Driving (me mad)

My husband works about 75 mins drive away. At least twice a week he travels much further. He rarely stays away. If the roads are bad, his mood is affected.

This week I have been working in an office 75 mins drive away (in the opposite direction).

Hubby leaves home 7:30am to arrive for 9am.

My daughter leaves for school at 8:30am and I race to the car (hang on, I have a 75 min drive - not likely to make it on time!)

Hubby leaves work after the rush hour and usually comes home to a home cooked meal. If the roads are bad he will be later than usual - wife might moan.

I dive out of work desperately knowing if I miss pick up time daughter will be in tears and alone. My mind races all the way home about people I can call to grab a favour if I don't make it in time.

It's a world of difference for the primary carer and the 'other' parent. I don't think it matters whether it's mum or dad that is the one that the last buck lands on. But for the primary carer that world of stress of HAVING to be there, not missing pick up time, having to drop all and walk out of work if they are ill etc: it's hard.

I am so lucky that I have a huge support network around me, helping me through . But for all working parents that manage it alone I raise my glass and say "gee whizz it's hard work - well done"