How do single parents do it? My partner and I have just split, Im going to be a single working parent to a 2 year old and 6 year old very soon and the logistics of it scares the crap out of me. We currently share a rental, have no savings and big bills to pay. He is looking for work, i work part time different hours.
How do you sort it out, paying the rest of your bills, moving into seperate homes, sorting out who will have the kids when and where etc.
Im worried about depriving my kids of their father, but its just not working anymore
How do single parents manage
How do single parents manage
Posted in:
Relationships & Marriage, Parenthood Guilt
3 Replies
It gets easier. I can't attest to the going separate ways because I've always been single but these are the things that helped me.
Be realistic about what you can afford rental wise. Look at what you'll receive from Centrelink, how much you earn and do a budget from there. Remember at the end of each lease the agent can up the rent so allow wiggle room, you don't want to have to move every 12 months or find yourself unable to afford rent. Once you get your rental sorted everything goes much smoother. Have a think about if it's realistic to keep working at this time. You might find parenting payment enough until you can find work that's stable hours??
You don't need everything straight away and you don't need brand new.
Plan.
Plan.
Then plan more.
I utilized bill smoothing for gas/electricity and water. Now is a good time to see if you are getting the best deal with your connections.
Pay money out to your creditors on payday by using the pay anyone on your internet banking. $20 a fortnight to Telstra equates to a much smaller bill.
Meal plan, and stick to it.
Shop when you are full, never when you are hungry.
I separated from my husband when I was 6 months pregnant and had a 2 year old. Everything scared the crap out of me. I was planning to go on half paid maternity leave which meant I was concerned about money too. I have to say centrelink payments are more than you think. You'll get single parenting payment and your family tax benefit will go up.
My husband moved into a share house and looks after our kids at my place. I find it fantastic because I actually have allocated time when the kids are not my responsibility and I can plan 'me' time for then.
We have found that since splitting we get along so much better. The kids don't mind- although they are a lot younger so didn't require any big explanations.
Take it one step at a time.... I found if I tried to sort everything out at once I became overwhelmed. Check the bills- see if there is a payment plan... Good luck! You can do this!