Husband due to go away for just under a week

[spixblue]

Hello! My husband's got to go away for work during half term. I normally look after dd and ds by myself in the day, and then dh comes home and heroically looks after the dc pretty much until their bedtime.
I'm dreading that I won't be able to cope all by myself 24/7. I don't have any family nearby to run to for help. I know I'm being a wuss, how do other folk cope?
:)

I love it when my dh goes away
I find the kids easier and quicker to get to bed bdcause we don't have to wait for him to get home
and I don't do as much cooking as I buy easy stuff just for me or have beans on toast
think of lone parents, they do it every night
get a friend round for a girly gossip and wine midweek to break it up

First of, you are not a wuss and your DH is a star :)

You will cope - take it a day at a time (or if necessary a moment at a time). When DH is away, I plan my days and try and ensure DS and I have lots of fun playing, going to the park etc. I also let him watch his favourite tv programmes for up to an hour - gives us both time out.

You may not have family nearby but do you have some friends near or at least family/friends at the end of the phone?

Seriously - it won't be as bad as you think and you'll probably enjoy it :)

My DH is frequently away, and half terms are a pain as it can get very intense if you're nose to nose all the time.

You might like to look into booking activities for them - a sports course or art club or drama workshop (especially if you can dump and run and get a bit of time off); otherwise events at local museums, libraries etc -anything that'll give you a bit of focus and a timetable.

Or just invite their friends round - it's weirdly easier with a few more children in the house. And they might get invited back - again giving you a break!

You'll be fine.

My dh is away at the moment (for about 2 weeks). Like bigchris, I enjoy it when he's away - I get the bed to myself, I don't have to cook, and I am in charge of the remote control.

Tonight, dd and I went out to the pub for supper on our own. It was lovely.

Can you invite a friend to stay for a couple of days, either with or without children so that you can share all the jobs?

Loads of families have one parent working away. My DH is going to be away 5 weeks out of the next 6. We will survive.

Enjoy being able to have beans on toast for supper instead of a proper meal.

My dp doesn't go away as often as he used too.
I love my dp dearly but it's soooooo nice when he does go away. I can watch my telly in the evening and sleep in the middle of the bed rather than hanging off the edge.
I find the kids are easier as well and because I'm not waiting for dp to do something which I would do straight away, we seem much more organised.
Also I can eat meals that I love rather than having to compromise.
Did I say that I do love him and miss him when he's gone away!

According to my sister: gin.

You'll be fine. Think of the positives - its half term so no mad school run rush etc.

My hubby is away alot for a long time and we have no family nearby. It can seem daunting but actually I think it will pass easier than you realise.

Chill out a bit. No need to cook "proper tea" EVERY night and you can have it when it suits you, not when it ties in with DH getting home.

Plan ahead for a few things to do - check out local libraries and museums for cheap/free activities, arrange the odd day or two to meet up with their friends ot have them around. Plan it now and you never know someone may return the favour for you one day over half term too.

You will be fine. My DH worked away Monday to Friday for five years. Me and the DC had a ball

Although I did have to work full time which spoiled things a lot.

Thanks so much for the replies, folks! I've just realised that Strictly Come Dancing will be on, so at least my dd and I can have a silly girly night on the Saturday after the baby's gone to bed! Thanks again - I feel a lot more positive. xx