Being a parent is hard enough, but being single can be even more difficult. If you’re going through a divorce, you might be worried about how you will balance work, child-rearing, and spending time with your child. However, it is possible to navigate this new normal and still have a meaningful relationship with your child. Here are some tips on how to spend more time with your child after a divorce.
1. Make time for yourself
To be the best parent you can be, you must take care of yourself first. This means making time for yourself to relax and de-stress. Whether it’s going for a run, taking a yoga class, or just taking some time for yourself each day, make sure you’re taking care of yourself so that you can be present for your child. Many single parents feel guilty about taking time for themselves, but it’s important to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
You can also use this time to pursue your own interests and hobbies. When you have shared interests with your child, it can be a great way to bond and spend time together. Some single parents find that they have more time to pursue their hobbies after a divorce, which can be a great way to connect with their children.
2. Get involved in your child’s life
One way to spend more time with your child is to get involved in their life. This can mean attending their school events, joining their sports team as a coach, or volunteering at their school. By getting involved in your child’s life, you’ll be able to see them more often and build a stronger relationship with them.
If custody is shared, make sure to communicate with the other parent about your child’s schedule. This way, you can plan your time around when you’ll have your child and make the most of it. But if you don’t have custody, there are still ways to get involved in your child’s life. You can call or text them often, send them letters and cards, and plan special outings when you have time together. If you’d like more time with your child but don’t have custody, talk to an expert child custody attorney about your options.
3. Be flexible with your schedule
Another way to spend more time with your child is to be flexible with your schedule. If you have the flexibility at work, try working from home one day a week to spend more time with your child. Or, if you typically work long hours, see if you can adjust your schedule to have dinner with your child more often. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends so that you can free up more time in your schedule.
But being flexible doesn’t just mean being flexible with your work schedule. It also means being flexible with your child’s schedule. If your child has a lot of extracurricular activities, be willing to adjust your schedule to accommodate their needs. Remember, the goal is to spend more time with your child, so be flexible and go with the flow.
4. Create traditions
More time with your child doesn’t always mean more quantity; it can also mean more quality. One way to create quality time is to establish traditions with your child. This can be something as simple as making pancakes together on Sundays or going for ice cream after school. By creating traditions, you’ll be able to make lasting memories with your child that they’ll cherish for years to come.
For special occasions like birthdays and holidays, try to make an extra effort to spend time with your child. This can mean throwing them a party, taking them on a special outing, or just spending the day with them doing their favorite activities.
5. Have realistic expectations
When you’re a single parent, you must have realistic expectations about your time with your child. Just because you’re not married anymore doesn’t mean you’ll be able to spend every waking moment with your child. You’ll still have work, errands, and other obligations that take up your time.
Don’t put pressure on yourself to be the perfect parent or to spend every day with your child. Instead, focus on enjoying your time together and making the most of it. You’ll find that when you have quality time with your child, it’s more valuable than quantity.
Parenting is tough, but it’s even more challenging when you do it alone. If you’re going through a divorce, it’s essential to make sure that you still spend quality time with your child. By following these tips, you’ll be able to do just that and build an even stronger relationship with your little one.
