To the single parents out there: I salute you

[hoosierdoc]

Today is day four with my wife out of town and thankfully she comes home tonight. I've been managing the house alone and it's been a bit rough with three young kids and one sick one (inclusive). Fortunately I have been off this time so I could just drop everything and concentrate on the house.

I can't imagine doing this full time for years and still maintaining my sanity.

 

[churchmouse]

Today is day four with my wife out of town and thankfully she comes home tonight. I've been managing the house alone and it's been a bit rough with three young kids and one sick one (inclusive). Fortunately I have been off this time so I could just drop everything and concentrate on the house.

I can't imagine doing this full time for years and still maintaining my sanity.

My wife was ill and down for several months when my kids were young. Son 6th grade and daughter in Kindergarten. I was put into the roll of house husband. I worked my normal 50 plus a week, cared for her, the kids, the dishes, the laundry, the shopping, the house in general.......How do woman do all that.

I learned one of the most valuable lessons of my life during that period.

 

[hoosierdoc]

My son this morning as we got to the stop in time to see the bus pull away:

It's funny how we always make the bus when mom's here and we never make it when you're here"

 

[churchmouse]

My son this morning as we got to the stop in time to see the bus pull away:

THat is why Moms drive the way they do.20 things to accomplish in 16 things worth of time.

 

[hoosierdoc]

Hah, I love that unit of time measurement. I'm going to steal it.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

My mom raised me "alone" for the better part of 9.5 years. On VERY very little money.

Were it not for several grandparents around - she couldn't have. And I was an only child!

I don't know how any single parents do it. I really don't. Especially if there's more than one child.

I guess the answer is "You do it because you have to."

I pray to God that I never have to "have to".

 

[mom45]

I was a single parent for a few years and even after my husband and I got together, I was the one in charge of my kids. He has no biological children and never wanted children so getting together with me (when my kids were in elementary school) was a shock for him. I rarely asked him to pick them up or do things for them, but having him here to help when needed was a blessing. Before that, life was much crazier!

Being a single parent and dealing with divorce/visitation issues with a bipolar ex-husband just made it even more interesting.

It is always nice to hear a man acknowledge how difficult it can be to take care of children and the household tasks. There has never been time for soap operas and bon bons on the couch in my schedule.