Feeling overwhelmed with daily responsibilities as a single mom
Being a single mom comes with a unique set of challenges. Every day, we juggle work, parenting, and managing a household, which can often leave us feeling overwhelmed. I know this feeling well because I lived it. For the longest time, it was just me, my son, and God on this journey. I didn’t have much help, except for a babysitter here and there.
But God knew what I needed, even when I didn’t. Early on, I met my first "mom friend," Mariline, through our sons, who became fast friends in kindergarten. Mariline immediately understood the weight I was carrying, and she became an anchor for me.
One day, when I was feeling completely depleted, Mariline showed up at my front door. Apparently, the gate security was off-duty that day. Usually, they call ahead to inform you when a visitor is coming, so I wasn’t expecting anyone. The doorbell chimed, and to our surprise, she had made a pop-up visit. Wyn and I were thrilled to see her and her son. With her beautiful, warm smile, she cheered, "We’re here to pick up Wyn! Today is your day! Take a break. Go to the spa, go shopping, hit the nail salon—whatever you need to relax. We’ve got this."
It felt as if the Holy Spirit had whispered to her to come, to intervene because I would’ve never asked for help on my own. That’s a whole other lesson I want to cover, but it taught me the importance of accepting help.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are a few time management techniques I’ve found helpful along the way:
Prioritize your tasks
Not every task needs to be done immediately. I learned to choose my top 3-4 priorities each day. Focusing on what truly matters not only reduces stress but leaves me feeling more accomplished. If you’re facing a packed day, look at your to-do list and decide what’s essential. Anything else can wait.
Use a planner or digital tool
Getting organized with a planner or digital tool helps create a clearer picture of your week. Whether it’s Google Calendar or a traditional planner, write down everything you need to do, including self-care activities. When you can see your tasks visually, it’s easier to manage the day’s demands without feeling scattered.
Here are some excellent digital tools for single moms to sync daily tasks, reminders, and calendars:
Google Calendar
Google Calendar is widely used and easy to access on any device. Moms can create separate calendars for work, home, and personal activities, set reminders, and even share calendars with others—perfect for coordinating schedules with kids, family, or babysitters.Todoist
Todoist is a powerful task management app that allows you to organize tasks into projects and set reminders, priorities, and due dates. It syncs across devices, so you can access your lists anywhere, making it great for organizing everything from grocery lists to weekly schedules.Cozi Family Organizer
Designed for families, Cozi lets you manage calendars, shopping lists, to-do lists, and even meal plans all in one place. Family members can access it from their own devices, so everyone stays in sync—a great option for keeping track of school events, appointments, and family activities.Microsoft Outlook
Outlook combines email, calendar, and tasks into one platform. Moms can set up reminders, color-code categories, and sync calendars with other family members, making it easy to manage personal and professional commitments all in one place.Any.do
Any.do offers to-do lists, reminders, and calendar views in a simple and intuitive interface. You can set recurring tasks, prioritize items, and view them in calendar mode, helping moms keep their daily routines organized and on track.Apple Calendar
For iPhone users, Apple Calendar is a great built-in tool. It syncs seamlessly with other Apple devices, allows for shared calendars, and lets you set notifications and reminders. You can even sync it with other tools like Google Calendar if you’re using multiple platforms.
break down large tasks
Big tasks can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing so much. Break them down into smaller, manageable parts. Instead of thinking, "I have to clean the house," focus on one room or task at a time. Tackle the living room, fold laundry, or wipe down the kitchen. Each small task contributes to the larger goal and makes it all feel less daunting.
Here are more examples to help break down large tasks into manageable steps:
House Cleaning
Instead of “clean the entire house,” break it down room by room. For example:Monday: Tidy the living room (dust surfaces, vacuum).
Tuesday: Clean the kitchen (wipe counters, organize pantry).
Wednesday: Bathroom cleanup (wipe mirrors, clean sink).
Thursday: Bedrooms (make beds, organize closets). Tackling one room per day can make it feel less overwhelming than trying to do it all at once.
Meal Prep
Instead of feeling like you have to plan and prepare all meals for the week in one go, break it down like this:Friday: Plan meals for the week ahead and make a grocery list.
Saturday: Shop for groceries.
Sunday: Wash and chop veggies, marinate meats, or prepare staple items like rice or pasta. This way, meal prep is spread across days, and you’re not left with hours of cooking at once.
School Projects
If your child has a big school project, help them break it into steps:Step 1: Research the topic and gather materials (day 1).
Step 2: Outline the project or paper (day 2).
Step 3: Write or create the project in sections, a little each day.
Step 4: Review and finalize. Breaking it down helps your child stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
Organizing a Closet
Instead of tackling the entire closet, split it into parts:Step 1: Take out all clothes and categorize them (keep, donate, or discard).
Step 2: Organize shoes and accessories.
Step 3: Rearrange clothes in a way that works for you (by season, color, or type).
Step 4: Do a final tidy-up and add finishing touches like labels or storage bins.
Planning a Vacation
Instead of planning the entire trip in one sitting:Step 1: Decide on a destination and budget.
Step 2: Book accommodations and flights.
Step 3: Create an itinerary with activities or sightseeing spots.
Step 4: Pack essentials and finalize any last-minute details. This way, each part of planning is spaced out, keeping it from becoming a stressful task.
Managing Finances
Instead of doing a complete overhaul of your finances in one sitting:Step 1: List all monthly expenses.
Step 2: Set up a budget for essentials and savings.
Step 3: Track expenses for a week and review.
Step 4: Adjust as needed and repeat. This gradual approach helps you build a realistic budget and stick to it without burnout.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
For many of us, asking for help feels like admitting defeat, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. My friend Mariline showed me how powerful it is to have a support system. If you have family or friends you can lean on, reach out to them. And if you have kids old enough, involve them in age-appropriate chores. Remember, asking for help doesn’t mean you’re not capable; it means you’re wise enough to protect your well-being.
Let Go OF Perfection
As single moms, we often feel the need to be "perfect," but perfection is an illusion. Sometimes, letting go means leaving dishes in the sink or saying no to something that doesn’t serve you. Mariline taught me this firsthand. When she stepped in, I realized that letting go of perfection didn’t make me less of a mom—it actually gave me the freedom to be more present for myself and my son.
Reflect and release
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to ask yourself:
“What is one task you can delegate or let go of this week? ”
Just one small step can help create a little extra breathing room, and that’s where peace begins.
In conclusion, remember that you’re not alone. As single moms, we’re all navigating similar struggles. Accepting help, prioritizing tasks, and letting go of unrealistic expectations can all make a difference. And, as I learned from Mariline’s unexpected kindness, sometimes God sends us the exact support we need, right when we need it most.
All the Best,
Ms. Glo
Want more guidance if you struggle with prioritizing tasks and responsibilities? Are you ready to start creating the life you deserve, let’s do this together. Learn more about my coaching services here: Coaching Services . You’ve got this, mama!