Joinsupermoms

The Ideal Day Every Single Parent Needs

I call this my single-parenting energizer. Shouldering the responsibilities of two parents in one can be exhausting. Every now and then, give yourself a power up – a boost to your motivation and a reminder of why you love to do this.

Its a single-parenting energizer. And this is my favourite one.

To start with, a few extra minutes in bed, just pondering how restful the night was. I’d roll in bed amidst cloud soft sheets and fluffy pillows and just caress my mattress as it hugs me right back.

Then I want to reach out for the electric kettle nearby and brew myself some lemongrass tea. A tint of honey and a dash of fennel, the smell of lavender barely sweeping through my room.

Now where’s the TV remote and that pot of strawberry greek yoghurt?

I don’t know how the pancakes got to me, but now I’ve got some fig jam, garlic butter, sausages and freshly baked olive bread too. The girls and I make a breakfast mess eating, chatting, gossiping, learning, bonding.

I’d have skipped the lemon cheesecake dessert but I have to walk 30 minutes down the hill to the beach and the walk back home will be uphill.

So here I am on my white sandy beach, having my favourite butter grilled salmon on a bed of garlic mushrooms.

The girls are off saving the world. I feel guilty they’re missing this. We have to do this together tomorrow, I tell myself. They can try the garlic mushrooms; I will have the grilled veggies. But no more salmon without them.

A Sip of My Favourite Drink

Today, the Sangria’s a little tangy, but that’s fine because the fruits have infused just enough sweetness into it.

Someone’s massaging my feet so I can’t run across the beach – just yet. It’s okay, I will nap instead, the beautiful music of the waves of the sea, singing in my ears.

There’s a movie out in cinemas and it’s in 3D. I’ll be going to see it after my 2 hour class. Perhaps I’ll take a few students. If the girls aren’t on a night shift, they’ll come too.

Sinking the Bond In

After the movie, the students go their way. I and the girls divert to the spa because my massage is due and I have to find a place to release my left over energy, not to mention making up for the missed salmon with the girls.

Tonight, shall be another blissful night amidst my cloud of soft sheets. I am thoroughly exhausted, but just the perfect dose for healing infused baby sleep.

This is how I spend my ideal day. If I can schedule a few more, I will. There are other less elaborate ones, I admit. But I love this because it fits perfectly into my Merry Monday routine. It always energises me for at least the month.

This, is my single-parenting energizer of the month. Next month, I may find another. Whatever it is, I promise to make it count.

What’s your single-parenting energizer, and how long does each dose keep you buzzing?