#soloparenting

Oh the dreaded solo parenting nights. I know I'm lucky that I have a present partner and I think that's what makes solo parenting such a challenge. We don't have the easiest baby, even though we lie when people ask, and give the "he's amazing" "we're so lucky" polite bullshit, because when you tell the truth people give you an odd look and never know how to reply.

My husband was going for a boys night to a hockey game, and managed to cleverly disguise it as a business trip because he's taking "clients", or guys that deal with him that he likes and wants to go out with is more accurate. When he tells me he's leaving I always go through various emotions. The first is anger; leaving me alone with a challenging baby and 3 dogs, fml. The second resentment; why does he get to leave and I feel like I can't. That one gets me; I want to have the freedom to leave but don't actually want to go anywhere. I miss the days that I could pick up and just leave with no guilt feeling.

At this point I start to spiral; my husband has never had to solo parent, he's never fed solids, never done bath time, never done the bedtime massage, never washed bottles, the list goes on. I usually take all this on willingly and in a very particular order to make it easy for me the next day when I'm alone again and he's gone to work. But it makes me angry that he hasn't done and never even tried to do it. I'm the kind of person that if he did do it and it wasn't my way I would never say anything negative to him and just have an anxiety attack on my own.

I go deeper and deeper into this rabbit hole getting more and more angry at him for not being the primary parent....but the thing is that I don't want him to be. I don't want to be him. I love that I get to spend every day with my little guy and I don't want to give that up for anything, but I do miss my old life at times.

This always brings up another feeling; I don't want to go back to work after maternity leave, but should I be having these feelings if I want to be a stay at home mom. I feel guilty and like if I don't enjoy every minute of motherhood I should be going to work and contributing financially to the household....but I don't really want to.

Male Mother Flag

[transcript: 14 horizontal stripes of double orange, double orangy red, sandy gold/brown, yellow, pear, green, turquoise green, dark teal/cyan, double pale indigo, and double light blue. id over.]

For men that are mothers

Female Father Flag

[transcript: 14 stripes with double desaturate cyan, double royal blue, indigo, blue, turquoise green, yellow, green, brown, double dark red-pink, and double pale pink. id over.]

For women that are fathers

Solo Parenting and Dating After 40 is your definitive guide to mastering the art of finding love while balancing the demands of solo parenthood. Perfect for single parents over 40, this comprehensive resource provides actionable tips, heartfelt advice, and emotional support to help you embrace a new chapter in your life

“Today, April 20th, we also celebrate Solo Parents Day! ❤️

We honor and applaud every single parent who stands up and does what they can just to make sure their children grow up well. It was a difficult responsibility but you made it possible!

SALUTE TO ALL THE SINGLE MOM & DAD'S OUT THERE! 🫡”

I’m a mom to 2 wonderful girls and married. I’m a SAHM but also work per diem as a Certified Surgical Technologist. I specialize in orthopedic surgeries.

I solo parent during the week.

I love attempting to cook and feeding people my extras.