First of all…Happy Veterans Day and THANK YOU to everyone who has served or is serving!! We are so thankful for your service!
I am by no means an expert on this topic!! I’ve had a couple people ask me questions the last few months, so I thought I’d share what works for me. Tab travels pretty much every weekend during football season and periodically for work. He’s been doing this since I was pregnant with Ebby Lee…so I’ve learned a few things over the years. Today my Top Three is all about surviving when your hubby is out of town. Can I get an “Amen”, ladies?? hahaha!
Baby Ebby Lee in an officiating hat! hahaha!
First of all, single moms I give you so much props!! I wish I could hug each and every one of you and let you know you’re doing a GREAT job!! When Tab is out of town…I am TIRED! When he gets back sometimes I just need to walk around the grocery store ALONE to recoup!
Here are a couple things that help me when he’s out of town…
#1 Plan Plan Plan
I have several friends whose husbands are firefighters, managers, or coaches and they have crazy hours too. I’m constantly asking my friends who else is flying solo for the weekend. We plan things to help us stay busy. My kiddos are WAY better behaved if we’re doing things rather than staying in all weekend.
Here are a few ideas-meet somewhere for dinner…the mall, Chick-Fil-A, McDonald’s wherever and let the kiddos play and eat, go see a movie (this one is tricky for me because Bowen needs a babysitter, but the big kids love it), meet at the park, or play at someone’s house. Plan things so you and your kiddos have an outing or two!
#2 Give Yourself Some Grace
In this picture, I’m 99% sure Ebby Lee was getting ready to push Nixon down!! Ladies…it’s HARD! Be easy on yourself! Order pizza for dinner. Forget about the laundry that needs to be done. Make everyone play in their room for a few minutes. Put the kiddos to bed a little early. Do what you need to do! Seriously….parenting solo is tough! Give yourself some grace!!
#3 ENJOY it!
It’s a TOUGH job, but in the grand scheme of life…it’s so short. Have fun and enjoy it! Figure out some things you all enjoy and do it!! My kiddos love watching movies in my bed. Usually on Friday nights, we all snuggle up in my bed and watch a movie. I know when they’re out of this house I will forever remember those sweet little moments. We play games. We go for walks. I try my best to have fun! I find that we all enjoy our “Daddy’s away” moments a whole lot more when we’re doing just that!
I have no crazy brilliant advice, but these are some things that work for me. If you have any other ideas, PLEASE share by leaving a comment. Maybe we can all get a new idea or two from each other!! Thank you!!
