Newly single. Child in tow. Absolutely lost.

Are you a single parent who is finding it hard to deal with your new situation? You have a job to balance and a child to take care of. Not to mention the other household responsibilities.

Enough to drive you up the wall. But don't despair. Psychiatrist Dr. Leena Bahrani gives you some tips on single parenting.

Prepare Yourself

Until now, you and your partner shared everything together. Whether it was taking turns to look after your kid or going to the supermarket.

Now, all the responsibilities have suddenly come on you. The first step is to accept the situation. Yes, you have to handle a lot of things by yourself now. And there is no one to blame if work isn't done.

But look at it positively. Imagine how many new things you will learn in the process.

You are your kid's mother, father, sibling… everything. Mentally prepare yourself for this. View challenges as something to overcome, not a means to bring you down.

Try not to keep any grudges against your partner who is not there for you and your child. Close that door once and for all and be prepared for new things.

Set Goals

True, you are in full charge of your little one now. But that does not mean you need to neglect yourself in the process. You may have wishes and ambitions of your own which you would like to see fulfilled. Don't give them up as it will only make you bitter.

Maybe you want to start your own store. Go about working on it. Talk to your kid about it and let him know how much this means to you.

Imagine how proud your boy will be when he knows his mommy has accomplished her long cherished goal!

Spend Time Together

Even if you have a hectic working schedule, find some time to spend with your kid every day. Help him with his homework, play games with him or read stories to him at bed time. Ask him how his day was and tell him a little about yours.

Don't let yourself get distracted by anything else. Give him undivided attention and he will appreciate it.

You want your child to be full of love and affection, so give him love and affection. Both of you are benefiting from it.

Don't Badmouth the Ex

So you can't stand your ex. But don't drag your child into it. Your kid might get affected if you talk about his father in a negative manner.

Don't say things like, "He is never there for us" or "Your father always gave more priority to his work." He will sense your dislike and this might affect his relationship  with his dad,

Be Dependable

Your little one should be able to depend on you... whether it is to attend a  parent teacher meeting, football match or help him with his homework.

No matter how frustrated or zonked out you are, remember that your child needs you. He depends on you completely.

Make Her Self-Reliant

There will be a lot of times when your kid comes home from school and you are still at work. Teach him to be self-reliant.

You could ask for his help when you are cooking or cleaning the house so he learns in the process.

Help him solve problems. But don't hold him responsible for everything. He needs to enjoy his childhood.

Time to Unwind

Take time to unwind. You don't want to end up a lifeless zombie do you?

Difficulties are bound to be there, so stay fit (physically and mentally). You can try yoga, meditation or breathing exercises.

Go for a vacation if possible with your kid. You will have plenty of time to bond with him too!