Giving our Littles Independence

How Your Kids Can Make Solo Parenting Easier When Your Spouse Travels 

Being a mom with little kids while your spouse is away can be quite the juggling act. But did you know that your 4-year-old can actually be a fantastic helper during these times? I found this out through trial and error. I would get super frustrated that my 4-year-old wanted all the independence but none of it actually made my life easier. When I finally let go and asked myself, what is it hurting? I found what a blessing it was to have his extra hands. I’m empowering you and arming you with of guidance and patience, so you can turn daily chores into bonding moments and teach valuable life skills to your child. In this blog post, we'll explore some simple yet effective ways your kids can lend a hand and make solo parenting a breeze (sort of).

Rolling in Empty Trash Cans

Turning this chore into a game can be a fun way for your child to help. Enlist their help to roll in the empty trash cans after pickup day. They'll feel like a superhero on a mission, and you'll get a break from wheeling the cans yourself. Our garbage and recycling are picked up on the same day, so I turn this chore into a race. I wheel in one while he wheels the other. I usually let him win but sometimes he is actually faster than me.

Mailbox Adventures

Walking to the mailbox can be a little adventure for your 4-year-old. Let them collect the mail and bring it back to you. This not only helps you but also fosters a sense of responsibility in them. I like to give him the junk mail and tell him he can keep it or throw it away. He likes to keep the junk magazines and color in them or cut out pictures. They can keep him busy for a while!

Laundry Teamwork

Involve your little in the laundry process. This is something even my 18-month-old finds fun and entertaining. They can help put dirty clothes into the washing machine, and as a team, you can transfer clothes from the washer to the dryer. This collaborative effort teaches them about household tasks and the value of working together. If I’m feeling really carefree I let them press the buttons and turn on the washer or the dryer.

Clothes Organization

I have a confession; I don’t actually care if my kid’s clothes are folded in their drawers. I don’t care for a few reasons, number one, they rifle through the drawers daily and unfold all the folding I’ve spent what feels like lifetimes doing. Number two, most of my littles clothes are dri-fit, cotton or other material that just don’t wrinkle easily. I try teaching my little about sorting and organizing by having them put away their clean clothes. Make it a game by creating a color-sorting challenge or see how fast they can run from the laundry room to their room and back while unloading clean clothes.

Dish Duty

Another confession: it doesn’t matter who loads the dishwasher, I’m reloading it to my own specifications. This is why I don’t get too bent out of shape letting my little load the dishwasher because it is like a puzzle. I show him how to arrange dishes and high-five when everything fits. It might take a bit longer, but the sense of accomplishment is worth it.

Mini Clean-Up Crew

Who doesn’t like a Dyson? After dinner, bring out a handheld vacuum cleaner and let your little do a mini clean-up of the kitchen. I point out the crumbs and he loves sucking them up. There is a sense of accomplishment when we’re both done!

These might not work for your family, but it works for us. It also allows my littles some independence and reminds them to take pride in their house. We work hard to provide a safe and clean environment for them but the key to successful collaboration is to make it engaging and positive. Praise your child's efforts, no matter how small, and express gratitude for their help. As your child gets older, these small tasks will become more second nature, and you'll be nurturing their independence and confidence.

Solo parenting during your spouse's travels can be tough, but with the right approach, it can also be an opportunity for you and your child to strengthen your bond and create a sense of teamwork. By involving your 4-year-old in these everyday tasks, you're not just lightening your load—you're setting the stage for a responsible, capable, and caring individual to emerge.