When DH travels...

I feel like a single mom. Ok, so not really... I'm a SAHM who works for myself very pt and tutors, so I am really lucky in that regard. But when he travels, I have no thoughts of "I'll get a little break when daddy gets home tonight." So stressful and tiring.

What do you do when DH travels, esp if you are a SAHM too? How do you handle it?

(DH got this job this summer, so I'm new to the hubby being away game).

Re: When DH travels...

DH travels from time to.time & I dread those times. I have a 3.5 & 2.5 year old & SAHM. I'm exhausted on a normal day & when I know I'm not getting a break, the day is that much longer. My oldest also gets upset when daddy is not around at bedtime.

When DH travels...

I look forward to bedtime. Haha

I try and make sure we have something to do. Play date, shopping whatever to get out of the house for a bit. Before I was preggo with #2 I would travel as well and go for a few days to see family as we live oot and then I wouldn't just be me and her at home budding heads. It's annoying but sometimes you have to deal with it.

I wins up relaxing in bed as soon as she does. I just watch tv and veg out and mentally prepare for the next day.

Re: When DH travels...

Sometimes ill ask one of the grandpatentsnifthey want to come for a visit so I don't lose my mind, lol.

When DH travels...

Dh doesn't travel but I do. He is very excited when I get home.

When DH travels...

I make sure to get out of the house for a few hours during the day to pass some time. Also try to make plans with the grandparents or friends. It's definitely harder if you're just home all day knowing you won't get a break.

Re: When DH travels...

Dread the days leading up to it and count the minutes until he gets home.

I have so much respect for single parents. I don't know how they do it!

Re: When DH travels...

I was a single mom for 3.5 years and recently remarried. My DH travels frequently for work, and I actually cherish the alone time. Maybe it's because I was so used to it just being me and my DS, but I love our alone time. I always try to book special "date nights." Last time my DH was in Milan we went to the circus. Or I'll take that time to go back home to visit my parents and sleep there.

Re: When DH travels...

DH doesn't travel but works 12 hour overnight shifts so I end up doing everything except for the 3 hours a day we see him.
I find it extremely difficult especially with a NB and 2 other rugrats.
We did have a good routine before the baby and when he was home it was kinda annoying because he upset the routine but I always appreciated the help.
It is exhausting and I cherish bedtime!

Re: When DH travels...

I work FT in the city - so my day is different. but when he travels or is out late out night for a work event it's actually kind of a break for me - I don't have to worry about cooking for him (not like he really cares, he'd eat PB&J - but I feel bad and cook) I don't worry about when he's getting home or making sure the kids see him - and he's not there, so the boys aren't looking for him "NO !! I want Daddy to put me to bed, now Daddy has to come in and read me 5 more books" etc .......

So I go to my parent's for dinner straight from daycare, or I take them over to my cousin's (who's DH is an EMT so she's always alone at night) or I take a day off and do something special w/ them. -

I sleep like sh*t b/c I just have a really hard time falling asleep when he's not home - but other than that, I manage fine.

Message edited 2/28/2013 10:41:27 AM.

Re: When DH travels...

Interesting how people have such different experiences when DH travels (or DH's experience when they travel). I guess this was an especially tough week for me b/c DH was away this week AND last week, and Monday night, before DH left for this week, DD threw up (which is usu the beginning of a long week). She held it all week and threw up again this morning. Ugh. I usu do take day outings with her and enjoy some alone time (even thoguh I usu go to bed when DD does when DH travels), but this time, w/ DD being "maybe sick" and now actually sick (brought her to doc today, and she has strep), it's been a tough few weeks. On top of that, DH told me that he'll be away for another 4 days in the end of March and for a full 7 nights in the end of April! Ugh... dreading...that. I'll take a 2-3 night trip once a month as a little alone time w/ DD, but this... ugh. Single moms are amazing. That's all I can say.

Re: When DH travels...

If DH travels, I get help. Our old nanny comes over if she is available. Our kids know and love her like she is part of the family. She cleans at lightning speed and is a fabulous cook.

I was too strained if DH went away. Now I'm ok with it because when he does, I get help.

Re: When DH travels...

I dread when he travels. We have 3 kids and I work full time so its NUTTY

Re: When DH travels...

I feel the same way. Honestly sometimes it is easier when DH is away because I can solely focus on DD and myself and not have to worry about him BUT it is also more difficult because EVERYTHING falls on me and also I stress more about things, especially the "what-ifs" about things going wrong. I just try to make sure I nap whenever dd does so that I don't get too run down. I also try getting help one or two days (when DH travels for work, he is usually gone for at least 5 days, sometimes 8). So it is stressful, but I just handle it because I have to. I don't really have a plan, I just make sure the house is clean and the fridge is stocked before he goes so I don't have too many errands or chores to do and I also try to get more sleep when he is gone to keep my head straight!