BROADCASTS.com

"Solo parenting" isn't the same as single parenting\u2013 but when we're in it, it can sure feel pretty intense. Even if our partners are great at pulling their own weight, sooner or later most of us end up in a solo parenting season.\nOur listener Michelle emailed us to say:\nCan we talk about what parenting looks like when it feels almost single-handed? We all know how ridiculously demanding full-time jobs can be nowadays. Statistics show half of the population work more than 45 hours a week. How can a parent deal with feeling overwhelmed by all the parenting demands that ought to be shared by two parents\u2013 because one's partner, not by choice, has to work instead of parent? \nIt's worth doing the hard work of talking about it and pushing back against the default reality of the "non-integrated spouse." In this episode we discuss\n\nhow to deal with the resentment (pro tip: block the traveling spouse on social media)\n\nhow to lower your expectations during these seasons\n\nhow to push against "solo parenting" as a default setting even when the other parent is actually home\n\nhow asychronous communication can really help\n\n\nHere are links to some of the things we discuss on this episode:\n\n\n@thepaperdart on Instagram\n\nSometimes Solo Parent: Dear Husband Who Travels For Work\n\n\nMessy Motherhood: The Art of Solo Parenting\n\n\nClaire Zulkey for The New York Times: How Parents Who Travel for Work Can Ease the Burden on Their Families\n\n\nThe Military Mom: Parenting Military Kids During Deployment\n\n\n\nand our own episodes: \nFresh Take: Whitnee Hawthorne On Strategies For Working Moms\nDividing the Workload \nChanging the Invisible Workload (with guest Eve Rodsky)\n\nSpecial thanks to this month's sponsors: \nBetterhelp\xa0Start taking charge of your mental health\u2013 no matter where you live!\xa0Go to\xa0betterhelp.com/fresh\xa0to get 10% off your first month of counseling.\xa0\nExpressable is an online speech therapy company that has helped thousands of children of all ages reach their communication goals. Speak with a speech-language pathologist for free\xa0today\xa0and learn more about your child's communication development at\xa0expressable.io/fresh.\nHome Made Podcast is a new podcast about\u2026 home. And what happens when you open that door and step into a new world, whether that\u2019s a house, apartment or neighborhood. Find out more and listen HERE.\nJane.com\xa0is a boutique marketplace featuring the latest in women\u2019s fashion, accessories, home decor, children\u2019s clothing, and more. By shopping at\xa0jane.com, you support small businesses, 1500 of which are women-owned. And you will not believe the prices!\xa0Visit\xa0jane.com/laughing.\nKiwiCo\xa0projects make science, technology, engineering, art, and math super fun\u2013\xa0and best of all, kids of all ages can work on them independently! Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with the code MOTHERHOOD at kiwico.com.\xa0\nMagic\xa0Spoon\xa0is breakfast cereal that gets protein into your kids\u2019 breakfast- Go to magicspoon.com/FRESH to grab a custom bundle of cereal and try it today! And be sure to use our promo code FRESH at checkout to save five dollars off your order!\xa0\nMamaZen is a revolutionary solution for motherhood burnout, anxiety, impatience, and more. Download MamaZen today\u2013\xa0and use the code "FRESH" to unlock a free trial!\nProse\xa0is the healthy hair regimen with your name all over it!\xa0Get 15% off your first order today! Go to\xa0prose.com/laughing.\xa0\nSuperBeets Heart Chews are a tasty treat that give you the energy you need and are good for you. Get FREE shipping and returns plus a FREE 30-day supply with your first purchase at SuperBeets.com/fresh.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices