Solo Parenting Days: What Actually Helps
If you’re new here—my husband is a firefighter, which means his schedule is anything but a traditional 9–5. He works 24-hour shifts, and while the schedule follows a pattern, every week looks a little different.
The upside? I can basically plan vacations years in advance.
The downside? I solo parent about ⅓ of every month.
Some weeks that means all daycare drop-offs are on me because he’s out the door by 6:30am. Other weeks, it means I’ve got a full weekend day to fill with a 3-year-old. So over time, I’ve figured out what actually makes those days run smoother:
Weekday Solo Days
Stick to a schedule
This might sound simple, but it’s everything for me. Maybe it’s my Type A tendencies (my therapist would agree 😅), but having specific times for everything makes mornings so much easier.
Yes, I have a 6:57am “wrap it up” alarm.
Yes, I have a 7:03am “get everything to the car” alarm.
Ridiculous? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
Do as much as possible the night before
The busiest mornings are usually the ones I’m at the gym at 5:15am. When I get home around 6:15, I don’t have time to think—I just need to move. Having bags packed, clothes ready, and everything staged the night before is a game changer.
Use bath time strategically
Walter loves the bath, and I’ve learned to use that window. I can clean up the kitchen, fold laundry nearby, or reset the house—all while he’s happily playing. It’s one of the easiest ways to buy myself time later in the evening.
Take 15–30 minutes before daycare pickup
This one comes with a little mom guilt, but it helps so much. If I have time, I’ll stop at home before picking him up to reset a bit.
Is it always a true “rest”? Not really—sometimes it’s just switching laundry or finishing a task. But even that small buffer between work mode and mom mode makes a big difference.
(And let’s be honest—my audiobook time counts as self-care too.)
Weekend Solo Days
Use gym childcare
We’re lucky to have a gym with childcare, and I fully take advantage. That 1–1.5 hours is gold. Sometimes I work out, sometimes I catch up on photography or blog work, and sometimes I just sit and breathe. Either way, Walter has a blast and I get a reset.
Lean into playdates
Playdates are a win for everyone. Walter gets to run wild with his friends, and I get actual adult conversation. It’s one of the easiest ways to make a solo day feel less like…solo parenting.
Get out of the house (hello, zoo days)
We’re so close to the Detroit Zoo, and it’s one of my favorite easy outings. Lately, it’s felt so much easier—grab the stroller, snacks, drinks, and go. No massive diaper bag, no overthinking. Just a simple, fun outing that breaks up the day.
Run errands (even if it’s not glamorous)
Errands with a toddler aren’t exactly fun—but they’re real life. I’m trying to be better about including Walter in those routines instead of avoiding them. Sometimes it’s Costco, sometimes it’s quick stops, but it helps keep the week running smoother overall.
The Biggest Thing That Helps
Having a plan.
I usually know ahead of time which days I’m solo (minus last-minute overtime), and just knowing lets me mentally prepare. Whether it’s a structured weekday morning or a loosely planned weekend outing, having a general plan makes everything feel more manageable—and honestly, more enjoyable too.
