As I was lying in Eva’s bed last night rubbing her back enjoying some quiet time (after a somewhat difficult evening with the boys and their completely unacceptable behaviour) I heard Sean talking to Cuyler about Skype as he was tucking him in. I heard him telling him about the time differences and how long he will be on the airplane for…
He’s prepping him for a trip he will be taking in the near future. This new job has him travelling regularly. Two or three days here and there. New York. New Jersey. Calgary. Montreal.
But this trip is different. His farthest. It will be his longest business trip. His longest time away from the kids. We’ve never been apart this long either.
I think it’s weighing more on him than me. While his travelling might not be my favourite thing – it was much more difficult when they were babies. Now they’re in school and we have routines that we must stick to and some predictability to life it’s a bit easier when I’m on my own. Everyone sleeps through the night. We eat meals together. We just miss Daddy when he’s gone.
Although I do worry about having nights like last night and no backup. Nobody to tag in and out with. I just won’t have a choice but to get through it.
Although I do worry about having nights like last night and no backup. Nobody to tag in and out with. I just won’t have a choice but to get through it.
I know with absolute certainty that I must to be organized. Clothes ready for the next day. Lunches made the night before. Homework done as soon as we’re home from school. If I ever meal plan – it’s when he’s away so I have all food on hand/in fridge for dinners/lunches/snacks.
I have all four grandparents within a 5 minute drive so I know I’m not going it alone.
Single parents do it every single day. I bow to you all…so I won’t complain.
I have an amazing partner who splits the household and parenting duties 100/100 – so a temporary solitary parenting gig is fine with me (mostly).
Single parents do it every single day. I bow to you all…so I won’t complain.
I have an amazing partner who splits the household and parenting duties 100/100 – so a temporary solitary parenting gig is fine with me (mostly).
I really feel for Sean. I can sense his anticipation of leaving and knowing he won’t get the snuggles and kisses from his babes for a while. He’s been lying in their beds with them a little longer at night. Doing baths on my nights (we alternate) and generally more patient with them. Plus…he keeps telling me how much he’s going to miss the kids.
I’m focusing on the positives. Like all the beautiful things he’s going to bring back for me.
everyone’s struggle is theirs and you may complain!Your partnership sounds pretty solid and wonderful though and for that I am happy for you. Sometimes time on our own makes us appreciate that partnership even more, right.
When he brings back the pretty present can I come over for a swim?
Hi Christine, my husband travels to India for work every few months, and I can totally relate to how you’re feeling. He goes for about 7-10 days and it’s tough – and lonely. but, it’s doable, and surprisingly, i’ve sort of gotten used to routine when i’m on my own. we kind of treat it like a mini holiday for us – eating out more, having more “breakfast for dinner” and socializing with other families for company. another bonus has been that, since i have a lot of family in India, my husband has had a chance to spend time with them and get to know them better – on his own. that’s been great. let me know know where your husband is travelling, and I can give him some shopping and restaurant tips if it’s cities i know.
The main advice I can give is routine, routine, routine. And give yourself a timeout if you have to.
Wow! Sean should try and focus on this amazing opportunity for the trip of a lifetime. I would love to hear about it when he gets back. You have a great attitude, Christine. Good luck!
Oooooh… sad he’ll be gone (for how long?) but he’ll be back. And with lovely prezzies too, I hope!! and yes, single-parenting must be sooooo very difficult – I have no idea how that’s even possible! – but at least you have your family close by. That’s awesome.
He’ll be back!! 🙂