How do I manage to work and look after my children?

caroline /coach

One of hardest things for single parents is managing work and still looking after their children. Single parents who are doing paid work are really doing two jobs and this can be hard to manage.

Some things which can make going back to work easier include;

• working part time

• finding childcare, if you have pre school children this is essential but if your kids are in school then you may need to use after school and holiday
care

• getting other people to help out such as family, ex partner or friends (this will depend on who you have around you and how helpful they are!)

You can reply to this post to tell us about your experiences of working as a single parent , talk about your concerns or ask for some advice.

Caroline - One Space Career Coach

Posted on: November 10, 2008 - 9:48am

ficurnow

I can only manage the juggling act because I work part time (27 hours a week) and term time - I was lucky enough to land a job as a school secretary. But do you know how difficult it is to get a term time contract :lol: ? Hen's teeth doesn't even come close it!!

If the government are so eager to get single parents back into work why don't they support REAL flexible working arrangements? Before / after / school holiday clubs (where they excist!!!!) aren't the total answer - we deserve to be able to spend the time with our kids while they're still kids. Fi x

Posted on: November 15, 2008 - 1:01pm

caroline /coach

Hi there

I agree with Fi, it is difficult to get term time work arrangements but not impossible. Why not try educational institutions such as colleges and universities, there are at their busiest in term time and often welcome term time only working. This also applies to working in schools! And remember there are other jobs in schools as well as teaching such as learning mentors, learning support assistants and office staff.

Caroline
One Space Career Coach

Posted on: November 24, 2008 - 10:29pm

gennyjones

When I used to work full time my biggets challene was childcare. Initially I used an aupair which worked out well. I latter on worked part time and was able to take the children to school and pick them up after school, but I still was not satisfied with things

In January i started my own company as a bookkeeper and a confidence coach and things have worked out well. I am able to work aroud the school run and activities. I do a lot of my work at home and in the evenings when the children are sleeping. I also have 2 other lone parents who I am going to train to run their own bookkeeping business from home as well in this way I will have a strong network of bookkeepers who can support each other. I still manage to have time for myself, work,and the children.

I know its not easy at times, but with great planning and building a supportive network of other parents I find this can be very useful. With my group of parents we help each other and i can go ut on occasions knowing that they will be safe in the hands of one of the grou members.

Have a great day

Posted on: March 5, 2009 - 9:48pm

Louise

Parenting specialist

Gosh Genny you sound mega-busy! it's amazing how much organisation is required to be able to do these things, so well done you!

I agree that childcare must be one of the biggest challenges for working parents, whether single or not

Louise :?

Posted on: March 6, 2009 - 8:45pm