Single parents

While Paul was away, not only did I take the children to Telford on my own but we also went on a few day trips - Avon park and Drayton Manor park. These days out were great and the children and I had loads of fun but made me realise what life (days out) would be like if I was a single parent.

I found that I couldn't take many photos as I was tying to watch all three children, and when Megan and Ethan wanted to go on rides, I had to take Emily even if she didn't want to. And did I get to go to the toilet, NO... I just couldn't get all three children in one cubical. And what a nightmare when standing in a queue for half an hour only for one of the girls to say they needed the toilet! I didn't have anyone to save our space so we would lose it and ending up going back to the back of the queue. It was a nightmare.

How do single moms do it?

It has really got me thinking about that first time Paul will be going away for 6 months, what life will be like. (the most he has been away is 3 months so far). It has also got me thinking about Paul and all that he does.

If Paul is around, he'll get up with the children if it's before 6.50am and I've had a bad nights sleep with Emily, he'll start breakfast most morning, help dress the children if he hasn't left yet, brush teeth and hair, help with shoes and coats. Mondays he comes on the morning school run, helps make lunch or washes if lunch is already ready, most days he'll put Ethan in bed while I take Megan to school. Paul and one of the girls always set the table while I dish up dinner, Paul's clears the table and washes up nearly every night, helps tidy up toys before bath time, one of us baths while the other drys and dresses. One of us does stories and singing while the other put Ethan in bed. Then there is the Landry, extra tidy, ironing, etc etc etc. which we share.

Yes I'm the one who cleans the cupboards, makes beds, polishes the sides, does most of the Landry and ironing, cleans the bathroom and toilet, cleans the fridge, etc etc etc.

BUT without all the things that Paul does, look at how much more my load would be. He is a great help and support everyday and I love and thank him for that.

So do I look forward to the times when Paul's away, the answer in NO. Not only do I miss and appreciate the things that he does with the house and helping with the children, but I miss the evening when we chat and cuddle up on the sofa to watch another CSI or Ray mears (yes i hear you, I don't really watch Ray Mears, I just read a magazine while Paul watches!)

So all you out there that are single parents not by choice, I admire all the things that you do, all the hard work that you do alone.