how can i work a 12hour shift and maintain a family of 5 please ans were back?

Question

i am a 37year old who needs some answeres

Answer 1

i recall one person telling you that this scenario cannot be done-i'm here to say that it can and i know b/c i'm doing it!!

i'm a single mother of 3 little girls and i work nite shift. 12 hour shifts-three one week and 4 the next week.

i DO have the advantage of joint custody so on the days that i do work-i don't have my kids. but the switchover day (the day my girls come to my house) i only get about 4 hours of sleep before i have to pick them up from school.

if you have the advantage of having a husband/wife at home or an older child (over the age of 14) then you have some options.

if you are working day shift:

-have dinner cooked and in the fridge or freezer ready to heat up by the family when they get home from school or work.
-if you own a crockpot-these are great for making dinner when you aren't going to be home. put a roast,stew, or soup in it in the morning-set it on the low setting and let it cook all day. dinner will be ready when the kids or husband/wife get home.
-have a strict morning routine for children who need to get to school. set clothes out the night before. have breakfast pre-made (cereal already in bowls ready for milk to be added)
-place all bags or things that need to leave w/you in the am by the door.

for night shift:

-eat family dinners early (around 4p) and have the dinner premade earlier in the week (freeze it)
-make sure a night routine is set up for small kids (bath time same each nite,bedtime,etc)

-keep the same schedule even on days off
-get errands done on days off -that way you don't feel so stressed on your working days

i've been doing nite shift 12 hours shifts for about 3 years now and i have no issues. have faith in yourself-you can do it!!!

Answer 2

If you man Husband wife and 4 kids the tip I can give is don't waste the days off I worked 4 12 a week and spent the other 3 with wife and kids. 12 hour shifts are rough at first but they get easier.

Answer 3

is this three kids, you and a husband? Or you and four kids? That is a VERY tough expectation. . .to work 12 hours and then take care of a family. You will need help. Whether from friends, family, college kids, a nanny, etc. . .you can not do this on your own.