Solo Parenting Tips: How to Cope When You’re Doing It Alone
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Parenting is hard. Parenting alone—whether it’s for a few nights, weeks, or months—is next level. Whether your partner travels for work, works late hours, or is away long-term, solo parenting brings unique challenges and surprising strengths.
But here’s the good news: you’re not alone. So many mums have walked this road, and through trial, error, and a whole lot of spaghetti on toast, they’ve found rhythms that work.
We’ve gathered some of the best real-life advice from solo mums to help you feel prepared, encouraged, and maybe even a little excited for some quiet "me time" once the kids are asleep.
1. Find Your Rhythm
It may feel chaotic at first, but once you settle into your routine, things often flow better than expected. With one adult calling the shots, you can create a structure that suits you and your kids perfectly.
2. Simple Meals Are Sanity-Savers
Frozen meals are gold. If you’ve got time, prep and freeze a few dinners in advance. But don’t stress—some nights it's totally fine to serve baked beans, toast, or pasta with butter. Feed the kids early, get them to bed, then treat yourself to a hot meal in peace.
3. Plan Social Time
The hardest part of solo parenting? Feeling isolated. Plan a few outings or playdates to stay connected with the outside world. Even a chat over coffee or a walk with a friend can lift your spirits.
4. Lower Your Expectations (Then Lower Them Again)
Your house won’t be spotless. The washing will pile up. There may be multiple PJ days. That’s okay. Let go of the pressure to do it all—and remind yourself: good enough is great.
5. Say Yes to Help
If someone offers to help—say yes. And if they don’t offer? Ask. Whether it's meals, babysitting, or even grabbing milk from the store, most people are happy to pitch in—you just have to let them.
6. Evenings Are for You
Once the kids are asleep, give yourself permission to do something just for you. Watch your favourite show, read, enjoy a quiet cup of tea (or glass of wine)—whatever fills your cup. You’ve earned it.
7. Stick to Routine
Routines bring calm and predictability. Bedtime, bath time, meals—keep things consistent. You’ll feel more in control, and your kids will know what to expect.
8. Use Online Grocery Shopping
Skip the supermarket chaos. Order online, save time, and avoid the meltdown in aisle three. Bonus: you can do it in your PJs.
9. One Day at a Time
Don’t count down the days until your partner gets home—it can feel overwhelming. Focus on today. Then tomorrow. You’ve got this.
10. Appreciate the Calm Moments
Many mums admit their evenings are actually smoother solo—fewer distractions, less stimulation for the kids. Embrace the quiet moments when they come.
11. Prioritise Sleep
Sleep is everything. Go to bed early when you can, and do small chores at night so mornings are less stressful. A load of laundry or clean kitchen before bed can make a big difference in how the next day starts.
12. Baby Carriers are a Game-Changer
Need to cook or clean with a baby who won’t be put down? Strap them on and go. Yes, you can mash potatoes while babywearing—many of us have done it!
13. Let Go of Supermum Syndrome
You don’t need to do it all. Let go of the to-do list. Focus on what needs to be done. Everything else can wait. Enjoy your baby, enjoy the moments—mess and all.
14. Dance Breaks Are Therapeutic
When it all gets too much, blast your favourite music, dance like no one’s watching, and let your kids join in. It’s silly, fun, and oddly magical for resetting everyone's mood.
💛 Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Better Than You Think
It’s tough. It’s exhausting. But it’s also empowering. Solo parenting reminds you just how capable, creative, and resilient you really are.
Just do your best. Plan ahead, embrace the chaos, and celebrate the small wins (like a solo trip to the bathroom or drinking your coffee warm). And remember—this phase will pass, and you’re not alone in it.
