463: Surviving Seasons of Solo Parenting
When your husband’s job pulls him away from home, it can leave you holding the weight of family life alone—and it’s exhausting. Today Karen is answering questions from moms whose husbands are frequently gone due to their line of work. From managing toddler tantrums and homeschooling to navigating resentment and self-pity, Karen shares hard-won wisdom from her own years in the trenches. Don’t miss Karen’s honest encouragement about what it means to trust God and stay grounded through the hard seasons!
Episode Recap:
2:35 - Karen’s husband Greg travelled extensively with his job during their early family years
6:10 - How did you manage the inconsistency in your husband’s work schedule?
10:25 - We have to bring God into our daily walk as moms, He will sustain us
11:30 - My husband works in a traumatic field, how do I support him without letting the darkness and stress of his job affect our family?
15:05 - How do I help my husband get on board with what I’m doing at home since he’s away so often
18:23 - Emily’s tips for keeping preschooler occupied while mom homeschools other child
21:15 - I’m a working mom and my husband is in residency. I struggle with resentment and self-pity, how did you handle these emotions?
Scripture for Reflection: Psalm 73:26 (NIV)
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Questions for Discussion:
Scripture for Reflection: Psalm 73:26 (NIV)
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Questions for Discussion:
- What do you find most difficult when your husband is away—emotionally, practically, or spiritually?
- Have you ever struggled with self-pity or resentment in your parenting journey? What helped you move forward?
- Karen talks about letting go of the “scoreboard” in marriage and not expecting equal contribution all the time. How does that idea sit with you?
- What are some practical ways you could invite God into your hard season right now?
- If you’re parenting a strong-willed toddler, which of Karen and Emily’s ideas could you try this week?
Resources:
- Download the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927
- Don’t miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.com
- Check out the Scoreboard of Life session within Karen’s The Six Truths of Motherhood curriculum: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/available-for-purchase/products/six-truths-study-guide
Creators and Guests
Host
Karen Stubbs
Host of Wire Talk and Founder of Birds on a Wire Moms - a ministry to encourage and equip moms.
