suddenly a single mother (because of a job)

United States
May 17, 2007 5:19pm CST
Anyone else had to deal with suddenly being a single mother? My husband decided he didn't like his job here and transferred to another airport (he works for the airlines). He left Monday for the new place (he's staying with my dad). But school doesn't get out for another 3 weeks so me and the kids stayed behind. The problem is it isn't just for 3 weeks. We have no idea when he will be able to come back and get us (he has to come to drive the U-haul). We told the landlord we would be out by September at the latest so I might be alone all summer with the kids. It isn't the first time. Two years ago we moved here for the same reason and he left in May but me and the kids didn't follow until June. It was 6 weeks of me and 3 kids. But I had my dad around to keep them entertained occasionally. Then last summer my dad had a heart attack and we all went to his house to help him out. My husband could only afford to take a week off and had to go back leaving me alone with 4 kids (we had a baby last year) and my invalid father that needed me to take care of him. We were there for 8 weeks. The only reprise I had was the occasional visit from my husband (I think he came to visit twice) and my neighbors who took my oldest every other day to play with their granddaughter and they even took her on vacation with them (the girls are best friends). This will potentially be much longer and harder. We have 4 kids now and 2 puppies that are not housebroken. The house is a disaster and I am supposed to be packing but can't find the time or energy. I am up every morning at 3am to let the puppies out and then up at 6 or 7 to let them out again and get my daughter ready for school. The kids have gone totally crazy since he left and don't listen to me at all. I have zero friends or family around to lend a hand. It has been like 3 days and already I am doubting I will make it through this with my sanity in tact. Between the baby, the dogs and my oldest (who is very defiant) I am ready to pull my hair out. At least this time I have a car. The last 2 times I was completely homebound. But then again I don't want to go anywhere alone with 4 kids. Already I have to go do laundry which means lugging baskets down the street with 3 or 4 kids in tow. It's going to be a long summer I think.
1 response
@maehan (1439)
• United States
18 May 07
Wow, you have a done a great job handling 4 kids, 2 dogs and managing the entire family. You are not alone. I am one of the stay at home mom with two kids where they are active. My husband is always out of town. The longest trip is a year and minimum is 4 weeks. Children normally need repetitive telling. You have to tell them again and again and AGAIN. They will tell you, "Mom, I know, please stop telling me again again." For us, we will stop telling if you listen. Everyday, I will need to walk my kids to school as we do not have a car. They walk 4 miles which means I have to walk 8 miles in total. Initially, they are resistant to do so but we have no choice as to support 2 car is ridiculous. I believe your eldest kids is old enough to listen. You may try adult talk to him/her. Let the eldest understand the situation, let him/her know your frustration and hope that he/she would able to assist. Always give them praises and appreciate anyting that they have help. That's what I do to my kids (both below 6 years old). God bless. You are great and everything will be fine.