Pros and Cons of Solo Parenting When Your Husband Travels

Today marks the middle of a two week business trip for Paul and 7 days of solo parenting for me. He’s been in Amsterdam for the last week and we only get 24 hours with him before he heads off to the U.S. for another business trip. We all really miss him when he’s gone and it’s very hard to find time to FaceTime, call or even text on the same schedule.Solo parenting is tough and exhausting and I certainly appreciate those single parents who do it 24/7 and 365 but after several trips over the last few years, I’ve learned to embrace the positives that also come with being the only grown-up in the house.

PRO: You are finally the COOL parent, since the other one who is usually far cooler and more fun is thousands of miles away. I found myself taking time to slow down and even shoot some pucks with the kids, that otherwise would have been Daddy’s job.

CON: You have to make the tough decisions alone and hope that you both agree with it. A couple of teacher and doctor’s appointments this week meant that I couldn’t bounce the ideas off of Paul. It’s tough but ultimately I know, he’s got faith in my ability to make the choices alone for our family.

PRO: You can eat chocolate in bed with no judgement.

CON: You can eat too much chocolate in bed.

PRO: Mealtime is much easier and more relaxed. I like that dinner time can be soup, grilled cheese or even eggs and toast! I feel less pressure to have special family meals when there are only three of us and I tend to make faster and simpler dinners to make it easier on me and our busy schedule!

CON: You are responsible for ALL extra curricular events. This was a very busy week for hockey and it’s much better when we get to split the driving. When you are solo parenting, it can be exhausting! The good news is that I finally learned exactly how the boys like their skates tied!

PRO: The remote is all yours! I assure you that there were no sports being watched after the boys went to bed, this past week! It was awesome to get caught up on my trash t.v. and take full control of the bed and the remote!

CON: You will feel like you need a clone. When there are two parents around, each can get some special attention, but when you are on your own it’s a challenge to make each of the kids feel listened to. I definitely had some “mommy guilt” this week.

PRO: One less person to pick up after. I loved having only two “boys” to nag remind to pick up their clothes and put things away.

CON: You’re alone in bed.

PRO: You’re alone in bed.

CON: No one to help with laundry. Paul is great at helping with laundry and this week I felt like all I did was throw loads in and then fold and put them away! Let’s hope he’s in the mood to unpack and do his own when he gets home!

PRO: Presents! Mostly for the kids (and for himself LOL), but sometimes there’s even a little something in the suitcase for me when Paul gets home from a trip.

Do you solo parent often? What are your favourite and least favourite parts?