My husband works out of town 2-3 days every week and has been doing that for the past four years. It’s a struggle at times, but we make it work for the most part. Even so, it’s been truly eye opening for me to think about how amazing single parents are and that they solo parent all the time with no breaks. It is hard for me at times and I know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel when my husband comes back home.
I’ve compiled a list of things that have helped me when I’m solo parenting that I think (hopefully) may help other mamas or dads out there:
1. Caffeine
If you’re a coffee drinker, set that coffee maker to auto brew the night before because you’re going to need that coffee first thing. My kids like to all pile in my bed when their dad is gone which means when I get up for work, they also get up so having that coffee already brewing is just…chef’s kiss!
2. Just go to Chick-fil-A or McDonald’s one night.
When dad’s gone, we eat out one night a week. We get fast food and this just makes life so much easier. I don’t feel bad about it either, especially if there’s a play place involved! We are all about it. The kids can burn off energy and I don’t have to think about dinner.
3. Don’t try to be super mom.
I work full-time and my toddler is home with me and I’m going to tell you my first priority is not a clean house. Do I like it when the sink is empty? Absolutely, but I’m not going to be worried about folding and putting up laundry and mopping the floors while I’m trying to keep my toddler from jumping off the dining room table. Those clothes can wait! 
4. It’s ok to say “no” to an after school/after work activity.
I know there are some things we can’t get out of attending or that we truly want to go to, but if there’s something you just don’t have the energy for, it’s ok to say no. It’s ok to stay in and not do anything and just let everyone rest. It’s much better hearing “I’m bored” than trying to do it all alone and being stressed out the entire time.
5. If you need help, ask for it.
I struggle with this one so much. I don’t like to ask for help and put any burden on anyone else, but on occasion, I have reached out to our neighbor for help if I have a meeting I need to attend. I’ve also reached out to my mom when an event comes up that I need to go to after school. The truth is, most of the time people actually want to help and they get excited when you ask them. So I need to be better about reaching out in that regard and I recognize it’s not an easy thing to do.
We’re all in the motherhood thing together and everyone is doing the best they can. Don’t stress yourself out over the little things and just take comfort in those tiny conveniences that can make your day easier when you’re solo parenting.
