Single And Working From Home Without Daycare

Working from home is becoming more and more popular among parents. The most commonly talked about would be moms that work from the home, but there are also dads. The one that I hear the least about? Single mom’s that work from home.

The reality is that it’s nearly impossible to get a work at home opportunity off the ground being the only person bringing in the income needed to support a family. It is possible, though.

I am a work-at-home mom that is single. I don’t have a husband, not even a boyfriend. I’m lucky enough to have my mom helping me. My daughter hasn’t started school yet, she’s home all day long. I don’t have someone visiting to entertain her and she’s an only child. So this is it… what can a single work-at-home parent do to help keep their child entertained and get their work done?

• Frequent breaks. Let’s face it, it’s not going to be easy to get all the work done in one sitting. My daughter is 3 and always wants my attention. She does, however, know how to entertain herself. The moment mom is working, she is playing. I take a break and play with her during the day. I try to schedule it in a way that we have our time and I still have my time to work. In the end it works out for the best. Because of the breaks during the day, once she’s in bed for the night I work straight through the night-time hours to finish up those last things that I needed to get done. Bedtime and naptime can be a wah parent’s friend. Just don’t forget the breaks that will get you there so your child won’t be neglected. I would like to point out this does not mean turning on the TV. However if you’re not anti-tv, one blues clues/dora/or other educational cartoon doesn’t hurt.
• Combine the breaks with mealtimes. My daughter has 4 meals a day, like an average toddler. 3 meals and a snack time. Our time together is meal time with some play afterwards. That way I can work breaks I needed to take anyway into the breaks that give us time together.
• Give yourself a day off, or minimum work day. I haven’t had a true day off in ages. If I am not doing work as an independent contractor, I am working on my website. Thankfully the work I do for others sticks to a Monday through Friday schedule. It only slightly overlaps into the weekends. It’s very light and easy work so I have no problems working it into the other stuff I need to do for my own websites. These things get quickly and are simple to do after my daughter is already in bed. It takes no time so I get that relief of a day off even if it’s not 100% work free. If you work 100% 24/7, you’ll get burned out. Don’t let that happen.
• Get out of the house. With a portable internet connection and a laptop, go outside. Take your child to the park. Get some work done while they play. Fresh air is good for the both of you.

It is possible to work without having someone else to help with the kid(s). You just have to manage your time right. If I can do it, you can too.