https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 06 May 2026 08:02:15 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kids-on-extra-good-behavior-while-a-parent-is-away#post-2827321 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 13:37:51 +0000 JennyPenny 2827321@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So, I've been solo-parenting my two DSs (3.5 and 1) this past week and my 3 year old has been on super good behavior. For example he's been well behaved in stores and he's gotten dressed entirely independently every day this week when it's usually a fight. He even cleaned is room without being asked. DH comes home tomorrow and I'm trying to figure out a) why he's acting so nicely and b) how can I keep this going?</p> <p>I have 2 theories: first, is that I am spending more time explaining what I need and my expectations because I am prepared for things to go really wrong and I need them not to. If this is the case, I could see it extending into the future pretty easily. But what I think is more likely the case is that quality time is my DS1s love language, and he's getting a lot of 1:1 attention compared to when DH is home. This one seems harder to duplicate without messing up my time with DH. </p> <p>So, my question is: have you experienced much better behavior from your kids during a solo-parenting stint? Did you figure out why? Have any theories? Could you keep it going? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-the-worst-part-about-solo-parenting#post-2720954 Thu, 06 Apr 2017 16:09:49 +0000 Bao 2720954@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When you are solo parenting, what is the worst part of it? </p> <p>For me, it feels like the days DRAG! I have no idea why it feels like the day is going so slow...maybe lack of adult interaction for the most part? I've been solo for a few days and have a few more to go and I can't wait for it to be over, haha! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/days-alone-with-baby-and-toddler#post-2715004 Thu, 23 Mar 2017 12:49:52 +0000 babybean404 2715004@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have 48 hours coming up when I'll be by myself with my 7 week old and my 2.5 year old. I'm trying to make a plan for the days so I'll be excited and we'll have fun, but I'm worried about what to do and how I'll manage. We have an indoor play space as well as a kids museum nearby but I'm not sure if I should try to stick to home/parks for our first days all together.</p> <p>I realize some of y'all do this day in and day out but I'm nervous! I've been lucky that my older daughter has been in daycare, but daycare spring break is coming up.</p> <p>One of my biggest fears is that I'll have to sit and feed the baby and she'll be acting crazy or running off somewhere! I have a Tula and a Solly wrap but haven't gotten the hang of breastfeeding in either.</p> <p>Tips for what to do and where to go on our first solo outings? Any advice? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-solo-parent-with-2#post-2702103 Thu, 23 Feb 2017 20:22:47 +0000 travellingbee 2702103@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For those of you who solo parent frequently, how to do manage bedtime with multiple kids. Especially if you have a baby/toddler. I was doing bedtime on my own the other night and I was like, What do I do with DS1 while I am getting DS2 settled? Because DS2 won't calm and settle down if brother is in the room. He just wants to play. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/solo-parenting-and-snow-storms#post-2695016 Thu, 09 Feb 2017 19:42:38 +0000 Foodnerd81 2695016@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What do you do when you are solo parenting and have a snow storm? Specifically things like clearing the driveway when you have no one to watch the kids while you do it? </p> <p>This is our first winter in a house, with a pretty big driveway. We've been pretty lucky with the snow this year anyway, but DH always does the major shoveling or snow blowing. I can do a little shoveling either during nap time or having the toddler "help" and bundling the baby up in her stroller in the garage watching us. But DH is going to be away all next week and they are calling for another blizzard. </p> <p>I guess I will just call a plow guy? What do you do? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-your-kids-have-the-same-bedtime#post-2693794 Thu, 09 Feb 2017 19:30:00 +0000 Bao 2693794@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How do you manage it if you are parenting alone? </p> <p>DH works nights several times a week so that leaves me to put the girls down myself. Sometimes if LO2 woke up earlier than normal I can get her down at 7:30 and then put LO1 to bed at 8:00. That doesn't always happen though and I need them in bed around the same time, so I try and do both of their bedtimes at once which can be hard! LO1 will come in LO2's room and get her going wild and then when I ask LO1 to go wait in her room with a book while LO1 is being tucked in she gets mad. If I do books together it still takes time to get them wound down once they are actually in bed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/best-solo-parenting-tips#post-2635489 Wed, 12 Oct 2016 08:16:37 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 2635489@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband just got a new job that will mean he will be gone for 3 weeks at a time on the regular. I SAH and at his previous job, his site would go on lockdown a lot during the fall so he would often leave before we are up and come home directly after the girls go to bed but he is still usually home on weekends. This new job will be all me, all the time. As I've mentioned before, I really struggle to stay on budget/but what we actually need when I grocery shop with the girls so I do generally depend on DH to be home so I can grocery shop but that will obviously not be an option anymore either. He will be home for a week or two after every hitch though. How do you keep sane when your SO is gone? How do you keep sane when your SO is home for a week or two straight and "interrupts" your schedule? Give me ALL your tips!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-many-hours-do-you-solo-parent-per-week#post-2614979 Thu, 01 Sep 2016 17:42:41 +0000 Bao 2614979@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH works 2 jobs so I am with the girls alone a lot. On average I am solo parenting probably 65 hours per week...give or take depending on that weeks work load. It's rough sometimes, especially towards the end of the week. Monday's are usually ok though, which is nice. </p> <p>How many hours do you solo parent per week? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/after-you-finish-a-bout-of-solo-parenting-and-your-so-gets-home#post-2615003 Thu, 01 Sep 2016 18:11:19 +0000 mrbee 2615003@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>...do you ever secretly hope your SO says something about what a great job you did?</p> <p>Answer: of course, I am a man! But as the kids have gotten older, I care about these things less. I've been feeling lately like the kids are growing up sooo fast, and I just really enjoy soaking up time together with them. So the time together is its own reward. (In moderation, of course. If I solo for an extended period, ignore all of the above!). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-can-you-solo-parent-and-stay-sane#post-2598988 Thu, 04 Aug 2016 20:18:25 +0000 Bao 2598988@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When solo parenting, at what point are you just done and need to give yourself a break? What factors into that amount of time? </p> <p>I've been solo parenting a lot lately since DH is working 14-16 hour days. By bedtime I'm really exhausted and mentally needing a break. After doing this for a few days in a row, I'm really itching for a hand! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-often-do-you-have-to-parent-without-your-spouse-around#post-2577596 Thu, 30 Jun 2016 14:15:00 +0000 mediagirl 2577596@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does your spouse travel for work or do you stay at home? What are the reasons that you end up parenting without your spouse around? </p> <p>I don't have to parent solo often, which I really appreciate. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-to-solo-parent-for-a-weekend#post-2549666 Mon, 16 May 2016 11:40:26 +0000 winniebee 2549666@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you have to solo parent for a weekend (or weekends in general) do you stick around? Or do you go visit family, etc? </p> <p>I have to solo parent for a full weekend at least once a month when my husband is on call. Sometimes we stick close to home, but then I get annoyed that he's not around to help me! Occasionally we'll drive to my parents (1.5 hours away) for those weekends so I have company and an extra hand with the kids.</p> <p>We have one of those weekends coming up and I'm debating what to do.</p> <p>What do you do when you have to solo parent all weekend? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/solo-parenting-self-pity-vent#post-2548413 Fri, 13 May 2016 08:49:33 +0000 Bubbles 2548413@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hey bees, I've barely found the chance to post here since DS2 was born but I would love some advice from those more experienced at solo parenting!<br /> DH left this morning for a 2 week work trip, leaving me with DS1 and DS2 (2 years and 2 months). I am so daunted by 2 weeks on my own! I do a fair bit of solo parenting a anyway as I SAH - but I SO value that bit of extra help and someone to discuss the day with etc in the evening. Also I have not managed to get a good routine down for double bedtime yet!<br /> He goes away for a day or 2 quite often and that doesn't bother me, but this just seems sooo long.<br /> So if your SO goes away a lot... what are your best coping tips?! Do you keep busy or make less plans so there's less pressure? Do you find yourself accosting random delivery people for long conversations as you haven't spoken to another adult in over 24 hours? Do you find it helps your LO to talk to the parent who's away or does that make it worse (DS1 is gonna majorly miss his daddy)?<br /> Any tips welcome! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-rather-have-help-getting-the-kids-off-to-school-or-after-school-at-dinner-time#post-2541966 Thu, 05 May 2016 10:14:06 +0000 winniebee 2541966@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband leaves for work around 6:30 right when the kids are getting up, so he's rarely if ever available to help with the morning rush of breakfast, clean up, getting dressed, and out the door to preschool. He is home usually around 6 so is available to help with last minute dinner rush, baths, and bed times (usually once a week is home late). </p> <p>I'm trying to figure out our nanny schedule for fall.</p> <p>DS1 (who will then be 4.5) will be in school 5 days starting in fall (830-330) and DS2 (who will then be 22m) will be going 3 days (same school, same times). DS3 is expected in October.</p> <p>I currently work and plan to work after DS3. I WAH about 75% of the time (4 days) with one day in office, though I probably won't go to the office until the baby is 3 months old. We have a nanny and will continue to have her for 30 hours a week, even while I'm on maternity leave (likely 6 weeks, and then I'll return to work from home on some level until I'm ready to assume full duties). </p> <p>So, my question is what hours would you choose for the nanny? Spread out 30 hours over four days, with a focus on the mornings so that she can help with the morning rush? Like 7:30-3:30? Or spread it out more so maybe 7:30 to 3:30 two days and then 9:30-5:30 the other two days? I think she prefers a 4 day work week and financially we can't swing more than 30 hours while I'm on leave (unpaid).</p> <p>ETA: While I'm on maternity leave, nanny will have very few responsibilities for the newborn, since I'll be nursing. She will be helping get the kids off to school (or home), errands, cleaning, laundry, meal prep, and making lunches. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/single-mothers-by-choice#post-2478675 Mon, 29 Feb 2016 14:40:49 +0000 JoJoGirl 2478675@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a friend who any day is about to have a baby by herself (conceived with a donor in a clinic). I know she did a ton of research and met people in the community, and is informed about how hard this is going to be, and wanted to do it anyway. But I can't help but feel totally freaked out for her because of how hard it was for me as a new mom (colic, PPD, horrible sleep, MSPI, ec) - and I had a husband! </p> <p>Has anyone ever known someone who has been down this road? Did it turn out okay? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-to-the-beach#post-2457109 Thu, 11 Feb 2016 19:00:00 +0000 Boogs 2457109@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you done a beach trip with your kids while solo parenting? </p> <p>I don't know if I would do it. Maybe if it was one kid when they were older or both when they're older. Younger kids and more than one, is pretty tricky with all the stuff, so I don't think I could hang. I know some mamas do, I saw some yesterday pulling it off and I was seriously impressed! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-are-solo-parenting-what-do-meals-look-like#post-2433453 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 15:55:33 +0000 Bao 2433453@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm solo parenting today/tonight (every Wednesday and Friday actually), so on the days I am solo dinner is usually super simple. I definitely don't go all out on meals when DH is gone. It's usually waffles, cereal and milk, mac n cheese...I'm so exhausted by the end of the day that as long as my kids are fed, I consider it a win. </p> <p>What do solo parenting meals look like? Are they the same as every night, or super easy? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/solo-parenting-night#post-2368217 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 12:55:26 +0000 LuLu Mom 2368217@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For those that know they have a solo parenting night coming up and aren't used to it, what do you do to prepare? Tonight DH has a basketball game to attend, so that means I'm doing it all by myself with both girls. Not a big deal, I do this a lot, but I like to prepare an easy supper (in crockpot) so it cuts down on my kitchen time and allows me to play with the girls more (usually DH does this when I'm cooking.) I also do double baths so I'm not concerned with what the other child is doing when one is in the bath! Usually I give them separate baths so they can play and splash easier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-have-2-kids-and-you-solo-parent-a-lot#post-2318944 Wed, 14 Oct 2015 08:50:27 +0000 mediagirl 2318944@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know there are a lot of families where one parent works much longer hours than the other (or one stays home and the other works long hours). If you have this situation and you have 2+ kids, how do you manage the daily routine? Do you have a schedule you follow? How do you deal with both kids needing you and you are only one person? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-survive-solo-parenting-1#post-2313388 Thu, 08 Oct 2015 08:50:19 +0000 Bao 2313388@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The past 2 months or so I have been solo parenting most of the time, getting help for maybe 2-4 hours in the evening a week. It's really starting to get to me! DH works out of the house about 55-58 of these hours and then the rest at home. When he's home he has clients here but it's a relaxed environment so going downstairs to visit him helps. Outside of that I need help figuring out how to survive the rest of the long hours alone. We do visit my mom once or twice a week but rarely have play dates with anyone else, I've found that difficult to plan. </p> <p>Can anyone relate? Tips? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/solo-parent-evening-routine-with-2#post-2287154 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 08:45:44 +0000 MamaCate 2287154@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a 3 y.o. and a 2 month old. I am still trying to figure out how to handle both on the evenings when DH is at work (not every night but intermittently). </p> <p>Right now I have been getting my big girl down by 7:30/7:45 while baby snoozes in the rock and play and then feeding him and putting him down. But I think he needs an earlier bedtime soon.</p> <p>Thanks in advance! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-were-solo-parenting-and-had-an-emergency-and-needed-to-go-to-the-er#post-2254689 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 16:52:46 +0000 BSB 2254689@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Would you have a neighbor (or someone else) watch your kids while you went to the ER? </p> <p>Like let's say, you cut yourself and needed stitches. For me, it would be if my husband had a bad asthma attack and needed to call 911.</p> <p>I'm just curious how people handle these types of situations. Or would the ambulance just take you and the kids to the hospital, too?</p> <p>What do you do at the hospital? Maybe Drs and nurses could chime in.</p> <p>So in Grey's anatomy, I think they had a social worker or someone watch the kid. I asked one of my nurses and they said you wouldn't want a social worker called for something like that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/single-again-need-some-advice-for-the-kids#post-2133161 Sun, 05 Apr 2015 00:20:22 +0000 littleblessings 2133161@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was dumped tonight by my fiancé of 3 years. He has been here for all of DDs life. She loves him so much and already beats herself up when he is sick and can't come around. How do I tell her she can't call him daddy anymore and that he won't be coming around anymore. I'm at a fricken loss. My heart is soooo heavy tonight. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-single-moms-do-it#post-1337102 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 23:06:04 +0000 MaisyMay 1337102@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH is out of town for a few days so I am doing the whole thing solo. I work, so the challenge of daycare drops and pick ups, food, work, house stuff, it's a lot. </p> <p>Even after just this short time, I have to admit I have so much more respect for Single Moms. I couldn't imagine doing this all of the time! We've got 5 days straight this week and again next week. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-long-do-you-wait-with-cranky-baby-and-your-bathroom-needs#post-2117280 Sun, 22 Mar 2015 00:30:23 +0000 littleblessings 2117280@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I nurse my youngest to sleep. Often when I'm about to use the bathroom before I go to bed he wakes up cranky. This also happens when I'm trying to get him to sleep and all of a sudden gotta go. What do you do when you gotta go with a cranky baby wanting attention? If you wait for them to fall asleep or be calm, how long do you end up waiting? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-often-do-you-solo-parent#post-2115090 Thu, 19 Mar 2015 19:36:07 +0000 prettylizy 2115090@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I have a pretty even split with parenting and I don't often have to do the hard things (meals, daycare drop off/pickup, bedtime) alone. He had to work late tonight so I had to do supper and bed alone... I'm WIPED! High five to all you mamas who go it alone so much! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-survive-solo-parenting#post-1958213 Mon, 24 Nov 2014 13:56:38 +0000 Bao 1958213@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am solo parenting from 5:00am this morning until 6:30pm tomorrow at which point the girls will be in bed, and then DH will be gone again until late Wednesday night. That's the longest I've ever cared for the girls on my own before. Definitely could be worse, it's not too terribly long but I'm hoping I can make it through without too many meltdowns. We have a lot going on right now just hoping these next few days can stay stress free! </p> <p>What's the longest you've had to take care of your LO on your own? Did you survive ok? :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-woh-and-dh-goes-out-of-town-do-you-want-extra-help#post-1941467 Thu, 13 Nov 2014 15:00:00 +0000 DillonLion 1941467@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't know if it is because I am an only child or just appreciate being alone, but I don't usually ask for extra care (like from friends or family) when I'm solo-parenting so that I can have quiet time to myself after she goes to bed! </p> <p>LO is very, very easy though, as far as toddlers go. So once she is in bed, I can usually have a few hours to do what I feel like/need to do around the house. </p> <p>What do you prefer? If DH goes out of town do you want/need extra hands? I'm guessing this gets a lot harder when you have more than on LO or an LO who is high needs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/solo-parenting-woh-ft-with-2#post-1849756 Thu, 04 Sep 2014 19:50:59 +0000 regberadaisy 1849756@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That's a mouthful, huh? </p> <p>Curious for the full time, work out of home parents with 2 or more kids who solo parent. How did your schedule change / adjust for the evening routine? </p> <p>DH works nights 2-3x a week and I'm wondering how I'm going to get both bathed, fed and in bed without a overtired infant and toddler on my hands! </p> <p>I'd imagine lots of freezer meals! Or make a big meal the night before and reheat leftovers. </p> <p>Wondering what your after work routine is like! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-often-do-you-have-to-solo-parent#post-1816925 Thu, 14 Aug 2014 19:53:36 +0000 mrsjyw 1816925@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With DH's work/gym schedule I end up with morning/night routine a handful of times a week. </p> <p>He's gone on a camping trip 'til Sunday so I'll be solo-ing all wknd. But those times are only a handful of times during the year. </p>