How Focusing on Mental Health and Mindfulness Can Help Single Fathers Cope

How Focusing on Mental Health and Mindfulness Can Help Single Fathers Cope

 

Though single mothers still outnumber single fathers, the number of dads raising kids on their own has skyrocketed over the past few decades. The Huffington Post reports a more than sevenfold jump since the middle of last century. If you’re a single dad struggling with the many challenges you face on a daily basis, it’s important to know that you are not alone and it can be done. Millions do it every day. Here, Resilient Child explains how to better cope.

 

Know your challenges are common and workable

 

Single fatherhood is filled with moments of elation, joy, and pride. It’s also filled with moments of I can’t do this and I don’t know what I’m doing. Single fathers often face a unique social stigma - one that can affect the way they parent. Single fathers struggle to be a disciplinarian, but also provide the kindness and understanding that a child expects. A single father has to be everything to everyone, and it can be difficult. Single fathers often struggle to balance their work and home lives, as earning a living and building a cohesive family unit are often at odds. 

 

It’s vital that you know that these are normal struggles. Nearly 100% of single fathers have them. 

 

Know it’s not selfish to take time for yourself

 

Yes, it feels selfish to do anything for yourself. Your children are everything to you and their wants and needs are paramount. You know that you have to sacrifice some in order to enrich their lives. While this is true, there’s something else you should know: you cannot be an effective father if you aren’t in a good place yourself. Sometimes it may even feel easier to neglect your own mental health. But doing what's right isn't always easy; do make time for yourself often.

 

Remember these three things: healthy diet, healthy activity, and help

 

There are three things you can focus on on a daily to weekly basis that will boost your own mental health and make you a better parent. It may not be obvious that your diet affects your mental health but as Harvard Heath points out, your brain can only run efficiently if you give it premium fuel. Eating healthy can be hard for busy families, so check out this list of a few dozen quick and easy recipes the whole family will love. 

 

Beyond that, staying fit and active is a proven way to keep your brain sharp and battle mood disorders. Even short exercises like going for a walk or taking the stairs can add up over time to give you a health boost.

 

And don’t be wary of asking for help - from a friend, parent, relative, neighbor, or a hired hand. You need some alone time to recharge. Don’t feel guilty if you need someone to watch the kids every once in a while. 

 

Be mindful

 

Mindfulness is, at its core, the act of living in the present moment and being aware of it. When you’re practicing mindfulness, you’re not dwelling on the past or winding yourself up with apprehension about the future. Mindfulness is a state of being, but it’s one that can be aided by mindfulness activities and exercises like yoga and meditation - two things any single father should 100% take up. Don’t forget to include your children in this mindfulness venture. They can benefit too. According to the New York Times, being mindful can help to relieve stress and anxiety in kids as well. 

 

Do follow your passions

 

Even in the beautiful chaos of single parenting, going after your dream career is still possible. Following your passions can have a significant, positive impact on your mental health.

 

Have you considered becoming an entrepreneur? Whether you take on a side business or dive in full-time, it can be the ideal solution to many single parent financial woes. As an entrepreneur, you decide when you work and with whom, set your income level, and can scale up or down as need be.

 

If that sounds like a solution you’d like to pursue, first determine what niche market fits your interests. Then think about things like business funding and goals, and determine what structure makes the most sense. For instance, many people choose an LLC for the asset protection it provides. It also allows some tax perks and can scale with your business, whether you add partners, expand to other areas, or what have you. Organizing properly from the start and following the necessary steps for setting up an LLC will set you up for success.

 

There’s never going to be a silver bullet solution to any problem you face as a single father. Everything is a learning experience. What you can do, however, is set yourself up to be healthy and mindful. If you are doing ok, your kids will have a better shot at being ok because you’ll be able to be the best father you can be. 

 

Resilient Child offers helpful articles, resources and tools, including "The Resiliency Toolkit: A Busy Parent’s Guide to Raising Happy, Confident, Successful Children," to help families become more resilient.