I'm here to offer my respect & marvel at the sheer force of will of single parents far & wide. Never did I stop to ponder how difficult it must be to raise children all on your own. I've always been fortunate enough to have my husband share the responsibility of parenting. Last week, however, I had a taste of what it's like to go solo...and it left a rather bitter taste in my mouth.
How do they do it??? How do they juggle raising children, going to work, and somehow finding time to go to the bathroom?!? I'm sincerely in awe because by day number 5, I had a piercing pain behind my left eyeball & my mouth was filled with 4 cold sores (just my body's reaction to stress). Could I do this again? I suppose I could, but I'd certainly make a few changes.
I'll probably forget that I had reached the point where I was pulling out my hair, so I'm devising a survival guide - if ever my husband has to go on another business trip:
1. Don't be afraid to ask for help - parents, friends, neighbours - just ASK! My problem is that I have this martyr complex. I run myself ragged, then throw a pity party. Not a good idea. Going forward, when necessary, I'll ask for help.
2. Set priorities. It's all good trying to be St. Stephanie, patron saint of supermammas, but it isn't really necessary to make homemade play dough when there are mountains of laundry to be tackled. Pick & choose the most essential items on the "to do" list & go from there.
3. Recharge your battery. Whether it's an hour in the morning, or an hour once the kids are asleep, take some time to decompress. This should not involve watching reality TV or bad dramas (did someone say 90210?!?!). Just sit & relax...preferably with a nice, hot cup of tea or a glass (yes, just one...responsible parenting folks!) of good wine.
That's all I can think of. For now. Any other suggestions for coping would be greatly appreciated. In the meantime, I'll count my blessings that hubby's back & I think, tonight, I'll go for a walk. Alone. Naturally.
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