I am in a loving, happy marriage to the man of my nightmares, we have 2 beautiful children who I love more than life itself. We have a fat old tabby cat that is scared of his own shadow. But I am a part time single parent, my husband works out of town 14 days out 21, and I am left at home with 2 kids under 3, my 2.5 year old has pre school classes once a week, and lego club every Friday. Then there is grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, changing bums, 2 baths, clingy babys, clingy toddlers, sick kids and everything else. I do have some help with family and friends who offer to watch so I can catch up on some sleep, but its not the same support I get when my husband is home.
I have respect for the moms who do it 100% of the time alone, you are my heroes, and to those moms whose husbands are gone for weeks and months at a time and are far away from family and friends.
I have had to learn that a schedule is key to a good and steady day, and I have learned that it doesn’t matter if you are sick, you still have to mom up and do what needs to be done. (I did let house work slide while sick though…. Shhhh.)
I have learned to appreciate the naps I get once my hubby is home and the break I get when it comes to going to the store with no kids. I have learned that I do have a great family and support system when I am alone.
I learned that my mom is the strongest and best person to turn to in this situation. She was the part time single mom for 16 years! My dad did this before getting promoted to the nice office job and my mom did it all like me, and she even had part time jobs and ran a day home with even more kids! She would grocery shop with the kids, and teach them how to do house work, she is much stronger than me. But I strive every day to be even half the mom she is to us.
She helped me through the NICU with my son, put her feelings and emotions aside to help me. Where she found the strength to do this started being a single mom for 80% of the time for 16 years.
I am a part time single parent.
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Love, Hearts, and Pretty Things
Ashton 
Our Preemie Family 
I feel you, my husband works long hours comes home late goes into the other room to unwind from his long day and then comes and helps me take care of our daughter for an hour before going to bed. I feel overwhelmed a lot but I don’t want to bother him since he works to allow me to be a SAHM. Parenting is hard. I’m glad that you have help with your mom though that’s always nice, I don’t have that.
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I cannot imagine. I only have one, my husband is home most days and I still feel overwhelmed. My mom was a single parent of 5 children. I always think of her whenever my husband leaves for the occasional business trip, and it gives me strength. As your children get older it will likely get easier for you. This too shall pass, as they say. Hang in there mama, you’re doing a wonderful job! Best of luck to you and your family.
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I’ve never been a single parent, but there have been times that my husband worked so many hours that I was left alone to handle everything. My kids were 7,5,3 and 1 at the time. I did the grocery with all of them just once. Nope. After that I’d go once he was home and everyone was sleeping at midnight. Luckily that only lasted a few months, but we were both ready to lose our minds! I’m so glad you have help occasionally at least. I know I treasured the nights he was home by 5, and that he’s home more now. Every little bit helps when they’re so young,right?
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It can be so challenging when husbands are traveling, especially that frequently! I’m glad you have your mom to lean on.
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Being a part time single parent, long or short term, is tough! I’ve been doing it over a year and I feel you 100% on this post. You got this though and you’re doing great!
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That’s so tough!! I can’t imagine doing it alone even part time. Props to you!
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Being a single parent is hard. I had to do a couple of times. I am lucky to have a fiance’ help me when he is not out working. he will be gone anywhere from 2 weeks to a month at a time. I never know when or how long. It can be very stressful. Since he is my strength when he is here. he keeps me going when he is gone. I completely understand being a part time parent.
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