Solo Parenting Survival Guide: How I'm Not Just Surviving—But Finding Joy
If you're here, you're probably navigating the wild, beautiful, and exhausting ride that is solo parenting. Maybe your partner is deployed, working out of town, or you’re raising your children on your own. No matter what brought you here, I want you to know this: you're not alone.
I've been solo parenting FULL TIME for nearly two months now while my husband is deployed. And let me tell you—it’s been a crash course in all the things. The chaos, the mess, the exhaustion... but also the surprising joy, strength, and growth.
So today, I want to share with you some real-life tips for surviving solo parenting, and maybe even thriving a little along the way. This isn’t a “Pinterest-perfect” guide—it’s what’s actually worked for me in the real, unfiltered moments of solo motherhood.
This blog contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and affiliate, I will make a small commission on purchases made from links in this blog.
Finding "Me Time" as a Solo Parent
Let’s be honest—alone time feels like a myth some days. But if you can squeeze in even five minutes, it can change everything. For me, that often means getting up a little early (sometimes thanks to pregnancy insomnia—yep, I’m 31 weeks pregnant right now). On those rare mornings when I beat the kids out of bed, I like to sip coffee, read my Bible, or just breathe before the day begins.
And if you're not a morning person? That’s okay. Solo parenting isn't about following someone else’s routine. It’s about finding rhythms that work for you. Sleep matters too! If staying in bed until your kids wake up is what your body needs, then that’s valid.
Tip: Keep a "me time" list on your phone categorized by how much time you have—5, 10, 20 minutes. That way, when a magical pocket of time opens up, you’re not stuck in decision fatigue.
Even better — keep this list off your phone so you’re not tempted to doom scroll when you have those few precious minutes. Something like this planner can help you stay off a screen and keep your life a little more organized too.
Remember: rest is productive. Whether you’re laying in bed, journaling, or watching a show—your rest matters.
Cleaning Tips When You're the Only Adult in the House
Let’s talk cleaning. I’m not a naturally organized person, but having some systems in place has saved my sanity.
One thing that’s worked well: picking one room or one task to deep clean on a specific day. For example, Mondays are for deep cleaning the kitchen. That way, even if the rest of the week gets chaotic, I know the kitchen will never be too far gone.
Laundry? Still a work in progress (honestly, always). But I try to do at least one load a day and have designated folding days to catch up. Batching tasks helps me feel more in control than trying to do everything at once.
Cleaning Hacks for Solo Moms:
Keep cleaning supplies in each bathroom so you can wipe things down while the kids are in the bath.
Focus on one room at a time. Don’t chase clutter from room to room—just place stray items in the doorway and keep cleaning your current space.
Try to get the kids involved—even little ones love to “help.” My toddler cleaned the floor for 30 minutes the other day and was thrilled. Was it spotless? No. Did it help? Absolutely.
I’m a big fan of using dish rags when cleaning because they save money on paper towels (we go through less than one roll a week now). I also find them more effective when cleaning because you can really scrub and clean with them.
Lately I’ve been using a lot of storage like wicker baskets and large glass jars to keep the kitchen counters and pantry organized. I like to keep things simple, and these have helped me keep the clutter more at bay (and looking nicer too).
Get Out of the House (Even If It's Just the Backyard)
Being home all day with kids can feel... claustrophobic. I try to get out of the house 3–4 times a week, even if it’s just to walk around the block.
Our go-to outings:
Library storytime (free and air-conditioned!)
Local parks or splash pads
Church events or moms’ groups
Small road trips to explore nearby towns
If you're in a rural area like me, getting out might mean driving a bit farther. I get it—it's a commitment. But fresh air, a change of scenery, and adult interaction can seriously recharge your mental health.
Pro tip: Always pack snacks. Hungry kids = cranky kids = chaos.
Meal Prep for Sanity (and Future You)
Feeding small humans three times a day while solo parenting is a lot. I’ve started doubling meals whenever I can to stock up the freezer. Even if it’s just extra mac and cheese, Future Me is always thankful.
I’m prepping now for postpartum life, but honestly, having meals in the freezer is a game changer anytime. You never know when you’ll have a rough day and need to skip cooking.
I highly recommend these freezer containers, they are the perfect size for 1 to 2 servings for a weeknight meal.
Build Your Village (Even If You Have to Start From Scratch)
I didn’t realize how important community was until we moved 5 hours away from friends and family. It felt isolating at first—but then I started putting myself out there.
If you’re struggling to find your people:
Try going to the park and striking up conversations with other moms.
Look into local churches, even if you’re just curious.
Check out mom groups or events on Facebook or library bulletin boards.
It’s not always easy. Sometimes people won’t reciprocate, and that’s okay. Keep trying. When you find the right friend who gets it? It's gold.
And if you do have family nearby—even if it’s a few hours away—try to visit when you can. That break, that extra set of hands, that adult conversation... it can refill your cup in ways you didn’t realize you needed.
Simplify with a Toy Rotation
This one’s still a work in progress for me, but hear me out: less is more when it comes to toys. I’ve been donating unused toys and rotating the rest so the kids don’t get overwhelmed or bored.
The fewer options they have, the more they actually play. And bonus: there’s less for you to clean up.
I am a big proponent of not needing fancy things to stay organized — but there are a few products I absolutely love that have helped me keep my sanity:
If you are a LEGO household, I strongly recommend getting this LEGO organizer to help keep you from stepping on them in the middle of the night and/or losing your sanity picking them up CONSTANTLY.
Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Better Than You Think
If you're solo parenting and feel like you're just barely keeping your head above water—I see you. I am you. And I want you to know this: you’re doing enough.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep showing up.
Solo parenting is hard, but it’s also an opportunity to grow, bond with your kids, and discover your own strength. And with a few systems, some support, and a whole lot of grace, you can not only survive—you can thrive.
Have you found a solo parenting hack that changed your life? Drop it in the comments! Let’s build a little community here—because none of us should have to do this alone.