Updated: Dec. 20, 2015 | Originally Published: March 31, 2015
If you’ve put two and two together, it’s clear that when my husband is away, I’m the one left to manage our lively crew of five kids. It’s a whirlwind of activity, and I often feel like a one-woman show without a co-star to help out.
When he’s around, he’s indispensable. He gives baths, tucks the kids in, drives them to activities, and is a wizard at washing dishes. But when he’s gone? It’s just me—often overwhelmed, surrounded by piles of laundry, and in dire need of a shower.
Interestingly, while he’s home, our younger kids drift off to sleep like little angels. But the moment he steps out, it’s a different story entirely. My two-year-old seems to think that 2 a.m. is the perfect time for a deep conversation about how an engine works or the mysteries of the moon. You could say it feels a bit like a scene from The Shining (minus the creepy twins).
In an unfortunate twist, we also have three dogs in our household. I might be to blame for this canine chaos, but I won’t admit it. When Dad leaves, the dogs take it upon themselves to bark all night, and they decide to invite every neighborhood dog to join in the chorus—literally ten dogs. No RSVP required!
Of course, there’s the inevitable plumbing disaster. The toilet will clog, and if I’m lucky, it won’t overflow, but let’s be real—there’s a good chance I’ll be mopping up something unpleasant.
And then there are the inevitable sick days. Someone will fall ill—feverish, cranky, and in need of medical attention. Sometimes that “someone” is me, but as a stay-at-home mom, I’ve learned that there’s no such thing as a sick day. I just have to power through.
All the kids’ activities and school events happen when I’m flying solo, which means non-stop driving for pickups and drop-offs. At times, it feels like I should just set up camp in the car.
My husband works in Silicon Valley, where the atmosphere is much like a scene from a TV drama. His days are filled with parties, team-building outings, and a seemingly endless supply of office beer. Meanwhile, my days at home often feel like a relentless cycle of chaos. Sure, there’s beer in the fridge, but when do I have time to enjoy it?
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In summary, parenting five kids while my husband is away is a chaotic yet rewarding experience. From sleepless nights to unexpected plumbing issues, it’s an adventure filled with love, laughter, and a touch of madness.