A Black Mom’s Guide to Intentional Living - All Post
May 01, 2023

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. 💛


April 06, 2023

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!

March 27, 2023

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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. 

 

 

 

Featured Post

Come with me to New Orleans- Nola Vlog