How to Get Organized as a Single Mom

As a single mother, staying organized—especially with little ones running around—can feel overwhelming. I often find myself caught in a cycle of frustration, dreaming of the perfect Pinterest-worthy home while juggling a million things at once.

 

But let’s be real—it’s chaos. Toddlers are always moving, always learning, always growing. Trying to keep everything perfect only adds unnecessary pressure. Instead of striving for perfection, take it one day at a time. Enjoy your little ones, clean up what you can, and for the rest? Get to it when you can.

 

If you’re looking for practical ways to stay organized as a single mom, here are a few tips that have helped me:

 

1. Make a Schedule

Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes time for work, errands, and quality time with your kids. Having a structured plan helps you manage responsibilities while ensuring you don’t miss out on meaningful moments with your children.

 

2. Use a Planner or Calendar

Keeping track of important dates, appointments, and deadlines is essential. I personally love Google Calendar, but I’m also a big fan of good old-fashioned paper planners. Use whatever works best for you to stay on top of your tasks and commitments.

 

3. Prioritize Your To-Do List

Not everything needs to get done at once. Start by listing your tasks in order of importance. Focus on the most pressing ones first, and work your way down. If a task feels particularly difficult, I like to tackle it first to get it out of the way—then I move on to the rest.

 

4. Try to Delegate When Possible

If you have older children, involve them in small tasks. If you have family nearby, lean on them for support when needed. And if hiring help (like a babysitter or cleaning service) isn’t in your budget, don’t be hard on yourself if you can’t get everything done. Do what you can, and give yourself grace for the rest.

 

5. Create Small Organizing Habits

A cluttered space can add to your stress. Try setting aside just 15 minutes at the end of the day to tidy up—whether it’s clearing your desk, resetting your living space, or prepping for the next day. Small, consistent efforts go a long way.

 

6. Practice Sabbath and Rest

For the past two months, I’ve been faithfully observing a weekly Sabbath, and let me tell you—it has been a game-changer. Taking intentional time to rest and recharge has helped me manage my stress and energy levels. Prioritizing rest (including enough sleep) allows you to be more productive and present for your kids.

 

7. Be Flexible

Life happens. Unexpected changes will throw off your plans, and that’s okay. The key is to stay adaptable and open to new strategies. The more flexible you are, the easier it becomes to handle life’s curveballs.

 

Final Thoughts

Being a single mother comes with its challenges, but with the right tools and mindset, staying organized is absolutely possible. Prioritize what matters, delegate when you can, and take advantage of resources like support groups and technology.

 

Remember, small changes make a big impact. By creating routines that work for you and your family, you can reduce stress and bring more balance into your daily life. So take a deep breath, give yourself grace, and start implementing these tips to make life as a single mom more organized and enjoyable. 💛

Weekend Activities to Enjoy with Your Toddler

Hi Mommas, 

Weekends are the perfect time to bond with your child and create unforgettable memories. Engaging in fun activities not only promotes a healthy relationship between you and your child but also helps them develop various skills. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to prioritize quality time with your child, and cherish the moments spent together.

There are plenty of fun and educational activities you can do with your toddler over the weekend. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Visit a park: 

   Take your toddler to a nearby park for some fresh air and outdoor playtime. You can bring their bikes or balls to play with, or simply let your toddler explore the playground equipment.

    

2. Attend a story time: 

    

   Check with your local library or bookstore to see if they have a story time event for toddlers. This is a great way to encourage a love of reading while also socializing with other children. I recently visited the library to get a library card and found that there was so much to do for kids. The only thing to be mindful of are the homeless. They don't bother just make sure your kiddos don't wonder off out of site.

    

3. Cook or Bake together: 

    

   Choose a simple recipe, such as spaghetties or cookies, and let your toddler help measure and mix the ingredients. This is a fun way to introduce basic math and science concepts while also enjoying a sweet treat or a fun meal.

    

4. Arts and crafts: 

    

   Set up a table with some crayons, markers, and paper and let your toddler get creative. You can also try more involved crafts, such as playdoe time or making a collage.

    

5. Go on a nature walk:

    

   Take a walk through a nearby park or nature trail and encourage your toddler to point out different animals, plants, and insects. You can also collect leaves or flowers to make a nature collage or other craft.

    

6. Visit a children's museum:

    

   Many cities have museums geared specifically towards young children, with interactive exhibits and activities. This is a great way to engage your toddler's curiosity and encourage learning. Be mindful that covid is still real and a lot of these location have gone away with the mask mandate. It is not a good time for you to go away with the mandate as well. Masking up would be my advice to you.

    

7. Try a amusement themed park: 

   We recently visited a park called dig world and my toddler had a blast. He loves construction, so he was able to enjoy and ride on a lot of equipment during his time there. Lets not talk about when it was time to go. Homeboy cut up but we still made it through.

Remember, the most important thing is to spend quality time with your toddler and have fun together!

How to Take Care of Yourself as a Single Mother

As a believer, it is important for you as a single mom to take care of yourself. You should strive to be spiritually, physically, and mentally healthy in order to be the woman God has called you to be.

Taking care of yourself is not selfish as a single mom. It is essential for you to be the best mother you can be. Also, Jesus teaches in Matthew 22: 39 that we shall love our neighbor as yourself. For me, how can I love others if I’m not taking care of self spiritually, physically, and mentally.

 

 

There are several ways a single mother can take care of themselves, including:

1. Prioritizing self-care: 

Prioritizing your self-care can look like like you putting yourself on the calendar and not rescheduling your time unless an serious emergency. This can include taking time for activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as time with God, exercise, therapy, reading, or hobbies.

2. Setting boundaries: 

It's important for single mothers to set boundaries with their children, family, business, ministry, and others in their lives, in order to make time for yourself and your own needs.

3. Getting financial assistance: 

Single mothers may be eligible for government assistance programs, such as food stamps and cash assistance, to help with expenses. If you have a United Way in your city, please call 211 from your phone to see what services may be available to you.

4. Seeking counseling or therapy: 

Single mothers may benefit from counseling or therapy to help them cope with the stress of being a single parent and to work through any emotional issues.

Therapy Tip:

Check with your job benefits to see if you have therapy available as a benefit with your company. Search google for local programs that support therapy fees. Lastly, check with your local church to see if they offer counseling.

5. Building a support system: 

Single mothers can seek out support from friends, family, or a community of other single mothers. To become a member of the You Got This Club, a community for single moms to thrive not survive. Sign up to be added to the wait-list when the membership is available below. 

 

 

 

How can a single mother celebrate valentine's day

I know you can't help not to think of next week and it doesn't have to be a complete doozy not having a partner. It's a lot you can do as a single mom, so don't let your situation take root over you with negative thoughts that you're not worthy. Because you are. You're a mom and a great one at that and that's your superpower. 

 

 This week I wanted to share ways you can celebrate love as a single mother depending on your interests and circumstances. Below are some quick ideas:

1. Have a "girls' night in" with your children and close friends, complete with a homemade dinner, a movie, and fun games or activities. If you have someone who can care for your little one then just make it a Galentine's Day celebration. 

    

2. Planning a special outing with your children, such as going to the aquarium or zoo.

    

3. Treat yourself to a spa day or buy yourself a small gift, such as a book or piece of jewelry.

    

4. Spending time with friends and/or family by planning a day out or a dinner.

    

5. Organizing a special date with her children, such as a picnic in the park or an outing to a museum.

    

6. Volunteering with a local organization to give back to your community. 

Ultimately, the most important thing for you is to enjoy the company of those you loves and to do something that makes you feel good. Always know you're never alone. God is love and he created you in his image. Remember that and show love to others.

From sister to sister

Queen to queen

Mother to mother 

You Got this!

Activities List for Sick Toddler at Home

 Hey Sis!

For the last 2 weeks of January, my son and I have been cooped up in the house due to him being sick. What started off as pink-eye ending up being something I have never heard of. Trying to work from home and care for a sick child is a supernatural task, I know God had to step in for me because my my my. I thank God for his guidance and definitely his strength because Whew, it's been something kind of 2 weeks.

In life, I've learned to roll with and keep pushing (but make sure you are resting too). Caring for a sick toddler can be a challenge, but with the right activities, you can make it a little easier for both you and your little one. When a toddler is feeling under the weather, it's important to keep them entertained and distracted from their illness. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of fun and soothing activities that are perfect for a sick toddler. From reading and art to sensory play and baking, these activities will help your child feel better while they're on the road to recovery. So grab a cozy blanket, grab your little one, and let's get started!

 

 

1. Reading books and telling stories
2. Playing with play dough or modeling clay
3. Doing a puzzle or working on a coloring book. My favorite are $1 Tree coloring books
4. Building with blocks or Lego's
5. Playing dress-up or pretending with dolls or stuffed animals
6. Watching a favorite movie or TV show
7. Playing with cars or action figures
8. Doing a simple science experiment or craft project
9. Playing a board game or card game
10. Having a dance party or sing-along. Be sensitive to your child sickness to make sure this activities does not upset your toddler's tummy.
11. Doing a scavenger hunt around the house
12. Drawing or painting
13. Playing with water and measuring cups in the bathtub
14. Cooking or baking together
15. Having a indoor obstacle course or treasure hunt
16. Building a fort or teepee with blankets and pillows.

I want to add that during each activity, I make sure I am using newspapers, a large post it sheets, or get inexpensive table cloth at the dollar store so all you have to do is pick up items and dispose of them in the trash. 

 

Taking care of a sick toddler doesn't have to be all about medicine and rest. By incorporating some fun and engaging activities into their day, you can help your child feel better, both physically and emotionally. Remember to keep it simple, and focus on what your child enjoys. Whether it's reading a book, playing a game, or baking cookies, these activities will provide a much-needed distraction from their sickness and give you both a chance to bond. Above all, be patient, offer lots of love and cuddles, and remember that the most important thing is for your little one to get better.

If you need a more structured schedule with everything you need to succeed with a sick toddler at home, grab a copy of my Schedule Guide for Sick Toddlers below.

 

 

How To Get Your Toddler To Sleep In Their Own Bed and Room

Hi Queen!

Happy Saturday. I don't know about you but over the years, I felt like a lot of women unintentionally tried to project their issues onto me by telling me that my son would be 12 years old, still sleeping in my bed. I always looked with a side eye, like excuse me “Unh Unh get somebody else to do it” because that never sat well with me. I don't know about you sis but ain't nobody got time to be fighting these kids and the way they sleep. My son sleeps like he's working the field and I don't miss the nights when my back was on fire because of the many kicks I received in the middle of the night.

Let me tell you exactly what I did sis to help you begin to get a betters night sleep. I went straight to prayer and first asked God to help me with this situation sis because he knows me, and he knows my son. We are not the same! I said, father, you're gone, have to help me because I'll be darned if my son is a teenager and still sleeps in the bed with me. And guess what?!?! God did it!!! 

 

With much practice and consistency on my part. The baby boy sleeps faithfully in his room. He sometimes gets it twisted but I guide his butt right back to his room every time. Remember this is a transition and transitions take time. So give yourself and your toddler grace as you transition to this new season of another transition with your toddler.

 

Want to know exactly how to get this done? Let the operation eviction begin.

 

1. Start by making the transition gradual:

I started by putting my son's bed in my room so he could at least get comfortable sleeping in his bed. As soon as he turned 4, I had to put my foot down and move his bed back into his room so the transition could continue. If that doesn't work for you, begin by having your toddler nap in their bed during the day, and gradually move to have them sleep there at night.

2. Create a consistent bedtime routine:

This can be reading a story or having a dance party right before bed. My toddler is super smart so he knows when we do this, it's bedtime and he tries it but he is typically out no more than 30 minutes later.

3. Make sure their room is comfortable:

That's with a comfy mattress, adequate temperature, minimal noise, and warm lights. To make it extra special by adding their favorite character to their bed and room. My son is a spider man person, so spider-man is everywhere and that's ok. As long as he's out of my bed. I am fine with that.

4. Add thunder or rain sounds to their sleep:

 

My son has been sleeping with Thunder and rain sounds since he came out of the womb. So this becomes second nature to his routine at night and always puts him out. This typically helps draw out any outside noises that may come about because they are already on edge for sleeping alone, so hearing something outside could scare them and prompt them to come to your room

5. Give your toddler a sense of security:

This can be by leaving a nightlight on or providing a special blanket or stuffed animal. Also, adding neon warm lights (like the gamers have) was a game changer for me as well.

6. Be consistent and patient:

 

It may take some time for your toddler to adjust to sleeping in their bed and room, but sticking to a consistent routine will help.

7. Try putting the TV on as they sleep:

 

I didn't know but my son is a TV-sleeping toddler. It reminds me of my dad. When we were little and even now to this day. He sleeps with the tv on and the moment you turn it off, he will jump right out of bed. This must be a man’s thing because I know a lot of men that sleep this way but hey it works.

I hope these tips were helpful and please know I am praying for this transaction in your life that God will give strength to get past this difficult transition. I pray over your children that God will give them peace past their understanding. That they may rest well in their rooms and own bed. In Jesus' name, Shalom.

How to Put God First in Everything as a Single Mom

 

Happy New Year! 

Last week I talked about 6 Ways to Prepare for the New Year as a Single Mom. Over the next few weeks, I am going to be breaking down each suggestion I spoke of to allow you to get a better understanding of how you can tackle this year with ease.

The very first suggestion is all about putting God first. We hear so many people say put God first but do we understand how to practically incorporate this in our lives this year? You may ask, What are the steps? Where do I start? What does this look like? No worries queen, I've got you covered.

 

 

Putting God first in everything is a matter of prioritizing your relationship with God and seeking to align your actions and decisions with His will. I have learned he has to come first and I must look to him as a single mother because as we all know, it's not easy.

Here are a few practical steps you can take to put God first in your life:

1. Set aside time for daily time with God, prayer and studying the word for yourself.

2. If you can, look for a church home in your community and get involved in the community of believers.

3. Seek out opportunities to serve others especially when times are tough or you get lost. This always helps me find my way back to the father.

4. Make decisions based on what you believe is God's will for your life, rather than just what will benefit you in the short term. The worst thing you can do is make a mistake and move in haste based on emotion.

5. Surround yourself with people who can support you in your efforts to follow God.

 

 

Remember that this is a process, and it may take time to develop habits that help you put God first in everything. Be patient with yourself and seek guidance from God and other believers along the way.

 

 

From Sister to Sister,

Queen to Queen,

Mother to Mother 

You got this! ✨

 

6 Ways to Prepare for the New Year as a Single Mom

As the year comes to a close, it's a natural time to reflect on all that has happened over the past 12 months. It's been a difficult few years for many, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic affecting nearly every aspect of our daily lives. But despite the challenges we've faced, there have also been moments of hope, resilience, and even joy. As we look back on the year, it's important to remember both the struggles and the triumphs, and to find ways to move forward with gratitude and determination.


Please know you don't have to end the year with the thought of what 2023 looks like.I don't want you to stress or get overwhelmed. It can be simple. If you want to get a head start on your next year, here are a few ways you get ready for the new year as a single mom.


1. Put God first in everything you do:
 

The word of God tells us in Matthew 6:33 (ESV) it says: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” I've learned when I include God in everything, nothing is impossible.

2. Take care of yourself:

Make sure to carve out some time for self-care. This could include things like exercising, spending time with friends, or just relaxing and taking a break from your busy schedule. This week is a great week to do so. Remember, it's important to be kind to yourself and not to try to do too much at once. It's okay to take things one step at a time and focus on what's most important to you.

3. Get organized:

Take some time to declutter and organize your home. This can help you feel more in control and make it easier to find things when you need them and elevate extra stress.

4. Do a faith board and set goals:

Take some time with God to see what he has in store for your new year. Create a faith board. Think about what you want to accomplish in the new year. This could be personal goals, such as exercising more or learning a new skill, or professional goals, such as finding a new job or starting a business. Having a clear vision and goals can help you stay focused and motivated throughout the year.

5. Plan ahead:

Take some time to plan out your schedule for the coming months. This might include setting up appointments, making travel plans, or scheduling time for activities with your children.

6. Create a financial plan:

Review your finances and create a budget for the new year. This will help you stay on track with your spending and ensure that you have enough money to cover your expenses.

I hope these steps were helpful. Here's to a bright and hopeful new year filled with opportunities for growth, healing, and success.

How to Stay Sane as a Single Mom

 

How to Stay Sane as a Single Mom

Hey sis! Happy Friday and Mental Health Awareness month. I don't know about you but motherhood can sometimes get the best of you if you let it. It's a handful and a second job especially if you're a single mother. But guess what? I want to change your perspective today to know that even though you may feel alone, you are not alone, God is right with you.

The enemy use to try and toil with my emotions telling me:

• I was alone.
• I didn't sign up for this.
• That I was being punished somehow.
• That my child was bad.
  

Until one day, the holy spirit had to remind me that:

• I am never alone.
• God got my back.
• I am not being punished.
• My child is a gift from God.
  

Transparency moment: I had to get real with myself and God. I went to God and had a straight up moment with him earlier this year. I said, God you knew I would be here, you knew the outcome of my life before I knew it. I know I have made mistakes but there has to be a better way of living like this in motherhood. I am your daughter but why does this feel so hard and feel defeated? I did not sign up to be worn out, tired all the time, and just feeling completely depleted.

Let me tell you about the power of God! All I felt was the power of God submerged me with his presence and lifted the heavy burden off. I was set free in this area and I can honestly say my mind changed, my heart changed, and motherhood changed because what I once thought was a burden, God was gifting me in real life. This is just one of many posts coming to you sis but know if you have an honest conversation with God about the things He already sees in your heart. God says:

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

With this being Mental Help Awareness Month, below are 3 Ways You Can Stay Sane as a Single Mother

1. Commune with God Daily

This is key to staying sane. Starting your day with God will solidify your foundation on where your trust is. It's a reassuring feeling to have time with your father and even if it's not in the am, there are plenty of options you can commune with him. In your car, at your work desk(if you have a 9-5), on your lunch break, in the bathroom, right now.

2. Take a moment for you

This is yet another key. I remember when I first became a mother. I had no time for myself and was so afraid to ask for support until I got completely burnt out. It's ok to ask for help, its ok to take time for you. Remember, if you aren't good, your family isn't good. Mark 12:31 states to ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” How are you loving yourself?

3. Cover your children in Prayer

This is my favorite. Let me tell you about the authority you have over your child. Our kids are our assignment, they are a gift from God. Covering your kids is probably one of the best things you can do for your children because you can't stop all pain from happening to them but God our father can cover them in ways you couldn't imagine.

I hope these were some helpful tips for you and hope you have an awesome weekend. To get you started on the task of covering. Download the “5 prayers to pray over your children.” It was a game changer for my life. 

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Top 3 Things You Should be Cautious About When it Comes to Your Kids

 

With so much going on in the world like the multiple suicide, death, and kidnapping. I am a true believer, that if we can identify the little things early on in our children's journey, we guide them in the right path. 

 

For the past 2 years, I have set down and began to monitor what my child is watching, looking at, singing, the whole 9. With so many ways the enemy comes in, we as parents should be aware of our kid's eye/ear gates as well as ours. The devil is busy prowling like a lion and he’s especially going after our kid's childhood. God has put me on assignment this year to make you aware of a few things as parents to watch-out for. See below for my top three things so far this month.

1. What they're watching 

YouTube-Kids

I love YouTube but after watching my baby’s screen time over time, I realize that it is not for kids. It doesn't matter how much you monitor or put parental controls on these devices, these kids will either find another way to get to it, or YouTube somehow still shows them similar suggested videos.

My suggestion: Erase the app.

Examples below.

• A man in a dress and an IT figure in a LIVE video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW_doLPMFxo

• Aliens saying Give It to me. Dame tu cosita, ah ah, Dame tu cosita, ah ay. English translation Give it to me, ah ah. This video has over 500 billion views and I'm sure 90% are young kids under 5 years old. 

   

  Though the literal translation of the word "cosita" is innocent enough (it means "little thing"), the chorus of this ditty is dripping with sexual innuendo. Just like the "it" in the English translation given above, "cosita" most likely refers to someone's genitalia, so this song isn't one for the kids but is on YouTube kids. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3EFfS9yLfQ

• Women bent over on a spider-man YouTube video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67yRDVpisj4

2. Cultural Practice

Lately, I have been seeing parents incorporate gentle parenting into motherhood.

Did you know gentle parenting was created by an atheist? Don't believe me? Look up Diana Baumrind https://www.apadivisions.org/division-35/about/heritage/diana-baumrind-biography

I am not here to tell anyone what/how to parent, just want you to research everything that society is making trendy. Remember we are in this world but not of it.

3. British nursery rhymes

Have you ever wondered why a lot of songs come from Britain or are British? Why are songs repeated in history, generation after generation? Well, you wouldn't believe this, a lot of the songs our children are singing at school are depicting death upon them. Some rhymes have multiple meanings but these are a few that stuck out to me during my research over the past 3 years and they are not songs we sing in my home. I don't sing any of the nursery rhymes due to the historic origin of them all. My advice: Do your homework.

• Ring around Rosey- The fatalism of the rhyme is brutal: the roses are a euphemism for deadly rashes, the posies a supposed preventative measure; the a-tishoos pertain to sneezing symptoms, and the implication of everyone falling down is, well, death

• London bridges-London Bridge Is Falling Down” rhyme refers to the use of a medieval punishment known as immurement. Immurement is when a person is encased into a room with no openings or exits and left there to die

• Humpy dumpy- meaning a person or thing that once overthrown cannot be restored.

• Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush- Lucy Locket is about a famous spat between two legendary 18th Century prostitutes. Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush originated, according to historian RS Duncan, at Wakefield Prison in England, where female inmates had to exercise around a mulberry tree in the prison yard.

• Baa, Baa, Black Sheep-a song that alludes to slavery. The reasoning here was that the titular “black sheep” was a reference to African slaves, with the wool referencing them being forced to work on farms

For more research, I love this BBC article on nursery rhymes: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20150610-the-dark-side-of-nursery-rhymes

Again, this blog is not to bash, condemn, or point the finger. I am here to make you as a mother, aware of how the enemy prowls so that the weapon may be formed but you have the ability to not allow it won't prosper. Please take the time to research the things that involve your kids, monitor them, take time with them, and do not allow society to tell you how to raise your child. Ephesians 6:4 states to train them in the instructions of the Lord. Go to God about what to do, not people, YouTube, or the world."Culture can't teach you how to raise a kingdom kid." It'll never work. 

I hope this blessed you. If so, hit me up on IG @zaklgrace and let me know in my DM's.

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