I am going to be solo parenting our three kids for the next two weeks.
Hubby is leaving for a two week business trip. He does not go away on business trips often. Actually, in the past when he has gone away it has only been for a few days, or at the most, a week. The thing is I think the last time he went away for a business trip was 5 or 6 years ago. At that time it was a little more manageable as I had only two kids and my oldest was 4 years old and could do most things for himself. His brother was just a baby so it was fine but at the same time I was out numbered and a little nervous that nothing would happen with them like getting hurt or being sick. I was also on maternity leave so I was home and not working. And my oldest was at school during the day. Everything was fine.
This time I will be solo parenting three kids all under the age of 9 – yikes! The two boys will be at school during the week and my daughter will be with me during the day which is normal as I work from home. Although I work from home, I have the help of my husband to get things done and help us be on time, especially in the morning before school. Like, last week for some reason our youngest son did not want me to help him with anything in the morning. He just wanted Dada to help him get dressed and prepare his breakfast. (He is such a pain in the butt LOL) Husband also helps me save some time in my day by putting away the dishes from the night before and if there are any dirty dishes he will wash them. Hubby also helps me finish dinner once he is home if I have not finished with it depending on my day. Besides that, it is just very helpful to have a second pair of adult hands.
Some things are a little easier with him around. When I take the boys for their swimming class he takes care of our daughter since she gets bored just waiting and watching the boys do their lesson. He helps me with the prep for our meals on Sundays so we have less to do during the week and I can make lunches quickly. Of course, the week my husband is leaving our youngest son will be starting his baseball season so just the thought of getting three kids ready and out the door is making me shake my head. I am going to have to be super organized and do things earlier and make sure I give them more time for everything.
So far, since I knew that hubby was going away I started a little chore plan for myself and tried to get as much of the cleaning and tidying done in the hopes that when he is away I will just need to maintain it. I have created a list of things he has to get done before he leaves. We went grocery shopping for the next two weeks. I have already made my menu plans and have back up on hand just in case. I plan to keep the same routine and not steer off I hope that will make my life easier for the next two weeks. I also have created a daily to-do list for the kids and called it “Help Mommy.” It is just a list of all the things they have to do in the morning , after school and before bed. In the morning: get dressed, brush teeth, eat breakfast etc. After school: unpack school bag, play time, homework etc. Before bedtime: shower, brush teeth, change into Pj’s etc. I also added some bonus items they can help with. I am hoping this will make my two weeks easier and manageable.
Do you have a husband who goes away for business trips from time to time and how do you manage it?
What are you tips and tricks?
What are your challenges?
