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It's A Single Mom Thing
Welcome to “It's A Single Mom Thing,” the show for single moms by single moms, hosted by Sherry Chandler.
Being a solo momma and present parent is hard work, and losing focus is easy when you forget your faith. The good news is you are not alone. You were singled out this season, and together, we can work on what’s not working for you—finding Christ in the crisis! Whether you’re tuning in early in the morning or late at night, I’m here for you, momma.
This podcast is your go-to space for navigating life as a single mom with faith, fun, and a fresh perspective. We'll cover everything from mastering a single-mom success mindset and budgeting like a boss to prioritizing self-care and raising resilient kids. We’ll share time management hacks, parenting perspectives, co-parenting challenges, and how to find joy and laugh again. Together, we’ll move from surviving to thriving in every season of single motherhood.
Be encouraged. Get inspired. You can do this, momma.
Each Monday, join me for practical advice, relatable stories, and uplifting conversations as we walk this journey from solo momma to solo momma. I promise not to take too much of your time, and I’m so grateful you’re spending it with me.
It may be a single mom thing, but it doesn’t have to be the "single thing" that stops you!
It's A Single Mom Thing
Spring Break or Mom’s Breaking Point? A Single Mom's Survival Guide
🎙️ Podcast Description: Spring Break or Mom’s Breaking Point?
Mama, let’s be real—spring break for kids = fun. Spring break for moms? More like survival mode! Whether you’re juggling work and kids, managing teens home alone, or navigating snack attacks every five minutes, this episode is your Spring Break Survival Guide.
💡 In this episode, we’re covering:
✅ How to set expectations (so you don’t lose your mind before Wednesday)
✅ Fun & budget-friendly activities—even if you’re working!
✅ Mom survival hacks (because YOU deserve a break, too!)
📢 Plus! We’ve got a fun challenge for you—snap a pic of something you did from this episode and share it in our It’s A Single Mom Thing Facebook Group using #SpringBreakSurvivalMoments!
📍 Need prayer? Call our 24-hour prayer line: 855-822-PRAY—we’re here for you, mama!
🙏 A special thank you to Westshore Services FL HVAC for sponsoring our Raise & Rally Pickleball Tournament—supporting single moms and their kids!
🔔 Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeartRadio so you never miss an episode.
🎙️ Spring break doesn’t have to break you, mama—press play and let’s make this week work for YOU! 💪✨
It's a Single Mom Thing, Not the Single Thing That Stops You!
Welcome to it's a Single Mom Thing, the show for single moms by single moms. This is Sherri, your host, and I am happy you are here today. Remember it's a single mom thing and not the single thing that stops you.
Speaker 2:All right, mama, let's talk about the wild ride that is called Spring Break, because, let's be real, it's less break and more. Brace yourself. The kids are home, the routine is gone, the snack supply is under attack and your patience, well, let's just say it's hanging in there like a loose hair in a biscuit. For kids, spring Break equals nonstop fun. For moms, oof, it's a countdown to chaos. If you've ever found yourself staring at your calendar thinking, how am I going to survive a whole week of this? Well, you're not alone. But here's the good news you don't have to just survive spring break, you can actually enjoy it. Shocking, I know right. So in today's episode, we're covering one how to set the tone so you, my sisters, don't break before spring break is over. Two, fun, budget-friendly activities that won't drain your wallet or your sanity. And three, we'll cover a mom survival hack, because, well, you deserve breaks too. So grab that cold brew coffee, put the snacks on a very hot shelf and let's dive in together, turning spring break from stressful to strategic. Spring break not break down, even if you're working.
Speaker 2:All right, mamas, if you're listening to this in real time, chances are you are in the thick of spring break madness. Some of you are at home navigating endless snack requests, while others of you are at work trying to stay productive while getting the proverbial mom I'm bored text from your teenager. And then there's some of you who are juggling drop-offs and pickups from spring break camps. No matter what your situation looks like, one thing is for sure you set the tone for this week. So here's our little mindset shift. Spring break can either break you or be a breakthrough in how you manage time, expectations and stress. And here's how we're going to do that. Step number one we're going to set expectations for you and your kids. So the first set of mamas I'm talking to, those are the ones that are working and have kids home alone.
Speaker 2:Here's some things that I want you to incorporate in your week. Number one I want you to make a plan together, and that is with your kids and or teens, whoever is home alone. And remember teens love their independence, but structure will help. Incorporate daily check-ins, have a morning plan and an afternoon recap to stay connected with them, and then also set some screen time limits. If they binge all day, you know the attitude will follow when you come home. And here's a pro tip have a boredom plan. Have them write a list of things that they can do before they text you and this is a must-have A chore accountability. Incorporate a spring break rule. If they're home all day, they have to contribute to the household. Sign one task per day like laundry, dishes, vacuuming or organizing, and then three have an accountability tip.
Speaker 2:This. What's great about this is that it ties chores to privileges. I don't know whether they have the Wi-Fi password or not, but maybe withholding, maybe you change the Wi-Fi password on them and they earn it as a privilege. And another privilege could be their gaming time and or outings. So the next group of mamas I want to talk to are the ones that are home with them. You, my ladies, are going to need to embrace structure, but keep it loose. One fun thing per day approach is what I'm talking about, and this keeps them entertained without overwhelming. You Also give them some independence. Not every moment has to be structured. Let them figure it out how to entertain themselves and then be mindful to also schedule some quiet time. This is a non-negotiable. Whether it's a movie, a book, a nap or some quiet games, everyone gets a chance to reset.
Speaker 2:Now for my mamas who are working from home with kids around. You need some extra support here, and you're going to do that by setting boundaries from when you are available. Something as simple as a red light or green light sign can help the kids know when they can interrupt you. Create a mom's office hours plan so that kids can ask questions or talk to you during breaks, not every five minutes. And also, girl, if you don't have them, get some noise canceling headphones, which will become your new best friend. And then also give yourself permission to take breaks. Step outside, stretch or take a lunch break with your kids so that they feel connected to you. And then, lastly, manage expectations with your boss or clients. If possible, let them know that you are juggling both work and kids one week this spring break. Mama, whether you're working outside the home, inside the home or running all the things, the key is boundaries. I hope that's what you've heard here and that you need to put in boundaries that give your kids structure, but also give yourself grace.
Speaker 2:Now number two we're going to step into action. Step number two, and that is set house rules, because chaos is not an option here. So let's be real. If they can negotiate later curfews and unlimited Wi-Fi, they can handle a contract. Key rules that I want you to establish with them and I hope you got some pen and paper handy Number one friends Friends over or nah. Pen and paper handy. Number one friends, friends over or nah. Decide in advance what's allowed, who, when and how long. Number two time check when you at. Set a rule about how long they can be out and when they need to check in.
Speaker 2:Three meals and snacks. They can't eat you out of house and home. So preset some meals, slash snack bins. Four social media and gaming limits Because listen, tiktok black holes, they are real. And number five chores First, fun later. If they want privileges, they need to pull their weight, not you pulling your hair out of your head. And number five spring break bedtime rules. Just because there's no school does not mean we're throwing the clock out the window. Oh yes, we went there. You need to set a realistic bedtime that gives them freedom but doesn't turn them into sleep deprived gremlins. Now, with older kids, weeknight versus weekend rules. If they want to stay up late, they need to still be functional humans the next day. So tie bedtime to morning responsibilities, late nights you know they equal early chores.
Speaker 2:The key here is setting expectations before things go off the rails. A little prep now equals a whole lot of sanity later. Step three plan, but don't over plan. Yes, a schedule helps, but don't overdo it. Have a plan with a little flexibility built into it. Do a little backbend with it. Okay, a daily anchor activity is one thing to look forward to. That's something that you can incorporate, and that might be a game night, outdoor adventure or even a movie. And then you also want to have some quiet time for everyone, because, yes, even big kids need some chill mode and listen.
Speaker 2:Mama, our kids need to do a little throwback here, and that is, they need to go outside and play and make it mandatory, even if it's just a walk, which means fresh air, which equals sanity, savior for your sister. You see, mamas, mamas, you can't control everything, but you can create an environment where spring break doesn't drive you up the wall. So let's make this week work for you, no matter what your schedule looks like. Spring break fun without breaking the bank. All right, mama. So we've tackled the expectations. So now let's talk about the real challenge, and that's keeping these kids entertained without draining your energy or your bank account, because let's be real the way these kids act.
Speaker 2:You think spring break was supposed to be some luxury vacation, but here's the newsflash we are not the cruise director and this house is not an all-inclusive resort. The good news here is that fun doesn't have to be expensive. It's all about creativity, resourcefulness and a little bit of trickery, aka making them think they're having the time of their lives while you keep your sanity intact. So here's how we're going to do that. Number one themed at-home days, because structure equals sanity. And remember, we're not going to over-structure, but we are going to put some structure in. You don't need a rigid schedule, but a little daily thing keeps the I'm bored complaints in check.
Speaker 2:Do things like a Make it Monday, and that could be DYI, crafts, slime making, baking or fort building challenges. And then let's roll into a Tasty Tuesday. Let the kids plan and prep a meal or try a fun snack experiment. And oh, look out for Water. Wednesdays, that's sprinklers, water, balloon fights, car wash fun or a mini beach day. And of course, every girl loves a throwback Thursday. Introduce them to your childhood. That could include fun board games, old school movies, 90s dance parties, depending on how old you are. And then let's finish it off with field trip Friday. That's libraries, museum free days, nature parks or farmer's markets. So, mamas, the trick here is to name the day Suddenly. Then they will think it's an event and not just another Tuesday at home. Now listen, I got you working mamas in here as well, so this can also work for you too.
Speaker 2:These don't have to be all day activities. Pick one to do when you get home A 30 minute family game or night backyard fun. Well, that can go a long way. Use these as an evening incentive. Finish your chores or school packet. If they brought some homework home and tonight is a tasty Tuesday dinner night, involve them in the planning. Let them get things set up while you're at work so it's ready to go when you get home. And then do a weekend catch-up If weekdays are just too jam-packed. Make Saturday a field trip. Friday replacement Mamas, you don't have to entertain them 24-7.
Speaker 2:Just one intentional activity in the evening can create connection and keep them busy, and may I suggest dinner at the table with them. Number two DYI spring break camp Swap kids and save your sanity. Before you panic at the thought of entertaining kids 24-7, you don't have to do it alone. Partner with another mom or two and rotate kid duty One mom takes the kids Monday, another on a Wednesday, etc. Etc. Kids get fun plus social time and you, my dear, you, get a break, or at least a few hours of peace. You see, mamas helping other mamas equals the real spring break win. Call it the mom tribe survival plan Now for the working moms. This can work for you too, believe it or not If you have time off.
Speaker 2:Team up with another mom to swap days If you're working, seeing if another mom friend his home and can do an afternoon activity with them, then return the favor on the weekend or even an evening. You see, mamas, helping mamamas equals the real spring break win. Call it the Mom Trap Survival Plan. Number three free and cheap local adventures, because your tax dollars well, they already paid for them and that could be. Number one public libraries, which has free story times, craft events and scavenger hunts. Two state parks and nature trails, some fresh air hiking and energy burning activities. Number three community centers, rec centers and museums. Many offer free days during school breaks. And number four how about, I don't know, home Depot or Lowe's? They have kids workshops, hands-on DIY fun for free, which you know that always means me.
Speaker 2:You see, listen, if you're paying taxes, you might as well let Uncle Sam give your kids some entertainment. Now, working moms, this can work for you too. Evening walks at the park Let the kids burn off energy while you decompress from the day. Saturday adventure days Use the weekend for a fun outing that you didn't have time for during the week. Library trips after work, I don't know. Pick out some books, grab a movie and turn it into a cozy movie night. Listen, and this goes for you too. If you're paying taxes, you might as well let Uncle Sam give your kids some more entertainment. And number four outdoor adventure challenges Turn the chaos into a competition Might. I suggest the Great Sandcastle Showdown who can build the biggest, most creative sandcastle? Or the Nature Scavenger Hunt Find the coolest rock, the biggest leaf, creative sandcastle. Or the nature scavenger hunt Find the coolest rock, the biggest leaf or the weirdest bug. And this was my favorite. I've done this with my friends and that is a kickball and field day games. Invite a few families for a friendly showdown Because, let's be honest, wearing them out. That is the real strategy here. Now for working moms, this can work for you too. Weekend fun or an after dinner challenge A 20-minute scavenger hunt before bedtime. Yes, set it up for them before work. Leave them a scavenger hunt list and let them send you updates throughout the day, because, let's be honest, wearing them out is the strategy here. Now, number five, this is mom hack. And this is when, in doubt, give them a mission. See, something like secret spy mission at the grocery store. They have to find the cheapest brand of an item. Oh, that could be some fun. Or two, how about the Lego master challenge? Set a build a theme. Like they have to build towers, vehicles or even animals. Like they have to build towers, vehicles or even animals. And then, of course, no spring break isn't complete without random acts of kindness day. Deliver a surprise treat or a note to a neighbor. You see, kids love feeling like they have a mission, so give them one that keeps them occupied while you sip your coffee in peace. Now, working moms, you guessed it. This can work for you too. How about you set up a challenge before work and let them show you the results when you get home Use missions to keep teens and preteens engaged instead of glued to their screens all day? Kids love feeling like they have a mission, so give them one that keeps them occupied, just like the moms that are home, so you could sip your coffee in peace at work.
Speaker 2:Now we're going to move into our next section, and this is Mom's Survival Guide Keeping your Sanity Intact. So listen up, mamas. We've got the kids entertained right, or at least a game plan for it. But let's talk about you, because if you're running on empty, burned out and counting down the days till school starts back, guess what? Spring break will feel like a punishment instead of a time to connect and reset. So here's the reality check. You matter too. You can't pour from an empty cup, and your kids don't need a perfect mom. They need a present one. So let's make sure you don't lose yourself in the madness, and here's how we're going to go about doing that.
Speaker 2:Number one give yourself permission to take breaks. You don't have to entertain them 24-7. We have covered that before and I'm going to keep saying that because you need to remember it. It is okay to step away and breathe, because here's a mom truth If your job gave you zero breaks, you'd quit, right. Well, guess what? Mom life is a full-time job, so take the breaks when you need them, quick, mom. And here's some quick mom break ideas. In case you need some, how about a 10-minute walk alone? Lock the front door behind you, please, make sure you have your key if necessary. Or sit in your car with a snack and no sharing. Put on noise-canceling headphones and pretend you can't hear them. Or even four, you could swap kid duty with a friend so you both get a break.
Speaker 2:Mama taking a break isn't selfish, it is strategic. A burned-out mom helps no one. Number two screen time guilt. You need to let it go Because, listen, you are not a bad mom for letting your kids watch a movie while you breathe. Now, I didn't mean like all day, okay.
Speaker 2:A well-placed Disney plus marathon equals some self-care. Let's just not have it be a 24, all day marathon. It's about balance, not extremes. You're not babysitting them with screams, you're using them strategically. Screen time equals mom time, so use it to nap, journal, pray or just sit in peace, or even get back to that coffee that you haven't able to drink yet. You see, jesus went up to the mountains to rest so you can let your kids watch Bluey for an hour.
Speaker 2:Number three tag team the fun. You're not alone in this. Okay and that is one thing that we always talk about on every podcast is that you're not alone, so don't be alone. Spring break doesn't mean you have to do it all alone. Get creative with how you share the load. Do trade play dates, take turns, hosting kids, so each mom gets some time off. Let older kids step up, give them responsibilities to help with their younger siblings. And how about getting the grandparents, the aunties, the uncles to pitch in, because it takes a village. Remember, this is not the mom Olympics. You don't have to prove you can do it all.
Speaker 2:Number four power hour. Schedule some quiet time for everyone. We've talked about this a little bit in the beginning, but let's reinforce that, because spring break is not an all day free for all. Every mom deserves rest, even if it's during the day. Declare a power hour. Kids get books, puzzles or independent play while you recharge. Even the big kids can have chill mode no phones, no loud music, just rest time. Protect your peace. If it means bribing them with ice cream for good behavior, so be it.
Speaker 2:You don't have to survive spring break on fumes. Schedule some sanity, mama, and here's where we'll close. Survive and thrive. All right, mama, you made it through another episode and if you play your cards right, you just might make it through spring break without losing your mind. Just remember, set the tone, create structure, but be flexible. Keep the kids engaged without emptying your wallet and, most importantly, take care of you too.
Speaker 2:So here's your homework. Number one set one clear expectation with your kids today, whether it's bedtime, chores or screen time. Number two pick one fun, budget-friendly activity and make it happen. And finally, number three plan one moment for yourself because, well, mama, you deserve it. Remember, this isn't just about surviving spring break. It's about shifting from spring break to mom's breaking point, to actually enjoying the moments that matter. We want to see you in action. Did you try a fun activity? Set some new boundaries or finally get that mom break you needed. Snap a pic and share it on our it's a Single Mom Thing Facebook group. Let's celebrate the wins, the big and the small, because you are rocking it, mama. Use the hashtag Spring Break, survival Moments.
Speaker 2:Need a prayer? Call our 24-hour prayer line at 855-822-PRAY. We are here for you, mama. And a huge thank you to the West Shore Services, florida HVAC for being our title sponsor for the Raisin Rally Pickleball Tournament. Sometimes I just can't get that out right. Your support helps single moms and their kids face their future with confidence. And don't forget to subscribe, catch every episode on Apple Podcasts, spotify or iHeart Radio, because listen, mama, we are in this together. Until next time, keep your faith strong, your coffee stronger, and remember you don't have to do this alone. Have a wonderful week and remember it's a single mom thing and not the single thing that stops you Thanks for listening to.
Speaker 1:It's a Single Mom Thing. I hope you enjoyed our time together. If you have more questions on how to have a relationship with Jesus or need prayer, visit us at wwwshepherdsvillagecom. Backslash prayer. For more information and resources, check out our show notes.
