Surviving 2 little kids by myself for a few weeks

[Penguinpigtortoise]

Have a 3 year old and a baby, husband is going to be away for work for a few weeks. He used to be away a lot with work so I managed him being away most of the time for a month, at the longest stretch, but that was just with one child. Family are hundreds of miles away and the ones who could come and help, won’t. But I’ve spent enough time being angry about that and it’s not going to change!

The older one does go to nursery a few days a week but is so jealous of the baby (despite my best efforts) which makes things like bathing and bedtime very difficult, I only have one pair of hands and the whinging drives me insane. They’re also the kinds of things that I can’t get friends to come and help with. I’m already exhausted and ratty from husband working all the time at home and I seem to be ill most of the time, so I need tips on surviving by myself please! Other than letting them watch a lot of tv

Stick to your routines, you'll get through it. Don't hold yourself to too high a standard.

I've been coping solo when dh working away from days to months at a time for over 16 years. We have 6 kids and a dog now so I am kept very busy. I carve out time to lift in the gym (home set up) and that really helps to relieve stress, baby will sit in her chair and watch me.

You'll be fine. many people do this day in, day out. Get yourself some nice easy meals ready to pop in the microwave once they finally go to bed and get an early night.
Maybe say that eldest can stay up a little later as they are the 'big one' and let them watch TV while you put the baby down. They they can have a story and a snuggle on the sofa with you before bed. But ONLY if they behave nicely at bath time and help you with the baby. Get them both out for a walk in the afternoon to wear out your eldest.

Then book yourself a night or two in a hotel for when your husband returns so you can get some peace and 'you time'...which will help with the resentment ;-)

Let them watch tv! I've got twins, when DH was away with work I had to install an iPad set up with baby tv in the bathroom so I could bath them, you can't bath two babies with two hands. It will be fine.

@nearlyspringyay I bathed our twins one at a time when tiny but always together once they could sit unaided. When they start showering unaided it is great.

I think Teebee has it; bribery can work! I remember my low point was telling my daughter that daddy would be home in 56 sleeps, then getting a text from him saying he was drinking beer, with his feet in the Indian Ocean, watching the sunset. It was a wet, February evening here...

As a full time 24/7 single parent to three under 8 this is my life. You will be fine! Of course you can do it.

Fed not dead is the mantra.
Easy meals, fresh air as much as possible with the baby perhaps walk to nursery and back?
Can your oldest sit within eyesight and earshot while you bath the baby watching a tablet with something appropriate on?
Could you put the baby in the high chair while you spend a bit of time with your older child doing reading or colouring in etc. my two youngest loved watching this sort of thing as long as they had a snack

Nice easy meals or ready meals for you at the end of the day
Even if I’m exhausted which I mostly am I try to get downstairs ok for the next day the night before even if itjust putting toys away, loading dishwasher, wipe down surfaces and if they’re not asleep yet hoover. I also always try and have a nice quick bath as it’s the only thing I get to for for myself and I unwind a bit.

Story time for eldest while feeding the baby? Let the eldest “help” with little things like getting the baby ready for bed this always worked with my eldest two.

You might enjoy it !

[quote Chely]@nearlyspringyay I bathed our twins one at a time when tiny but always together once they could sit unaided. When they start showering unaided it is great.[/quote]
We had an aqua pod duo thing when they could sit, I think, they've discontinued them now, but I needed something to distract the other one when they weren't in the bath!

If they're both asleep, rest and try to sleep as much as you can. Get your food shopping delivered. Takeaway if you can afford it.

I’m a Lone parent to 4 no partner or family, you will be fine!

Have picnic meals.
Do long baths. Get some bath crayons and put some pots and plastic jugs in there with lots of bubbles. Bring up a comfy chair to sit in to supervise.
Road tape and some cars for the floor?
Can you afford to book a babysitter for a few hours now and then?
Spend lots of time in bed. Put a mattress on the floor next to your bed for the toddler to jump up and down on.

I know I’ll do it because I have to - I also know many people do it all the time though this doesn’t negate that I, as many others do, will find it hard. Thanks for all the practical suggestions!