Parenting Alone
My husband has been away for military training, and I’ve been handling parenting mostly alone while he’s gone. I have a baby/toddler and an older child, so it feels like I’m constantly switching between diapers, routines, meals, emotional needs, school stuff, and trying to keep the house together.
Some days I do okay and feel strong. Other days I feel touched out, lonely, overstimulated, and like there’s no real break. By the time night comes, I’m exhausted but my brain still won’t shut off.
I love my kids deeply and I know this season won’t last forever, but right now it feels heavy. I guess I’m looking for support from anyone who has had to parent solo while their partner was away. How did you cope with the loneliness, mental load, and never feeling “off duty”? Any encouragement or practical tips would really help.
@gentleHemlock3856 You are wonderful mother. Keep being strong because you are. Thank husband for his service.
@gentleHemlock3856
I am not a military wife, but I have a friend who is, so I understand how it can feel like you’re parenting alone. There was a time in my life when I felt similar; my husband was working 16-hour shifts, seven days a week, which left me to manage everything on my own. As a mother of three, with my kids spaced five years apart, I found myself juggling a child in diapers, one in preschool, and another in elementary school. This meant that all the responsibilities fell on me. I had to pick the kids up, take them to school, feed them, help them with homework, and change multiple diapers without any help. I understand how isolating this can feel, but what worked for me was putting myself on a schedule. I organized my tasks, and after a while, things started to work out.
My military friend was feeling overwhelmed, so she joined a support group for military wives. This group provided her with a sense of community and helped her feel less alone. They assisted with baby sitting and after-school care, and they also encouraged her to find enjoyable activities to help pass the time. It's important to remember that this challenging period is just a season and that things will get better keep up the good work, and you got this.
