Single parent - any tips please

[Sunshineclouds11]

Ex DP has finally moved out.

I've got DS4 and a 9 week old.

Does anyone have any tips?

I think I'm stressed about bath and bed times. DS4 has additional needs and bedtimes can take some time for him to go to sleep. This of course runs along side the babies bottle and I don't know how he would feel about feeding her in his room as it's normally just us and we have a story, etc.

Ex is going to be coming to help some nights but not all so I need a plan as to how to do it.

And anything else that makes life abit easier for you will be greatly appreciated

Don't stress about the house. It's going to be messy and you probably won't get a chance to clean as much as you want. That's ok. Work out what are the negotionables. For me it's important we sit round the table for a meal together in the evening but what we eat is less important (lots of pasta and sauce, soup, freezer veg etc). Whenever you can feel arsed to cook, cook at least three times more than you need and freeze. Online food shop to save time and energy going to the supermarket. Don't beat yourself up for being less patient than you would like, more screen time for older DC than you like, using tumble dryer even on nice days to save time. Be kind on yourself. Accept help, ask for help.

It's great that exDP will come and help but

1. don't assume he will or rely on him. You may find he is caught up in Tinder and his new found singleness.
2. consider if you really want him in your house. You broke up for a reason and probably don't need the extra stress of having him around. He doesn't live there now and has no right to be in your space. Make sure doesn't sit on his arse doing nothing whilst you run around after him. My ex brought his washing round for me to do when we tried this. I soon put a stop to him coming round..

Personally I would keep him out the house and instead have him take the DCs out for a few hours so you get a break.