TV and phones during homework time, significantly impacting their focus.

#30: Use Visual Timers

Setting a timer helped my kids stay on task during study sessions.

Health & Wellness Hacks

I neglected my health during those early years of juggling work and kids. It wasn’t until I went through my health coaching program that I understood how vital it was to prioritize wellness.

#31: Prioritize Sleep

Setting a consistent bedtime for both myself and my kids helped regulate our moods and energy levels.

#32: Boost Vitamin D

After working indoors for long hours, I felt depleted. I made it a habit to spend at least 15 minutes outside each day. Depending on my schedule, it would be in the morning, and some days, it would be during a break from work.

#33: Eat Omega-3 Rich Foods

I noticed a massive difference in my stress levels once I started incorporating foods like salmon and walnuts into my diet. I am a nutritional health coach, and I have been exploring burnout-fighting foods and their effect on my mood for years. Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids is also super good for emotional recovery.

Learn more about food and mood in the following articles:

#34: Daily Exercise

I started small, with just 20 minutes of yoga or walking a day, which helped me mentally and physically.

#35: Stay Hydrated

Something as simple as drinking more water made a world of difference in how I felt throughout the day.

#26: Batch Cooking

Cooking in bulk on weekends saved me so much time and reduced the stress of figuring out meals during the busy week. Find meal prep hacks here.

#37: Use Functional Foods

Foods like leafy greens and nuts improved my focus and energy levels. Check out the functional foods guide.

#38: Snack Smart

I always had healthy snacks like almonds or yogurt to keep my energy steady.

#39: Stretch Regularly

Stretching throughout the day kept my body from getting too stiff, especially when sitting for long periods while working.

#40: Create a Self-Care Routine

I made self-care a daily habit, even if it was just five minutes of skincare or quiet time with a book.

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Financial Hacks

#41: Automate Savings

Automatically transfer a portion of your paycheck into monthly savings. For financial balance tips, check here.

#42: Track Your Spending

Use budgeting apps like Intuit Mint to monitor expenses.

#43: Plan for Inflation

Adjust your household budget to accommodate rising costs. For budgeting during inflation, read the article here.

#44: Build an Emergency Fund

Set aside three months’ emergency living expenses.

#45: Pay Off High-Interest Debt

Focus on paying down high-interest loans to reduce financial stress.

#46: Reduce Impulse Purchases

Plan major purchases and wait 24 hours before buying non-essentials.

#47: Create a Budget

Develop a realistic budget that includes savings, bills, and recreational spending.

#48: Meal Plan on a Budget

Plan meals that are affordable and healthy. Meal prep on a budget.

#49: Look for Deals and Coupons

Use apps like Honey or Rakuten to find deals and cashback offers.

#50: Track Utility Usage

Be mindful of water, gas, and electricity usage to save on bills. For more financial hacks for parents, check out my complete list of 35 money-saving hacks.

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In my journey as a single mom, I’ve learned that balance is less about perfection and more about resilience. I didn’t get everything right from the start—I stumbled many times. But by making small changes, focusing on my well-being, and staying present with my kids, I’ve created a manageable and joyful life. These 50 hacks helped me get there, and I hope they make your life a little easier, too.