If at all possible, find a job close to home and close to where your children attend school.
Involve your children in your job in whatever ways you can. Let them visit you at your workplace, if possible, or at least see the building and meet some of the peoples you spend your working hours with.
Leave work at work. Make the hours you spend with the kids count by giving them your full attention and doing things together that you all enjoy.
Let your school-aged child know about the restrictions your job will put on your participation in school events. Let the child select in which activities you will be able to attend.
Find a support network and a “what if “ plan. If something should come up with one of your kids while you are at work to put into play.
Make a list of all your babysitting options for all times of the day.
Ask friends and family to be “on call for you, and keep their pager numbers with you at all times.
Partner with other single mothers who work different shifts so you can bail one another out.
From time to time, show your helpers how much you appreciate their helps.
Have backup plans if your children lose or forget their house key. Give a key to an elderly neighbor you can trust and can count on to be home.
Routinely drill your children on all backup plans.
