Heading out for a weekend getaway can be a challenge, especially for the parent who typically manages most of the childcare. Recently, Lucy Fairchild was preparing for a girls’ weekend when she decided to leave her husband some rather amusing “guidelines” to help him navigate the chaos of solo parenting.
“I’m writing this out of love, not dread,” she starts off. “Before you face this weekend on your own…with the kids, let’s go over a few things. Morning, noon, and night can quickly morph into absolute CHAOS, and believe me, it’ll feel like dealing with a tiny tornado.”
Not exactly a comforting introduction. The accompanying photo of her flashing a peace sign says it all: “I’m outta here!”
Next comes a detailed rundown of the day-to-day challenges only the parent who’s always on duty would understand. “Just a heads-up, Emma will throw a fit if Mia wears her favorite princess dress, while Mia will insist on only being called Cinderella,” she explains about their daughters.
“Dinner will be a disaster. Jake will want tacos, while Lucy will insist on spaghetti. Good luck explaining to Emma that she can’t have hotdogs, because she’ll only eat them if they’re in a bun—no exceptions. You’ll be left scrambling for dinner options, probably ending up with cereal as the meal of the day. Oh, and expect interruptions from Lucy’s friend Sarah, who will pop by for a ‘quick’ visit.”
While this note might seem like a daunting task for her husband, it’s oddly comforting for parents everywhere to realize that they’re not alone in the madness that is raising kids. Parenting is no easy feat; it’s a full-time job that requires stamina and patience.
Then comes the dreaded bedtime section. Lucy tries to encourage her husband, saying, “You’ve got this, buddy. Good. Luck.”
“Pajamas? Forget about them! Don’t even think about anything but a simple nightgown for Mia. If you can’t find it, keep searching. She might ask for her unicorn nightgown, but once you put it on, you’ll hear her scream as if the world is ending. Just dig up the Elsa one, even if it’s a bit dirty—so is she, anyway!”
At this point, many parents reading this are likely wishing they had their own “Forget Pajamas!” mug to sip from while navigating the evening’s chaos. It’s easy to imagine Lucy’s husband finding a quiet corner to hide in as he gears up for the weekend.
The note continues with specifics about keeping the kids in their beds, the morning breakfast struggle, and the reality that he’ll have to repeat this all over again the following day. Ah, the joys of parenthood.
“Oh, and in case you thought you’d get a moment to yourself this weekend—think again. Emma will be in tears every few minutes, while Mia will act like her life depends on a juice refill. Be prepared for constant potty breaks, and don’t forget the backup underwear. Just a reminder, since you made me toss most of the sippy cups, there are only two left, and she’ll probably lose those, too.”
If these notes are any indication, Lucy has certainly earned her break, and she knows it. She signs off her letter with, “Kisses, Your Loving Wife.”
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In summary, Lucy’s humorous and candid note highlights the daily challenges faced by parents, especially when one partner is away. It’s a reminder that while parenting can be overwhelming, it’s also filled with laughter and love.