Organization is the key !

[markgryphon]

I thought I would share a few thoughts on this issue. Let me tell you a little about my self first just to give everyone a reference. I’m a full cust single dad of a 4yo daughter. I don’t send her to her mom every weekend or for the summer. I’m her dad 24/7 365. I’m also a financial advisor and professional corporate psychic. I just started my own company and let me tell you I’m a busy guy and dad. The first thing being a parent of course is the well being of my little girl, so before I can even think of a social life I have to think about quantity and quality time with her. One of the reason I structured my life style that way because of her. I have the luxury of being my own boss so that I can spend a significant part of my day just being her dad. On the other hand I have ALL the responsibility to generate my own living as her provider.

The real key to finding a social life is organization and having the will to build a reality, a life that you need and want. The first thing one has to do is always put your child first. If you do that then nothing will bite you in the butt. Sure there will always be the unexpected but if you always have a built in contingency plan then you can usually survive the storm. Here are some of my tips I have learned the hard way. It is my hope that some perhaps will read this and get some personal strategies. The first real step is just beginning to think about how to organize your life with you child in mind.

One: Try to find a way to control your income options. Remember $ equals more freedom. If possible think of maybe starting your own business it won’t make your life less hectic but It will allow you the flexibility to give you the best opportunity to be there for your child. Now realistically not everyone can automatically do this. However there are probably more options available then you think. For many to make improvements in this regard is education choices. If you don’t have a high school diploma then get one ! Many states have on-line GED courses or adult high school available for different schedules. Some programs even provide child care during school hours. If you are working then think about a way to supplement your income with a self business. Avon is a great program for young women of all ages and education backgrounds. If you can play an instrument well then give music lessons. I have a friend that is a single dad who fenced. (The sport with foils) he taught me. I suggested he go to his club house at his housing community and offer that’s as a service. They thought it was a great idea theyhad already offered Ti-Chi, aerobics, dancing, swimming and now fencing. A good selling point for the community. His first class had only two students. Now his class has 18 kids they compete in state competition and he makes a lot of extra cash. He also met some pretty cool kids and has a pool of built in baby sitters LOL. So think outside the box an extra income, contrary to one might think, can offer many options for quality time with your child and social experiences for you that might not have been available.

Two: HONESTY Talk to your boss or manger. If you’re a student talk to your guidance staff. Always be honest let them know that you’re a single parent don’t keep it a secret more often then not they will understand and help you!

Three: Plan and be consistent I & my 4yo knows when she’s going to wake up, eat lunch, diner, if she’s taking a bath that day if so in the morning or before bed. Make a daily plan and stick to it. Consistency one makes for better behavior because it provide a stable environment for your child they can count on. Two : just after a week they will be on board and many things that were a struggle become automatic.

There are more and I’ll share some more things that helped me soon

You are all heroes !

-Mark Gryphon