How do you reward yourself for coping as a single parent? Do you even take time to?
Single Parenting Rewards
What are they, anyway? Do you find yourself with a little extra time or cash and decide to splurge a little every so often? If so, how do you do it?
In a recent poll, asked single parents what they did to reward themselves. The majority said, reward? What's that? In the hectic, day to day schedule, we forget to give kudos to ourselves for the little things. Like remembering the library books were due and returning them on time. Consistently remembering it's garbage day before the truck rumbles down the road. Scheduling and remembering the vet appointment.
We forget to reward ourselves for the little accomplishments we handle every day. It doesn't have to be a big reward - small ones work too. Some people responded that they treat themselves to take out food. I love to do that when I have a chance - what better way to splurge than give yourself time away from the kitchen?
Another reward people frequently splurged on was things for the kids. I'm guilty of this. I buy things for them, whether it be clothes, toys or little whatnots, I like giving them presents. To see their excitement is worth it for me.
Rarely, we reward ourselves with things actually for us! I can't see myself going out and buying a vacuum cleaner in honor of a house well kept. Booooo-ring. Clothes - maybe. House furnishings - maybe. Necessities - not unless absolutely necessary.
Why is that?
Rewards should be a little, fun break from reality. A vacuum is reality. Ice cream is not.
Take some time today and make a list of your recent accomplishments - whether they are big or small. Find a way to reward yourself or the kids - ice cream, a video rental, pizza. whatever. Have fun. Take time to smell the roses.
