Wednesday, August 27, 2008

"Single" Parenthood

Today is like a practice day for the coming week of being a "single" parent. E left early this morning for quick trip overseas and will only be back tomorrow evening. This is nothing compared to the coming week when he will be gone for 8 days, for 2 back-to-back trips. 

All the frequent trips before were easier to manage as I either had only 1 kid or already had a maid by the time I have Nicholas. This coming long trip will be the first time I will have to handle the household and both kids all on my own. I can't even count on mum this time since she has her hands tied looking after my niece. A day or two, without any support or relief of any form is manageable. But this long duration will be really tiring. Already I can think of the pockets of time in some days of the week when there will be added stress and some challenges. 

I definitely need to do some massive shopping and cooking to stock up the freezer of the goodies which I can easily defrost. Meals is an area which I would hate to compromise. After a hard day, nothing calms and cheers me up more than a good dinner. Serving up nutritious and delicious meals for the kids make me feel good about my work too, so no compromise on quality there. 

I don't intend to use TV as a substitute nanny either unless I really have no other choices, so I must find some ways to entertain the kids while I cook and do the necessary chores. Neither do I want to cut back on the kids' outings to do fun things. Oh well, it will be harder but definitely manageable, as long as I find ways to improve the routines further and in the process make my days less tiring. 

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

DG,
It's not easy to occupy the boys when you need to cook etc. But what I suggest is to get them help you set the table, get ready for clean up after eating by preparing the PJs that they wish to wear and set it aside, any task that is kid safe and will take "some time" to complete while you cook

Anonymous said...

Hiya, good luck! 8 days is pretty long. Don't forget the wine during your food shop, hehe (for "after-hours").

Btw, M's drawings are fantastic!

Val

DG said...

Thanks Rachel for your suggestions! :) I have yet to try getting them to help set the table for meals. I am sure Nicholas will be more than eager to help placing all the cutlery on the floor instead of the table. More work for me later! LOL! But getting out PJ is a great task for Marcus to do. I am planning a list of tasks for the boys to do together. Hopefully some will work.

Thanks Val. Yes, wine and some really sinful desserts to unwind with after tucking in the kiddos. :)

Administrator said...

oh dear..i would surely freak out...my hubby was away for 10 days last 2 weeks..but thank god, i still have rose around to help out..where is your helper?....you take care ok...

DG said...

contentedmom, thanks! :) I sacked my live-in maid when she became more trouble than help. It has been 3 months and I manage to cope with some help from hubby. So we are happy without a maid.

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