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Being a single parent is akin to doing two jobs at once, even if you do share custody with your ex. It is all too easy to drop off the social register and concentrate solely on life’s necessities – children and work. It is important to remember however, although you will always be a Parent first, being You should come a very close second! Subscribe to Type-A Mom articles

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So put yourself on your “To Do” list – here’s how!

• Create a Baby Sitting Circle. Everyone with kids need some down time, whether they are single or not, and the cost of a babysitter can be prohibitive. Enlist a small group of trusted friends, and issue everyone with several tokens, such as coins. These will now become payment for, say, 3 hours of babysitting. You can “spend” it within the group, and “earn” it as well!

• Strengthen your support network…don’t cut yourself off from friends, just because they are couples or child free. We all need a helping hand or shoulder to cry on…your friends may need your help too one day, so if you stop talking you could all be missing out.

• Create a “To Do” list. Write down as many things you can think of you have never done…riding a horse, learn a new language, hot air ballooning, planting a tree, whatever it may be, big or small. Email it to your friends, ask them to make suggestions. You will be surprised how many want to join you! It is a great way to create new and positive experiences for yourself (and your kids if you like) as well as re-enforcing friendships and making lots of new ones. You could even unearth a previously undiscovered talent!

• Join some online discussion groups. There are many websites dedicated to parenting, such as our Typeamom site, and they nearly all have chat rooms attached. This is great if you lack confidence, as you can think about what you want to say in your own time - no pressure! Plus there will always be someone online to chat with, when ever you need it. (remember though, chat safe…no names, no details)

The most important thing to remember is that to be a positive role model for your kids, they need to see you living a healthy, full life…and this won´t happen if you hide yourself away. Get out there a live a little…it needn’t cost the earth, and you will be a happier, more confident parent because of it!