Jeremy’s new job has required some big changes in our family dynamic. His out-of-town training schedule has turned me into, for lack of a better term, a single parent. And I’ve got to admit, I’m not really loving it.
Now, I am fully aware that my plight pales in comparison to that of a full-time single parent. I’m not even trying to stack myself up against someone living this life on the daily. Luckily, I am assured that, at some point in time, Jer will be coming back to ride in the passenger seat (because, come on now, we all know who drives the car…that is unless my keys have spontaneously jumped from my hands into the deep, dark abyss of storm drainage.)
But even temporarily, this single parenting is no easy feat. I’ve compiled a small list of my most noticeable issues and thought I would share them with you.
1) I’M NO GAMER – I have now become the “go-to” resource in the family for the Xbox. That’s a problem. A big one. First problem ~ I have no idea how to do anything. Well, I guess that’s the only problem but a major one at that. My gaming ignorance + a precocious 4 year-old = well…a frustrated, precocious 4 year-old. It’s getting ugly in here and Jack’s getting tired of racing around the same track. The natives are getting restless, folks.
2) I’M NO RAMBO – Have you ever noticed that sounds amplify at night? There is something about the darkness that brings out the big bads and single-parenting has made no exception. The problem: I am too afraid to exit the safety net of my bedroom to explore the sounds and do realize that this potentially leaves my innocent little babies in harm’s way. Surprisingly, that has yet to matter. I can only hope that in the event of a “real” emergency I would do right by them and kick some big bad butt…Rambo-style.
3) I’M NO MOTHER THERESA – Single-parenting has stripped me of my better qualities, such as patience, kindness and self-control. That’s about all I can say about that without risking a phone call from the local Department for Children and Family.
The above examples are about all I’m willing to admit to at this point in time. There are about 65 other issues that have cropped up during my stint as the one-n-only parental unit but as my man is coming home I am hoping to erase them from my quickly corroding mind.
I do have to quickly mention that although it has been a rough few weeks, my kids are about the coolest humans on this planet. They have weathered the storm like troopers and I couldn’t be more proud of how patient and resilient they are. In fact, they have succeeded in teaching me a lesson or two in making lemonade out of lemons. Albeit, the lemonade’s a little tart and I’m pretty sure Jack’s backwashed in it, but it’s lemonade all the same.
To Lemonade!
Mindy
Wendy says
Sounds like it has been quite an adverture! Hang in there, it will all be over before you know it and you will look back and laugh (hopefully, haha). I can tell you from experience, you blink and they are 15 and 20 years old! Love ya
Wendy
Brandy says
I know it’s been hard, but you’ve done great. It’s been good for you!
Valerie says
I know you have done a great job! And I know for sure that if it was a real emergency you would kick butt!!! Love ya!
Spot says
I’d like to be all “there’s a light at the end of the tunnel” and all…but, with my hubby’s job taking him out of the house so much I’ve done a fair amount of that one on one and now that they are very nearly adults, it’s no easier. They are far louder when he’s not around. I’m pretty sure they should warn you before you become a mom that this job never ever ends.
That said, my kids have turned out fine(ish) and I’m still (slightly) sane. =] Hang in there.
♥Spot
dncr says
So I get it. My hubby is gone for weeks at a time and I have 3 kids ages 2-7. I love that you want him around b/c my hubbys absence has left me bitter and po’d at him for putting me in the “no mother theresa” role…..I feel for you lots! AND it does NOT get better when your hubby puts you in that situation!