Let’s be real—solo parenting during your “on” days can feel exhausting. You’re doing the work of two parents with no backup, no breaks, and no one to tag in. The mental load, the logistics, and the emotions all pile on, and it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning.

I’ve been there. And I want you to know two things: 

1. You’re not alone.
2. There are ways to make it lighter.

Here are some of my favorite co-parenting hacks to help you survive—and even thrive—on the hardest solo parenting days. 

1. Batch Prep Before Solo Stretches

 When you know your “on” days are coming, a little prep goes a long way.

• Lay out school clothes or sports uniforms.
• Make sure bags are packed and lunches prepped.
• Do a quick load of laundry so you’re not hunting for socks.

Future you will be grateful you took 15 minutes to set things up.

2. Anchor Routines for the Kids (and You)

Consistency is the secret weapon of solo parenting. Kids thrive on knowing what to expect, and routines make life easier for you too.

• Keep the same bedtime every night.
• Start after-school time with a snack and a reset.
• Protect simple rituals (Friday pizza night, Saturday morning pancakes).

These little anchors create calm in the chaos.

3. Create Pockets of Recharge Time

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Even on solo days, you need breaks—micro-breaks count.

• Let the kids watch a show while you sit in silence.
• Set them up with a craft or a Lego challenge so you can drink your coffee hot.
• Step outside for a quick breath of fresh air while they play.

Recharge time doesn’t have to be big. It just has to happen.

4. Divide the Day Into Zones

Looking at a 12-hour solo stretch can feel crushing. Instead, break it into smaller, manageable “zones”: 

• Morning: breakfast, school prep, drop-offs.
• Afternoon: homework, playtime, activities.
• Evening: dinner, bath, bedtime.

Mentally, it feels lighter when you only focus on one zone at a time.

5. Ask for Micro-Help

You don’t have to do it all alone. Support doesn’t have to mean a full-time nanny or family member—it can be small but meaningful.

• Swap pick-ups with a neighbor once a week.
• Ask a friend to host a short playdate.
• Use grocery delivery for one less errand.

Little bits of help free up big mental space.

Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Better Than You Think 

Solo parenting days are heavy—but they don’t have to break you. With preparation, routines, recharge time, and small shifts in how you approach the day, you can make it manageable (and sometimes even enjoyable).

Remember: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about protecting your peace, showing up for your kids, and finding rhythms that work for your family.

 And if you’re navigating high-conflict co-parenting and solo parenting feels like it’s taking everything out of you, I created a resource that can help. 

👉 Grab the High-Conflict Co-Parenting Journal —a 28-day guided system to help you document, reframe, and protect your peace while raising your kids in the middle of conflict.

Because you deserve more than survival. You deserve to thrive.