Parenting Without Backup

Parenting isn’t easy for anyone. If they tell you it’s a breeze they are lying to you OR they are doing it with help.

“Daddy! Can I…?”
“Daddy, what does this mean?”
“But, Why?”

I’ve spent weeks at a time being the only person physically responsible and geographically near my kids. Earlier this year, (and the year before that, and the year before that…) I spent several months parenting largely without a backup. Yes, SkyWaitress is amazing, but she’d been traveling for work more often than not for a long time. That meant even when she was home she needed to focus on work and recuperation for going back to it. That’s our deal and has been for over a decade.

This all means I’m literally grounded with the kids. Sometimes for weeks at a time without a break. And let me tell you, it’s rewarding sure, but it is also exhausting. Having adopted a rescue dog with some issues has made it all that much more difficult for me to find time to myself (especially over the summer).

I often hear my fellow parents at school drop-offs (or online parenting groups) talk about how busy life is with kids and how they are always exhausted. BUT it often comes with a side comment of “Oh my parents watch them on the weekends” or “I’ll tell the nanny” or “My SIL picks them up after school for me sometimes…” and so on.

I get it, even with help parenting is hard. Raising humans involves an incredible amount of energy, time, patience, and focus. I sometimes daydream about the very idea of how nice having backup childcare options just a call or text away sounds like bliss.

I’ve been in the dad blogging game for over a decade. I enjoyed it at its peak when there were conferences and brand deals a plenty. I’ve also stuck with it when the sponsorships dried up because I enjoy writing. It is still a nice way to stay in touch with friends and family.

It’s a bummer that everyone we used to have close to use move away though. No longer can I call up a family member or friend to watch the kids while I do something else. I only get to go out when the wife has free time. Plus, I like to see here so often chose to spend that time with her instead of out and about.

• What do you do?
• How do you parent?
• Do you have backup?
• What’s that like?

Eventually the kids will be old enough to watch themselves, but that’s still years away. Not sure of the point of this post, honestly. Just a run on series of thoughts and questions. Hope you have an awesome weekend. I’m off to switch the laundry.