I love challenges. In fact, I thrive off of the really tough ones because it keeps me pushing forward and striving for more. However, I'll admit it, single motherhood is one of the toughest challenges I've ever taken on.
Yes, it is incredibly there-are-no-words-to-describe-this-feeling rewarding, but it is tough nonetheless.
I think I feel the "toughness" of this job the most during the weeks when the other parent fails to live up to his fair share of this co-parenting thing for whatever reason, and I am insanely stressed out with, well... life.
A couple weeks ago, I was diligently trying to finish my last semester in graduate school, and really needed a break.I remember that I was just having one of those there-aren't-enough-hours-in-the-day types of day. While I waited for the load of laundry to finish, I was making dinner and paying bills online. Plus, I still had to finish a final presentation for a class once I got Aiden to bed that night.
I was so happy when Aiden's dad showed up for his scheduled visit. I would have time for a couple of hours to get things done peacefully and rejuvenate myself for when Aiden returned home.
It would be perfect. Or so I thought.
A couple weeks ago, I was diligently trying to finish my last semester in graduate school, and really needed a break.I remember that I was just having one of those there-aren't-enough-hours-in-the-day types of day. While I waited for the load of laundry to finish, I was making dinner and paying bills online. Plus, I still had to finish a final presentation for a class once I got Aiden to bed that night.
I was so happy when Aiden's dad showed up for his scheduled visit. I would have time for a couple of hours to get things done peacefully and rejuvenate myself for when Aiden returned home.
It would be perfect. Or so I thought.
Not even 10 minutes after I dropped Aiden off downstairs in front of our building to meet his dad did my cell phone ring. Apparently their visit was over and his father wanted me to come back downstairs for him. It took me five minutes to get back up to my apartment, gosh darnit! Was he serious?
Are you kidding me??? girl, I don't know but let me tell you.. that little boy is lucky to have a mom like you...
ReplyDeleteIts he's loss.
A
Oh no he didn't!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to go apologize to my mom now...cause I'm sure I did this to her too! LOL!
ReplyDeleteWell first of all congrats for being in graduate school! (Or did you graduate? If so, congrats on that too lol!) It's definitely hard being a parent and juggling work/school and everything else going on... breaks are definitely necessary every so often. I'm sorry that it didn't last so long :/
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain. I'm a single mom of two and graduate student as well and I have no time for myself. My kids won't let me go to the bathroom alone, and the "other parent" isn't around at all. Yep that's no physical or finanical support. The tips you gave were great. I hope the night didn't go too bad and you were able to get things done. BTW, I love your blog.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. Having a child gives moms a new appreciation for longer showers and alone time in the bathroom.
ReplyDeleteThat's unbelievable...but you give great advice for single parents (and I think everyone. These are some ideas I could certainly use when my fuse is about to blow!) I respect you so much for how you manage to keep everything together and do it so gracefully!!!
ReplyDeleteThese are suggestions I am trying to take to heart too. I feel like my twenty-something self identity is getting lost in my role as mother...sanity is a precious commodity these days...lol
ReplyDeleteAww man! That really sucks. Heading over to finish reading...
ReplyDeleteAt some point I stopped depending on him. Now that we are in 2 different states it only matters when it matters to the kid.
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