Being a solo parent is a marathon—one that’s nonstop. From juggling work to managing a household and everything in between, it can often feel overwhelming. The truth is, I don’t have a partner to lean on, and I don’t want to pretend that it’s all smooth sailing. But I’ve learned to make things work—and it’s all about systems, outsourcing, and leveraging technology to keep things in order.

Outsourcing What I Can

I’m in the fortunate position to be able to delegate tasks, and I’m not afraid to use that privilege. For example, I have a house cleaner who comes every other week to tackle the deep cleaning I simply don’t have the time or energy for. I also outsource my laundry to Poplin—an absolute game changer—so I don’t have to spend precious hours doing it myself.

Meal planning is another area I’ve outsourced through services like Green Chef and HelloFresh. These meal kits eliminate the need to think about what to cook every day, and I get healthy, well-balanced meals without the hassle. While these services are helpful, I’ve realized that they don’t fully meet all of my needs. So, I’ve built in other systems to fill the gaps and make sure everything runs smoothly.

Creating Calm with Organization

I live in a home that could easily turn chaotic if I didn’t have systems in place to keep it manageable. That’s where my organizer comes in. She’s helped me set up a home that works for us, with systems that make it easy to stay on top of the clutter and daily tasks. I can breathe easier knowing that things are where they should be, and the house feels less overwhelming.

A decluttered space equals a decluttered mind—at least that’s what I’ve found. It allows me to focus on what matters most, and not waste time looking for things or stressing over messes.

Living by My Calendar

To keep everything in line—work, personal life, and parenting—I rely heavily on my calendar. I’ve learned the hard way that if I don’t block out time properly, I end up double-booking myself or overcommitting. My calendar is my lifeline, and I make sure to keep it updated and checked multiple times a day.

I also use reminders for day-to-day tasks—whether it’s picking up groceries, making a call, or simply remembering to take a moment for myself. The reminders ensure that nothing slips through the cracks, and they give me the mental space to focus on bigger projects without worrying about the small details.

Embracing Technology for Efficiency

One of my most important tools? ChatGPT and Perplexity. These generative AI tools have replaced Google for me in many ways. Whether I’m planning a trip, brainstorming ideas for a blog post, or even writing personal emails, I use ChatGPT and Perplexity to save time and get things done more effectively. It’s become an indispensable part of my daily routine.

I highly recommend integrating generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity into your life. It’s not just for work—it can help with everything from drafting messages to organizing thoughts and offering creative solutions. You’ll be more productive, and you might discover ways to use the technology in other areas you hadn’t thought of.

The Big Picture

Being a solo parent means you have to wear a lot of hats. But it doesn’t mean you have to do it all on your own. I’ve learned to use the resources at my disposal—outsourcing where I can, keeping my home organized, relying on technology—and prioritizing my mental health by making time for the things that matter most.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about creating a system that works for you and your family. And while I’ll always face new challenges as a solo parent, I know that with the right support, organization, and tools, I can handle whatever comes my way.

Share Your Tips!

How do you stay on top of everything as a solo parent? I’d love to hear your favorite time-saving tips or life-hacks! Drop a comment below or reach out—I’m always looking for new ideas to make this journey a little easier.