Making Lemonade
The Single Parent Network · By Jodi Seidler
🍋
Free Printable
The First Week Reset Checklist
A practical guide for the first days after separation, divorce, or a major life change. You don't have to do everything at once — just find what needs attention now.
What Needs Attention Now
- Tell the people who need to know
- Secure your home (locks, access)
- Confirm where you and children are sleeping
- Identify your immediate support person
Children
- School notified if needed
- Childcare arrangements confirmed
- Children's schedule maintained
- Pediatrician / counselor contacted
- Children's essentials packed / accessible
Home
- Utilities in your name (or confirmed)
- Rent / mortgage payment confirmed
- Mail forwarding set up if needed
- Food and household basics stocked
Money & Bills
- Personal bank account opened / confirmed
- Direct deposit updated
- Immediate bills identified
- Credit cards reviewed
- Budget sketch started
Important Paperwork
- Passport / ID located
- Children's birth certificates
- Social Security cards
- Insurance documents
- Legal documents secured
- Attorney contacted if needed
Appointments
- Attorney / mediator
- Therapist / counselor
- Doctor (you)
- Children's appointments confirmed
People to Contact
- Family members
- Close friends
- Employer (if needed)
- Children's school / teachers
Support
- One person I can call anytime
- One person who can help with children
- Online community / support group
- MakingLemonade.com resources bookmarked
What Can Wait
- Telling extended family / acquaintances
- Social media updates
- Long-term financial planning
- Major decisions about housing, school, work
- Anything that doesn't need to happen this week
One thing I can do for myself today: