Finding Balance as a Single Working Mother

26 September 2025

Being a single working mother might feel like walking on a tightrope—balancing a million tasks while juggling work, parenting, and everything in between. It's no secret that managing all this can be overwhelming. But you’re not alone, and it’s okay to admit that some days are harder than others. The good news? Finding balance is possible with the right mindset, strategies, and a little bit of self-compassion. Let’s dive into practical tips to help you find harmony amidst the chaos.

1. Embrace the Chaos, but Set Boundaries

Let’s face it, life as a single mom is chaotic. From morning tantrums to late-night work emails, it can feel like you’re constantly on a hamster wheel. The first step? Accept that you can’t control everything. Some days will be messy, and that’s okay.

That said, boundaries are your secret weapon. Clearly separate work from family time. If you work from home, establish a “no-work zone” (like in the kitchen during dinner). Turn off work notifications after office hours so you can focus on your kids—and yourself. Remember, no one can pour from an empty cup.

2. Master the Art of Time Management

Time management is like your magic wand—it can turn 24 hours from feeling like not enough to just enough. Start by making a realistic daily schedule. Prioritize tasks with a to-do list, focusing on what’s most important.

A great trick? Chunk your day into blocks. Dedicate the first part of your day to tougher, high-energy tasks (whether it’s a big project for work or helping your child with homework), and save the simpler tasks for when your energy starts to dip. Don’t underestimate the power of saying “no” to things that don’t align with your priorities.

Also, lean into meal prepping! Spending an hour or two on your weekend planning meals for the week ahead can save you valuable time and mental energy during your busiest evenings.

3. Ask for Help and Build a Support System

Supermom doesn’t mean you have to do it all on your own. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. Whether it’s a family member, a close friend, or even a neighbor, don’t hesitate to lean on your support system.

If you don’t have a strong network nearby, consider reaching out to other single moms. Join parenting groups, either locally or online. These communities are goldmines for advice, moral support, or simple reassurance that you’re not alone. You can even initiate carpooling or babysitting swaps to lighten your load.

If finances allow, hiring help—like a cleaner or a babysitter for a few hours a week—can also make a world of difference.

4. Practice Self-Care Without the Guilt

Let’s clear this up once and for all: self-care isn’t selfish. You deserve to take care of yourself, both for your sake and so you can better take care of those who depend on you. Think of it this way—if you’re running on fumes, how can you expect to show up fully for your kids or your job?

Self-care doesn’t have to mean expensive spa days or yoga retreats (though, if that works for you, go for it!). It can be as simple as reading for 10 minutes before bed, sneaking in a quick workout, or enjoying your morning coffee in peace (even if that means waking up 15 minutes earlier).

Make sleep a priority too—yes, it’s easier said than done, but even small changes like setting a bedtime or limiting screen time at night can help.

5. Communicate Openly with Your Kids

Your children might not completely understand the demands of your schedule, but open communication can go a long way. Let them know when you’re focusing on work and when you’ll be available for them. Setting expectations minimizes feelings of frustration for both you and your kids.

For example, you can use visual cues like a colored sign on your office door—red for “busy,” and green for “come in.” Making your kids feel involved in your routine can also foster teamwork. Maybe they can help with age-appropriate chores or contribute to simple meal prep tasks.

6. Let Go of the Need for Perfection

Spoiler alert: Perfection is a myth. The laundry might pile up, the house might be less than spotless, and every meal might not look Instagram-worthy—and that’s beyond okay. When you aim for perfection, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead, aim for progress.

Focus on being present rather than perfect. Your kids won’t remember whether the living room was spotless; they’ll remember the bedtime stories, hugs, and laughter you shared.

7. Learn to Say No Without Feeling Guilty

As a single working mom, your time is precious. It’s easy to fall into the trap of saying "yes" to every request, whether it’s extra work projects, social events, or school volunteer duties. But here’s the thing: every time you say “yes” to something, you’re saying “no” to something else.

It’s okay to turn down that PTA meeting or skip a playdate if it conflicts with your priorities or mental well-being. Think of it this way: you’re prioritizing what truly matters—to you and your family.

8. Celebrate Your Wins—Big and Small

It’s easy to focus on what’s not going right, but don’t forget to celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Did you meet that work deadline while helping your child with their homework? Did you manage to cook dinner tonight instead of ordering takeout? Give yourself a pat on the back.

Acknowledging your achievements—even if they seem minor—can be empowering. You’re doing an incredible job, and taking a moment to recognize that can motivate you to keep going.

9. Focus on Quality Time Over Quantity

It’s normal to feel guilty about not spending “enough” time with your kids, especially if your workdays are long. But here’s the truth: it’s the quality of time that counts, not the quantity.

Even 15 minutes of undivided attention—putting away your phone, playing a board game, or having a heartfelt chat—can create meaningful moments for your child. Let go of the guilt and remember that your love and presence matter most.

10. Develop a Growth Mindset

Finally, try to adopt a growth mindset. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to learn and grow. Maybe that bumpy morning routine teaches you how to stay calm under pressure. Maybe a missed deadline at work reminds you to adjust your schedule.

Life as a single working mom isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about growing through the process. Give yourself grace and remember that every day is a fresh chance to try again.

Conclusion

Finding balance as a single working mother isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely achievable with the right mindset and tools. It’s all about prioritizing what matters most, setting boundaries, and embracing imperfection. Remember, you’re not just managing your life—you’re building a safe, loving environment for your kids and modeling resilience for them. You’ve got this, even on the days when it doesn’t feel like it.

So take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and keep moving forward. You’re stronger than you think—and your kids are lucky to have you.