Coping Strategies Please!

[Milk_Monkey]

First of all, i just want to take my hat off to all you amazing single parents :yelclap: I cant imagine having to parent on my own.

In saying that, my partner has just accepted a promotion, which will mean he will be out of town monday - friday. So initally i will be on my own with a toddler, and come June, a new born during the working week.

Im lucky enought to still have support from my partner, and i have plenty of family and friends around me, but im starting to worry about how to deal with the practical day to day stuff.

Does anyone have any tips to help me adjust?

[the_queen]

If you can afford a cleaner, get someone in - just for a few hours once a week (it is cheaper than you'd think, I used to get a lady in once a fortnight for 3 hours, did all my floors, bathroom and toilet, plus dusting and got kitchen sparkling clean... it cost me $50)

Plan and prepare meals in advance as much as possible - use your slow cooker (do you have one? If not, GET ONE :D) as much as possible. Don't skimp on nutrition for yourself - you'll need the energy. Don't skimp on sleep for yourself - it's more important to grab an early night when you can, than to do the dishes. Don't skimp on exercise - get out of the house every day, go for a walk and get some fresh air, wear that toddler out :D so sleep will come easily when you get home. Sling the baby, so you will have two hands free while still cuddling bubby.
Do not do more than you absolutely have to. If you have a nice garden that needs upkeep, get a gardener (again, won't be as expensive as you'd think) and consider having your toddler in daycare for one day a week (I personally would prefer Family Daycare, or a relative, rather than a childcare centre - but it's up to you :)) just so that you can have one day to yourself while you're pregnant, and once bubby is here, one day when you only have to deal with the baby (ie lay in bed with bubby all day, feeding and sleeping :))

Good luck!!

ETA: I'd do the shopping on the weekends, when hubby is home - gives him some time with the kids, and gives you a chance to shop alone. Also, I'd make sure there was plenty of family time on the weekends - family time is more important than around-the-house-jobs - like I have said already, get someone in to do those things, so that you and your husband and children can have time together. :hugs:

[Milk_Monkey]

Thanks for those suggestions :)

i've recently put DS in FDC for those very reasons!
Will definately look into getting a cleaner, esp after the next one arrives. think i might look into getting fruit and veg delivered too...

[SmileyBJ]

Keep occupied at nights when bubs go to bed.

Either hire/buy some new movies, have a list of friends you can call, do some cooking, exersize indoors at home, hire library books or start a new hobby like scrapbooking etc.

I find night time can get very lonely, especially when your use to having a partner around and suddenly there not there. You will survive :) Just remember that your partner will be back each weekend! :hugs: