Drama day 6: Solo Parenting Edition

 

Life as a working parent is a juggling act, and when my husband is out of town for a business trip, the stakes feel higher. Here's how a typical day unfolds for me while managing work and my two boys, aged 7 and 2.

Morning Rush: 5:30 AM - 8:00 AM

My day started early, with the alarm going off at 5:30 AM. This is my sacred quiet time before the chaos begins. I use it to sip my coffee, set intentions for the day, and prepare breakfast.

By 7:00 AM, the boys were up. The 7-year-old got ready for school while I managed the 2-year-old’s morning routine. Breakfast is a mix of Indian breads, some dip/chutney to go with it and fruits, and a mandatory glass of milk.

The school drop-off at 8:00 AM marked the start of the first milestone: one child out the door!

Mid-Morning: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Back home, it was time for work. My 2-year-old stayed with the nanny, and I tried to tackle emails and urgent tasks during his playtime. Sometimes, he sits beside me with his toys or doodles, and other times, the nanny entertains him with a structured play and outdoor activity.

By 12:30 PM, it was time for his lunch. He enjoys finger foods or a simple meal, and I use this moment to sneak in a light snack myself.

Afternoon Shuffle: 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM

After lunch, my little one took a 1.5 hour long nap. This is when I powered through tasks requiring focus. It's amazing what you can achieve in those uninterrupted hours!

At 1:45 PM, my older son is back from school. He’s hungry, so I served him a lunch while listening to his stories from the day and had my lunch as well. Post-lunch, he started on his homework and then some alone activity, while I balanced work calls.

Evening Marathon: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

The evening is when the real juggling act begins. Both kids are energetic, so I try to keep them engaged. Sometimes, it’s a craft activity or a game for the 7-year-old while the toddler builds block towers. ON some really lucky days they play with each other without tantrums/fights!

By 6:30 PM, it’s bath and dinner prep time. Since its usually lunch leftovers with 1 quick new dish it doesn't require much efforts and sometimes my older kid takes care of it. Dinner is a mix of laughter, messes, and moments of sibling camaraderie.

Bedtime Hustle: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Post-dinner, the boys wind down with story-time or quiet play. Baths, pajamas, and brushing teeth follow. The 2-year-old is usually tucked in by 9:00 PM, though his energy sometimes stretches the routine.

The 7-year-old and I spend some one-on-one time before his bedtime at 10:00 PM.

Night Owl Hours: 10:00 PM - 11:30 PM

Once the house is quiet, I exhale. This is my time to wrap up work, plan the next day, or indulge in a bit of reading. Some nights, I treat myself to a movie or scroll aimlessly on my phone.

When my head finally hits the pillow, I’m both exhausted and proud. Solo parenting days are tough, but they’re also a testament to resilience and love.


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