The weather this month has been so unpredictable, but so is life and single parenting.
When I see that there is a forecast that will throw me off schedule, I’m thinking, “No! Not again!” So when it’s snowing and the weatherman says schools will likely be closed or we will have a delay the next morning, I know my 11-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter will be jumping up and down with excitement. But all I will think about is WORK.
This winter hasn’t been as bad as past winters, but having back-to-back snow days and/or delays can really wreak havoc, especially the dreaded 5 a.m. recorded call stating your school has a DELAY. If your first thought is, “Now what am I going to do?” you are definitely not alone.
I’m a single mom, and my ex lives over an hour away. My job is one that needs to be done at the office. My boss does not have kids, but she is very understanding. However, three days in a row of calling out or emailing to say I’m going to be late makes me anxious and nervous. I never want my coworkers to resent me, but at the same time, my family is my priority. Single parenting is such a struggle.
And that struggle is inevitable! Especially with all the sickness going around this winter between the stomach bug, the flu, and some terrible colds, my kids are bound to get sick and have to miss school. What’s a mom to do? Here are my suggestions:
1. Check out the local YMCA or Boys & Girls Club in your area. They may have a drop-in early morning or full-day program.
2. Get to know the people in your neighborhood and try to work together. Talk to neighbors at the bus stop or at school and see if you can work out a schedule to help one another.
3. Contact your school principal and see if they know of any resources in the area.
4. Meet with your boss and create a backup plan. See if it’s possible to work from home on days when the children are off from school or delays.
5. Talk with your coworkers to see if you can split shifts or cover for one another. It could be a win for both parties.
It’s really about thinking outside the box to try and develop what works best for your family. I’m still trying to figure it all out as we have recently moved, and I don’t know anyone in our neighborhood. But single parenting after the last few weeks of snow delays and sick kids, I think it’s time to start meeting the neighbors!
How do you manage work when you need to stay home with the kids? Do you have a plan?
Megan is a single mom to Matthew (11) and Elizabeth (8). She was born and raised in Norwalk, CT. For a few years, she moved to Rockland County, NY, but she couldn’t stay out of Fairfield County and ended up back in New Canaan, CT. Megan works full time for Stamford as a Recreation Supervisor, and she owns a skincare business with Rodan +Fields. Work weeks are jam-packed and are spent working, homework, running around with her two kids to sports and other activities, and coaching her daughter’s basketball team. On the weekends, she enjoys being outdoors, coaching, reading, and spending time with her boyfriend and their combined “Brady Bunch” family (his 3 and her 2).
This post really resonated with me. I too am a single parent , and as the season begins to change I have found myself riddled with anxiety. I have reminded myself to reach out to my neighbors and extended family. I think that reading this post today has given me that much needed push .