While some of us may be single parents taking care of our children, others of us have parents, grandparents or other people for whom we have become responsible. When I think about how busy and overwhelming my life can be just taking care of three children, I have nothing but awe and respect for those who are taking care of others as a single parent too! Everything I write here about time management, self-care, and getting help goes double (or triple) for those who are sandwiched in between caring for children and caring for aging parents, grandparents, or someone with a disability.
Since I am not taking care of aging parents or grandparents (like a few friends of mine), nor am I the guardian of a sibling or friend who needs additional care (like another friend of mine) so I cannot offer any wisdom that comes from personal experience. What I can say is that if you are the main caretaker for more than just your child or children, you really need to cut yourself some slack. As a single parent, you are likely holding down a job, caring for a home and then throw in all those additional responsibilities and a person can get quite overextended. Remember that you matter too! You deserve to have some down time, pleasure, a day off, or just to get together with some friends and have a good laugh. From chatting with my uber-responsible friends, I hear how hard it is to carve out time for a bath or a glass of wine, let alone an evening out or good self-care. But it is so incredibly important!
Get help, seek out community and family resources. Of course, there are those people who do not have other family members with whom to share the responsibilities, but there might also be some of you who are not asking for help. There may also be community, neighborhood and church resources that are available if only you ask (they might not know how overextended you are or know how to offer help). Above all, hang in there! Remember that you are only human and can only do what you can do. Just the fact that you are attempting to care for so many people is a feat in itself.
Also: Children and Aging Parents–Are You Caring for Both?
Aging Parents and Holiday Stress–Create Moments of Joy