You have to be both flexible and inflexible at the same time--just learn which to be, for what and at the right time.

My children's father and I co-parent amicably for the most part. So, we're open to switching times. He recently coordinated childcare on my weekend with the kids/his weekend to work so I could go to a special event and then switched days with me so I had an extra day to rest up without the kids.

I need to get stronger about saying no when he wants me to join him and the kids on his nights/weekends. I need that time to go to the gym, run errands, clean house, etc. That way when I have the kids by myself, I can focus more on them.

I'm also reclaiming my lunch hour at work as best I can. I run as many errands as I can, go grocery shopping (keep a coleman cooler in the car) or sometimes just chill out at the bookstore.

Leaving on time is hit and miss, but I know when I do, I can stop at the gym for a quick workout before I pick up the kids from afterschool care. That's not going to work when they are at a new school, so something else will need to be worked out next year.

I am a single mom of a 6 yr. old girl. She lives with me most of the time but her father and I co-parent. He fills in when he can if something comes up in my schedule, but I mostly try to schedule my life around my time with my daughter. I don't want to give that up!
Being a working mom is challenging. There are so many things to do for your child to prepare them for school, drs. visits, etc. I am the one who does all of those things, scheduling, etc. So, working full time, only parent in the household (all the chores, etc). and doing most everything for my child with her school, extra-curriculars, planning camps in summer, tutor, etc. It can be exhausting and over-whelming. I get inpatient when I'm stressed, so try to take lots of deep breaths!

This summer, I got laid-off from my job. Finances are a big concern but at least I've had a lot more time with my daughter and I finally feel "caught up" on all those many things that fell through the cracks. It would be wonderful to get a new job with more flexibility to work when I can. I'm considering starting my own business. Let's just say...there are A LOT of challenges to being a single parent, but if you are organized and have a strong network of friends and money in the bank, it is much easier!

I'm a single parent of 8 aging from 22-11yrs and a recent grandmother of a 1 month old. I don't really share the luxury of co-parenting or the help of extended relatives. However, my mother who passed away 6yrs ago was a God sent, she helped me to the best of her ability when it came to my children. There is so many challenges that I endure that keeps my hopes better times to come at an extremely low. But, I do push on with a desire to move forward. I wish I had a more positive support system, its a daily struggle to try and keep my spirits up, my drive to motivate myself can be very draining when I have so many depending on me to be their support. I long for the day that I can provide the needed stability my children need but I thank God for what I can provide. I know everyone has a story so endings good some are not. I long for the moments when my mind is at ease and I have the strength to thank God for all that has been done for my family, for me a young women that could have fallen apart so many times. But for whatever reason I was given enough to keep moving even though there are days I wish I could hide away and no one knew my name. But the divine knows and I long to know what is known before me if I am that privileged.
God Bless All!!!