Money, work & time as a single parent

Ideas that save time

• Batch errands into one trip
• Cook once, eat twice: double recipes and freeze half
• Lay out clothes and pack bags the night before
• Say no to extra commitments without explaining
• Use grocery pickup or delivery if you can afford it

Money pressure is one of the biggest stresses for many single parents. In one study, money worries were linked with more child adjustment problems in both solo-parent and two-parent families, so getting support with money helps the whole family.

See “Money help & benefits” below, and the Debt & financial hardship guide for budgeting and bills.

Ways to lighten it

• Drop the tasks that don’t really matter
• Give kids age-appropriate jobs (see “Routines that work”)
• Keep one shared calendar on your phone, with reminders
• Make a “brain dump” list each Sunday
• Set up automatic bill payments where it’s safe to

• A “launch pad” spot for keys, bags and forms
• A picture checklist by the door for younger kids: shoes, bag, coat
• Lunches and clothes ready the night before
• Same breakfast options on school days

Ideas by age

• Ages 3–5: put toys away, help set the table
• Ages 6–9: make their bed, feed a pet, pack their bag
• Ages 10–13: help cook simple meals, sort laundry
• Teens: cook a meal a week, manage their own schedule

• A 10-minute tidy together before bed
• A small, protected “after bedtime” moment for yourself
• A steady bedtime order for each child
• One chore for you, then stop

• Check the week’s calendar for pickups, forms and birthdays
• Choose five simple dinners and shop once
• Leave one weekend slot empty for rest or fun
• Wash and lay out uniforms or sports kits

Things you might ask for

• A compressed week
• Earlier or later start times
• Swapping shifts with coworkers
• Working from home on some days

Some workers can take unpaid, job-protected leave under the FMLA for a child’s birth, adoption or serious health condition. The Caregiver stress & burnout guide explains who qualifies.

Childcare.gov, from the U.S. government, says child care is often the biggest part of a family’s budget. It helps you find care and financial help in your state.

U.S. Department of Labor data show full-day care for one child cost families between 8.9% and 16% of median family income in 2022.

See “Money help & benefits” for childcare assistance, Head Start and tax credits.

• Ask your employer about emergency or sick-child leave
• Find out if any local centers offer drop-in or backup care
• Keep a short “how my kids work” note for helpers
• List two or three people who could step in at short notice

• Ask about reduced fees or scholarships for day camps
• Check library, park and community-center programs
• Plan holiday swaps with other parents early
• Use any leave you have for the hardest weeks

Calling 211 can help you find local programs and help with costs.

Each state runs a program, funded by the federal government, that helps low-income families pay for child care so they can work or go to school. Eligibility varies by state.

Head Start and Early Head Start serve children from birth to age 5 and are free for eligible low-income families. Some states also offer free or low-cost pre-K for ages 3 to 5.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. IRS-certified volunteers offer free tax preparation for people who qualify.

The Child Tax Credit helps families with qualifying children under 17. Part of it can be refunded even if you owe little or no tax.

The child and dependent care credit can help if you paid for care for children under 13 so you could work or look for work.

Your state or tribal child support agency can help find the other parent, establish parentage, set up or enforce an order, and review or change it. Contact your own state’s agency even if the other parent lives somewhere else.

The government does not pay child support itself, but it helps you collect it.

WIC helps with food, nutrition advice and referrals for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or recently gave birth, and for children under 5, if you meet income and other rules.

SNAP helps low-income households buy groceries. The Debt & financial hardship guide explains how SNAP and WIC work and how to apply.

Dial 211 to be connected with local help for bills, housing, food, health care costs and mental health support. Every call is confidential.

The FCC says 211 referral specialists can link callers to help with food, shelter, rent and utilities, health insurance and job support.

The CFPB suggests treating your emergency fund as a first, reachable goal to help you stay motivated. A savings planner can show how long it will take at the amount you can manage.

The CFPB says saving automatically is one of the easiest ways to stay consistent. You can set a regular transfer to savings, or ask your employer to split your direct deposit.

Check your balance or set alerts so a transfer never causes an overdraft fee.

The CFPB suggests saving all or part of a tax refund, holiday money or cash gift. For many single parents, a tax refund from credits like the EITC is the biggest chance of the year to build a cushion.

The CFPB suggests deciding in advance what the fund is for, such as a medical bill or car repair. Keep it in a separate bank or credit union account so it’s not mixed with everyday money.

• Ask them first, and talk about what it would involve
• Name a backup person too
• Pick someone for a few hours (an emergency contact)
• Pick someone for longer (a possible guardian)

If your children have another legal parent, that parent usually has rights too. A family lawyer or legal aid office can explain how this works where you live.

The U.S. Child Welfare Information Gateway explains that standby guardianship lets a parent pass guardianship to a chosen person under certain conditions, while keeping much of their own authority.

Many states created these laws for parents with serious health conditions who want a secure future for their children. Rules differ by state, so check yours or ask a legal aid office.

• Birth certificates and health insurance cards
• Doctor, dentist and school contacts
• Each child’s allergies, health needs and routines
• Who to call, and who should not pick the kids up