{Episode 88} How to cope with solo parenting when your partner works away
Solo parenting is one of those experiences you do not truly understand until you are living it. Whether you are doing it full-time or you are in a season where your partner works away during the week, the responsibility of holding everything together can feel heavy, relentless, and exhausting.
Over the past two months, I have been parenting our four children on my own while my husband works away. It has stretched me in ways I did not expect. In this post, I want to share the honest lessons I have learned, the things that surprised me, and the practical strategies that have helped me stay grounded during this season. If you are searching for solo parenting tips, coping when your partner works away, or guidance for feeling less overwhelmed, this post is for you.
Understanding the Mental Load
The mental load of parenting alone is bigger than most people realise. Suddenly, every decision, plan, school form, meal, pick-up, drop-off, and emotional meltdown falls on your shoulders. It can feel impossible to manage it all, and that is why it is so important to adjust your expectations. You cannot run on the same energy you did when you had two adults sharing the load. Recognising that early is the first step toward surviving and thriving in this season.
Lowering the Bar Does Not Mean Failure
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that lowering the bar does not mean giving up or failing. In fact, it is the opposite. It is about being realistic and prioritising what truly matters.
During this period, I have embraced:
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Preparing simpler meals
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Allowing for looser routines
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Accepting a messier house
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Enforcing earlier bedtimes for both myself and the children
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Picking my battles
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Letting go of guilt
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Understanding that “good enough” is genuinely enough
You cannot give 100% to everything when you are parenting alone, and that is okay.
Support Is Essential
Even if you are used to doing everything yourself, solo parenting highlights the importance of seeking help. Asking for support is not a weakness. Small acts of help can make a big difference.
Support might include:
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Asking a friend to pick up groceries
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Having grandparents take one of the children for an hour
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Delegating pick-ups or drop-offs
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Ordering take-away instead of cooking
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Accepting offers of help without guilt
Even small gestures of support lighten the load and make parenting alone more manageable.
Routine Helps, but Flexibility Saves You
Having a loose routine provides stability and reduces stress for both you and your children. Predictable mornings, pre-prepared meals, simple go-to activities, and anchor points such as mealtimes, bath time, or quiet time help everyone feel calmer.
However, flexibility is equally important. Some days will inevitably go off-script, and that is completely normal. Surviving the day is often the true win.
You Can Feel Both Strength and Struggle
Parenting alone is both challenging and empowering. There are moments when you are stretched so thin that you could cry, and moments when you feel proud of your own resilience and capability. You are allowed to feel both. You do not need to maintain a facade of strength every single minute.
This Season Teaches Resilience
Parenting on your own teaches you to slow down, simplify, and focus on what is realistically possible. It has shown me how to trust myself, let go of perfection, ask for help, accept messy seasons, prioritise rest, and appreciate small wins.
Even though it is hard, there is a strength in this season that often goes unseen.
If You Are Parenting Alone Right Now
If you are experiencing the weight of parenting alone, you are not failing. You are not doing it wrong. You are not expected to enjoy every single moment. You are doing an incredible job holding everything together, and your efforts matter, even when they go unnoticed.
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode
If this post resonates with you, I invite you to listen to the full podcast episode where I share more personal reflections and practical strategies for parenting solo during the week.
Listen to the Reclaiming MUM podcast on AppleiTunes or on Spotify.
Want Extra Support?
If you are in a heavy season and would like personalised guidance, I have a limited number of Thrive in 90 sessions available. These 90-minute sessions are designed to help you gain clarity, reduce overwhelm, and build a practical plan that supports you while parenting alone.
Book a free Breakthrough Call to explore this further.
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