This week saw Chris take a training course in Birmingham a lot sooner than we expected. This left me to parent solo for a few days. Hats off to those who parent solo all the time, it’s a lot tougher than I expected but not for the reasons you might think.
He was originally due to go in February but space became available this month so off he went. On Tuesday he commuted which meant he didn’t arrive home until after the kid’s bedtime. Wednesday night he stayed away from home overnight in a hotel. He finally arrived home on Thursday night meaning we had barely seen him since Monday.
I was worried that the kids might be upset, we have a pretty good routine going on and Daddy always reads the bedtime story. Thanks to the wonders of technology he still got to read to them on Wednesday night. The kids were delighted that Daddy had taken their favourite book with him. They sat so nicely and listened and it was so lovely to watch.
I think most of all it was me that found it tough. Chris and I have only spent a few nights apart, usually due to hospital stays. I missed him terribly and I will admit I had a little cry. I’m a big softy at heart and I’m not ashamed to say so.
I wasn’t worried about parenting solo, it’s the loneliness that bothered me. I’m a total chatterbox and I love having someone here to share my day with and chat about nonsense. We did a video call just before bed and he even offered to stay on all night so I could hear him snoring. I declined his kind offer!
I’m so thankful that overnight stays apart are not part of our regular routine. I know some families don’t have a choice and that makes me really sad.
On the positive side, the training has taught Chris new skills and that’s always a good thing. I’m now looking forward to a weekend together.
awww, I hope he doesn’t have to stay away again, I have to say the snoring bit made me giggle. That’s something I wouldn’t miss for sure. I’ve always done parenting solo quite well, I’m happy being on my own. I was a single parent with my older two for nearly six years!! It’s a different story now, I just can’t cope on my own.
He shouldn’t have to stay away again thankfully, not sure I could cope if it was a regular thing x
How wonderful to do a long-distance bedtime story! Glad you are all back together in time for the weekend, hope it’s a good one.
Thanks, I was very grateful for the wonders of technology this week for sure.
Aww! Bless you!
What a great idea of reading the bedtime story even though he was away. How sweet. It sounds like he learned a lot but lets hope there’s no more nights away for a while x
There shouldn’t be any more nights away thankfully x
It’s so lovely that he still managed to read the kids a story, very sweet. We’re fortunate that my husband is rarely away or late home, it is something to be grateful for, you’re right. Hope you have a lovely weekend together x Thanks for sharing with #WotW
Thanks Jocelyn x
The fact that your husband offered to stay online all night so you could hear him snore is just about the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. Thanks for sharing! #WotW
Sweetest or meanest I’m not sure 🙂
Love that Chris was still able to read the bedtime story. The loneliness is the worst thing about parenting solo for me too along with the lack of opportunity for time out. It’s rare for hubby to be home for the girls’ bedtime but when he is, it’s lovely to have that extra pair of hands. Enjoy your weekend together 🙂 #WotW
Thanks Louise, it really is no fun so grateful it’s a rarity for us.
Aw what a lovely thing to do with the bedtime story! I bet that made you all very happy. Like you say, it’s the gap in the house that gets you. Hope you get him back soon! #wotw
Thanks Carol, the bedtime reading certainly helped the children with missing Daddy.
How lovely that he read the bedtime story. That’s such a good idea.
My OH has to work away a few times a year and the children do miss him, but in the past we’ve found they miss him more if they can see him on Skype! Funny how they react isn’t it.
Your OH sounds wonderful if he was prepared to stay on all night for you, even if he was only sleeping!
Have a lovely week
#WoTW