Creating a Routine That Works for Single Moms and Dads

26 July 2025

Being a single parent is like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle — oh, and don’t forget balancing a laptop on your head and a toddler clinging to your leg. Sound familiar? You're not alone. Life as a single mom or dad is nothing short of a superhero gig, but even superheroes need a game plan.

Enter: the holy grail of sanity — a solid, flexible routine.

Creating a routine that works for single moms and dads doesn’t have to be a rigid, military-grade schedule. It’s more like building a rhythm that flows with your family's unique beat. Let’s break it down and create a doable, stress-reducing, energy-boosting plan that works for you.

Why Routines Are a Single Parent’s Best Friend

You might be thinking, “Do I really need another ‘thing’ to manage?” Hear me out.

A well-structured routine is like autopilot for your day. It takes the guesswork out of the chaos, minimizes decision fatigue (yes, that’s a real thing), and provides a sense of stability — for you and your kids. When each day has a predictable flow, everyone feels more secure and less overwhelmed.

And let’s be real, a smoother day = fewer meltdowns (from both you and the little ones)!

Step 1: Set Realistic Goals (Perfection Not Required)

Before diving into blocks of time and color-coded charts, take a deep breath and ask yourself:

> What do I need to get through the day without losing my mind?

Make a list of your non-negotiables. That could be getting the kids to school, working full-time, homework, bath time, and — fingers crossed — a solid 7 hours of sleep. Now add in the "nice-to-haves" like a 10-minute coffee break or an evening walk.

The key here is realistic expectations. You are one person doing the job of two. Prioritize, simplify, and leave space for the curveballs (because there will be curveballs).

Step 2: Build Around Anchors, Not the Clock

Forget about trying to schedule every single minute. That’s a one-way ticket to burnout city. Instead, build your routine around anchors — consistent events that happen every day no matter what.

Examples of Anchors:
- Morning wake-up time
- School drop-off/pick-up
- Meal times
- Bedtime routines

Once you have your anchors, you can work everything else around them. It’s kind of like framing a picture before adding the details.

Let’s say your morning anchor is getting everyone out the door by 7:30 AM. Work backwards from there — wake-up, breakfast, getting dressed — and assign flexible blocks of time.

Step 3: Prep Like a Pro (Your Future Self Will Thank You)

Ever notice how mornings feel like a tornado, while evenings are just slow chaos with a snack?

One word: preparation.

Even 15 minutes of prep the night before can shave hours of stress off your day.

Night Before Checklist:
- Lay out clothes (yours too!)
- Pack lunches and backpacks
- Go over next day’s schedule (doctor appointments? assignments due?)
- Set the coffee pot (trust me on this)

If you’re overachieving, meal prep on Sundays and make freezer-friendly meals. You’ll thank yourself every time you dodge fast food for dinner.

Step 4: Delegate Where You Can (Yes, Even to the Kids)

You know how kids love to tell you they’re “big now”? Great — let them prove it.

Even toddlers can help with small tasks like tossing laundry in the hamper or putting away toys. Older kids can do more — think: setting the table, feeding pets, folding laundry. Suddenly you’re not a solo act, you’re a team.

Bonus: They learn responsibility and feel involved. You get help and breathe a little easier. Everyone wins!

Step 5: Nail Down Mornings and Evenings First

If your day were a sandwich, mornings and evenings are the bread — get those pieces right, and the rest holds together a lot better.

Morning Routine Tips:

- Wake up before the kids (even 15 minutes gives you a mental head start)
- Keep breakfast simple — think grab-and-go or make-ahead options
- Use checklists for getting ready — kids love ticking boxes!

Evening Routine Tips:

- Start winding down early (screens off an hour before bed, if possible)
- Use bedtime as connective time — stories, prayers, or just cuddles and chats
- Get everything ready for tomorrow before you crash

Pro Tip: A consistent bedtime routine = better sleep for everyone. And better sleep = better humans.

Step 6: Protect Pockets of “Me Time”

Let’s not sugarcoat it — finding time for yourself as a single parent can feel impossible. But you need it. You deserve it. You can’t pour from an empty cup, remember?

Here’s how to sneak in “me time” without waking up at 4 am or hiring a nanny:
- Trade playdates with another parent once a week
- Let the kids have 30 minutes of independent play while you read a book or scroll TikTok in peace (no judgment)
- Use nap time wisely (sometimes dishes can wait)

Even 10-minute pockets of quiet can reset your mood and give you a much-needed breather.

Step 7: Use Tech to Your Advantage (Seriously)

Technology can be a time-saver if you use it right. Here are a few tools to make your routine smoother:

- Digital calendars (Google Calendar, Cozi) to sync schedules
- Meal planning apps like Plan to Eat or Yummly
- Online grocery delivery (hello, Instacart)
- Reminders and alarms on your phone to keep you from forgetting, well… everything

Set tech boundaries though. Don’t let Instagram steal your downtime.

Step 8: Be Okay with “Good Enough”

Some days, the routine will stick. Other days, it’ll crash and burn — and that’s okay.

What matters most is consistency over perfection.

Don’t beat yourself up if the kids ate cereal for dinner or watched an extra hour of cartoons so you could finish work. Survival mode happens. Come back to your routine the next day. Or tweak it if it’s not working.

Life changes, routines evolve. Flexibility is your secret weapon.

Sample Routine for a Single Parent with School-Aged Kids

Just to give you a head start, here’s a sample routine. Tweak it to fit your flow:

| Time | Activity |
|------------------|-------------------------------------|
| 6:00 AM | Wake up, quick stretch, coffee |
| 6:30 AM | Wake kids, morning hygiene |
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast together |
| 7:30 AM | School drop-off |
| 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM| Work (with breaks/lunch) |
| 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM| Kids at school/aftercare |
| 5:30 PM | Pick up kids/homework help |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM | Playtime or short walk |
| 7:30 PM | Bath, pajamas, wind-down |
| 8:00 PM | Bedtime routine, lights out |
| 8:30 PM | Dishes/tidy up, prep for tomorrow |
| 9:00 PM | “Me time” – Netflix, book, chill |
| 10:00 PM | Bedtime |

Remember, this is a loose guide, not a binding contract. Adjust it to fit your vibe.

Final Thoughts: Routines Are a Love Letter to Your Future Self

Single parenting is tough, no sugarcoating that. But creating a routine — one that works for your life — is one of the best ways to bring calm to the chaos. It gives your child consistency, lowers your stress, and helps you feel more in control of the day.

Don’t worry about doing it all at once. Start small, adjust often, and remember: progress beats perfection every time.

You’ve got this.