Before diving into this post, I want to take a moment to shout out the single parents out there—you are the real MVPs! My perspective comes from my unique life situation, but I hope these tips will be helpful for anyone juggling parenting and life when flying solo.
The Reality of Solo Parenting Weeks
My husband travels overnight for work about once a month. Before kids, I’d wave goodbye, wish him safe travels, and enjoy a quiet house. With one child, it was tougher, but I managed. With two kids in two different schools? That’s a whole different ballgame. Without preparation, it looks like this: yelling at kids to get in the car, scrambling to make it to school on time, forgetting something important at home, and arriving at work way later than planned. Sound familiar?
Of course, these weeks tend to be the ones when life throws in a few curveballs—special school events, a sick kid, or a high-pressure week at work.
Here’s how I’ve learned to thrive, not just survive, during weeks like this:
Step 1: Assess What’s Ahead
You can’t hide from the truth! Take a realistic look at what’s ahead so you can plan accordingly:
• How many extra drop-offs and pickups will you have?
• Who typically handles meals, and what will you need to prep for?
• What are the non-negotiable events or deadlines?
• Is there a real chance of sickness in the house?
For me, here’s my reality: hubby will be gone Monday through Friday. He usually does drop-offs and pickups Tuesday through Thursday because of my hour-long commute. This week, I’ll need to handle all of them, plus I’ll be working in the office instead of from home on Monday, adding two extra hours of commute time. Oh, and it’s Kindness Week, meaning my oldest has daily dress-up themes to prepare for.
Step 2: Stick to Your Routines
This is not the week to skip your usual Sunday prep routine. Things like:
• Signing planners.
• Washing jackets.
• Checking and restocking snack supplies.
If your family uses tools like “weekly bins” for organizing outfits, papers, or supplies, this is the week to put them to good use—no skipping! These little habits lay the foundation for smoother mornings and fewer surprises.
Step 3: Prepare for Your Future Self
When you know you’ll be juggling extra tasks, anything you can prepare in advance will help keep you sane.
Here’s what I do:
1. Fill up the gas tank. Without doubt, the mornings I’m running late, I also realize I also need gas.
2. Wash all the laundry you’ll need.
3. Grocery shop.
These may seem small but having them done ahead of time means I’m not scrambling mid-week when I already feel stretched thin.
Step 4: Set Boundaries at Work and Home
It’s okay to say, “no.” And it’s just as important to set clear expectations with others.
For example, I always let my boss and team know when I’m solo parenting for the week. This helps them understand that I may:
• Need to leave work on time to pick up the kids.
• Be more responsive to texts from school.
• Have to leave unexpectedly or take a day off if something comes up.
You also have to know your limits. You may not be able to do all the events this week. and that’s okay.
Step 5: Accept Help and Support
Help comes in many forms, so be open to it. For me, this looks like:
• Neighbors: My neighbors notice when my husband’s truck is gone and often take out the trash for me. A simple “you’re doing a great job!” shout from across the street also works wonders.
• Technology: Target DriveUp for groceries, delegating PTO tasks, or picking up food on the way home can all lighten the load.
• Emotional Prep for the Kids: My girls miss their dad when he’s away, so we prepare by using a personalized Tonie Box with bedtime prayers and songs he recorded. Short videos pre-recorded on your phone work great for a need a pick-me-up during times of meltdown.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
At the end of the day, it’s just for a short while. You’ll get through it, and so will your kids. But by being mindful and taking these small steps, you can reduce stress, stay organized, and keep things running smoothly.
When one person is holding all the information — schedules, meals, logistics — it’s not just busy, it’s what I think of as capacity compression.
What do you do when your spouse goes out of town? Share your tips in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
R