Advice for single self employed parents staring into the abyss?

[Surfamamma]

I’m a single parent with a 5 year old, I’m also self employed. Life is a bit hand to mouth at the best of times, my work is quite erratic and it’s a bit “feast or famine”. I have no family nearby, is there anyone else in a similar situation?! I think I just need to know I’m not the only one. Do you have any clever strategies for home schooling and working at the same time? The guidance for home schools we’ve been issued by is really helpful but assumes a 9-3:30 day. Help!

I know someone in a similar situation. Get up early and work in the evening if poss. Maintain some sort of routine. Have golden time rewards. Get them to do basic chores. Maintain exercise if safe. Our area is going spot the rainbow, can you start a trend? Put a drawn rainbow in your window for kids to spot, like finding the rocks which obviously isn't safe now.

For a 5 year old I really wouldn’t worry. Your DS won’t be behind in September as everyone will be in the same position. Just spend an hour a day on reading/writing, and leave your DS to do easy craft activities etc while you are working. Don’t feel guilty about TV.

Stop trying to chase your tail with the feast or famine and claim UC. Not ideal but realistically you need a definite income right now and if it's unpredictable at the best of times now is time to temporarily stop.