Single Parenting - Worn Out After Only 2 Weeks!
Every time a busy season comes around on the farm and I become a “temporary widow” and “temporary single parent”, I am overwhelmed by how hard the task can be (and in awe of those who do it on a more permanent basis).
I will admit that it is easier these days than it was when the kids were younger.
Except when they are sick!
Which all 3 currently are.
Even harder when I’m not feeling the best myself.
At the moment I am juggling dealing out medication doses, cleaning up tissues, cleaning up bodily fluids (mainly due to phlegm), dr’s appointments, cuddling sick kids, driving the tractor, transporting hubby between farms, cooking, cleaning, washing….
On top of that there’s the usual stuff like parent-teacher interviews, parents & friends meetings and follow ups, submission writing for funding, netball coaching, personal training, grocery shopping, dealing with mail, dealing with the mess kids are making being home from school, broken sleep due to kids waking up from coughing so much….
Is it any wonder I feel like crawling under the doona and staying there until everyone is well again and seeding is over????
* For those not familiar with our farming program, seeding is a busy time of the year where the tractors go many, many hours a day spraying weeds and putting seed in the ground to grow our years crops. During this time, my husband is rarely seen hence the term “seeding widow” (or “temporary widow”). Fortunately, with larger equipment and not tilling the soil as much, our seeding program tends to run 3-4 weeks instead of the 6-8 it did when my kids were babies.
Image Credit http://www.suburbanpediatrics.org/ParentingTips.html
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I remember single parenting. My first husband was in the Army, so away a lot and I was home alone with first one baby, then two, then three. Then he got a desk job and was home so much more. But that was hard because we’d been so used to doing everything without him. We adjusted, but I think I actually preferred him being away. We had our routines fairly firmly set and fitting him in wasn’t easy.
I haven’t been in your position (or yours, River) but I feel for you and am sending some cyber sympathy vibes your way…. I hope you all feel better soon!
Cant imagine your week (s) but just remember you will soon be back to normal… and it will all be long gone.. dont worry about the house work…just do whats essential and that could mean you also having a day off things.. !!
River - I don’t know how people do it who have husbands who work week on, week off or similar. That would be really hard to adapt to I’m sure. My husband is just too handy these days (learnt a lot when I was out of action) so I really notice when he isn’t here. The kids get more sooky too. They like having both parents around.
Kath - thank you. Hope all the packing and plans are going well.
Lynette - That’s exactly what I’ve done today. Spent most of the day in bed. Was much needed I think.
I get where you’re coming from…..have the same thing every year with vintage (when we contract in to cart grapes) doesn’t worry me now the kids are older but was hard on my sanity when they were younger.
Just out of curiosity it just told me that it was having trouble accepting this comment because it contained the word “vintage” - kinda interesting, I’m wondering what is wrong with that word
There is nothing wrong with the word Katrina. The program picks up words used in lots of spam messages. The in between step where you have to click to proceed takes out automated spamming - it still allows your comment through.
It’s so hard when all they want is cuddles, nothing else much gets done.
We are about to experience this new way of parenting!! My husband is off to work in the mines so will be away on and off during the week etc. Probably a week on, week off, so with 5 kids I’m definatly starting to prepare myself for that! I’m sure its going to be hard at first, but I’m hoping we all settle in well!
Good luck with that Kirsty. Sounds like a challenge. Hope it goes well for you.
I hope this is not what I have to look forward too …we don’t have many paddocks suitable for cropping but hubby has plans to change this !
I have had a few times being a single parent - I am in awe of those who have it very day and no break in between.
Hope you get rain at the right time.
I hope so too Trish.
But there are ups and downs to farming in terms of my DH being around. It’s tough this time of year but then he’s more flexible at other times of the year so I don’t really have anything to complain about. 
We have had a good amount of rain now. As long as we keep getting bits throughout the season, it’s all looking very hopeful for another good year.