How do single parents do it?

It's been a 13-hour day of managing the home front solo with one child, and I find myself profoundly inspired by the resilience and grit of single working parents. Actually, the admiration extends to all single parents, regardless of their work status.

It's 8:30 pm and I am, admittedly, feeling defeated! This is despite my daughter spending the afternoon at the beach with our neighbours! My day has been crammed with seemingly simple tasks - a quick workout, work, a few household chores, some play time, and preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner without a minute free.

Honestly, I'm not sure I could juggle this routine for more than a few days. I tend to become deeply immersed in my work, easily interrupted by the noises of everyday life and requests. The sight of incomplete tasks or items out of place gives me shivers.

Today has got me pondering the strategies employed by single working parents to keep all the balls in the air. How do they ensure they are not just surviving, but thriving, maintaining their happiness, being good parents, and even carving out some 'me-time'? I imagine they must possess formidable time management skills, an ability to optimise every minute, and an impressive reservoir of patience.

To all the single parents out there juggling life's many demands, I bow to you.
​Please, share the secrets of your superpowers!