A case for solo parenting

The challenge, the accomplishment, the reflection

Happy Friday, flow-ers! I never know how to intro my posts because I just wanna hop right into it, but HI! How are you? This week I’m digging into a kinda polarizing topic that I know some of you will feel in your bones… the joys of ‘doing it all yourself’. Only the real ones know this is a gift and a curse. So, let’s dig in.

Prefer to listen? It’s like a podcast if you hit the play button at the top of this post. I read it to you with plenty of extra chit chat you didn’t ask for, but might like.

I have a hot take: I love solo parenting. There, I said it. Phew, feels good.

Roberto went away for 5 days to Cabo and it’s the longest stretch of solo parenting I’ve ever done. That’s not long for many of you reading, but for me, it was pretty new. My sis does this with two kids bc her hubs goes away for work quite often which is a lot. I’ve heard the horror stories and I was a tad nervous myself but it was important to me that he didn’t feel any worries leaving so I didn’t say a word. I encouraged it. No guilt taking time for himself because DAD FLOW is also a thing!

Growing up with a single mom, solo parenting for those few days made me realize what she was up against… and with two kids? Total queen. It’s hard making every decision alone and not having someone to lean on when you feel worried or scared - I thought about what she may have felt a lot over the 5 days he was gone.

BUT, there is a definite upside to solo parenting, we cannot deny it… and no, this doesn’t mean your partner is not appreciated, but it’s ok for two things to be true at once (and really, as moms we need to normalize this bc far to often we get lambasted for feeling our feelings and saying them out loud!).

There were reasons I absolutely loved solo parenting:

• making the decisions without checking in

• running the day how I want to run it

• less emotions to consider (and less mental load!)

• eating girl dinner

• special mom/daughter quality time (I let Lola sleep in our bed and it was so fun!)

• no interruptions with my shows

• I only need energy to manage Lola’s feelings

• no coordination or crossed wires

• the challenge! I looooved how fricking accomplished I felt holding it all down and working!

Do you know what I love more, though? Parenting with my husband.

It made me realize just how much there is to do - Roberto does so much and we trade off on child care a lot. It’s actually beyond exhausting (and relentless). I missed telling him everything and the companionship of that person who knows me the best (and the one who wants to hear it all). So, hubs, I’m glad you’re home, and I’m also glad I now know that I got this if I need to! Annnd shoutout to the grandparents because I even snuck in a day to myself which was the recharge I need solo parenting or not.

1. I’m all about the easy breezy summer lewks, and when I want a casual day look, soft pants are the only way. What are soft pants? Not jeans, not leggings, not linen. The are so lightweight, and totally fine when it’s super hot out, too. I have multiple pairs of them and they just do the trick with a tank or t-shirt!

2. As someone who actually doesn’t usually get down with medical dramas, I binged The Pitt when hubs was away and I cannot get enough… season 2 needs to start like, now.

3. I’m a SATC super fan and a SJP enthusiast and this interview didn’t disappoint - I don’t find Alex to be the best interviewer, but SJP’s thoughts are just so concise, thoughtful and insightful - I remain in awe of her.

4. Just what we all need, another water bottle. But I actually did so I got this one - I won’t drink out of plastic if I can help it, so this is stainless steel, so sleek, and I love Owala functionality. This will be my on-the-go bottle.

5. Crack open a can of tuna and have at it. It’s my summer lunch - I make mine with capers, sundried tomatoes, lemon juice, mayo, dijon and prefer olive oil canned tuna - squeeze out allll the oil first. I pair it with chips and veggies - so quick and yummy.

That’s it for this week. If you like this content, don’t forget to show up for me with a like or comment. Hoping to see ya’ll in the comments! Thanks for the comments on my last post Jacquie, Mal, Carolyn, Sonja and Anika. Means a lot!

xx, Erin

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