Sometimes, Home Ownership Feels Overwhelming

The Never-Ending To-Do List

As a single parent, managing everything on my own can be incredibly daunting.

By Sarah Thompson
Updated: Feb. 20, 2024
Originally Published: June 29, 2022

Last week, I missed a long-overdue doctor’s appointment. I had been postponing it for years until the realization hit me that it had been four years since my last visit. I finally called, and the first available appointment was months away. With the earliest slot at 11:30 a.m., I woke up early to get some work done before taking my kids to school, hoping to stay on top of my responsibilities. But then, I had to pick up my son because he was unwell. After settling him in, I glanced at the clock and realized I hadn’t even had lunch yet. With my appointment half an hour away, I quickly grabbed a protein bar and an apple, tossed them in my bag, and headed out the door.

And then I heard it: the dreaded beeping of my washing machine. I knew that sound all too well — it meant something went wrong. Usually, I just restart it, and it drains without issue. But today, the universe seemed to conspire against me. My washing machine flooded the downstairs bathroom, sending water cascading toward my finished basement.

My son, who could hardly stand due to his stomach pain, helped me gather towels. Soon, it became clear that wasn’t enough, so I dashed to the garage for a bucket. I was busy trying to catch the water and mop up what I could while using every towel in the house. In that moment, I broke down, tears streaming down my face as I shouted in frustration. I leaned against the windowsill, trying to steady myself, feeling utterly defeated.

I was drained, overwhelmed, and maybe even a bit melodramatic as once again it seemed impossible to juggle work, motherhood, home upkeep, and self-care. It had already been a challenging week; the fence in my yard had blown over, and while painting my kids’ ceilings (after they removed their LED lights, taking the paint with them), I noticed how badly the carpets needed cleaning. I had just put the air conditioners in the windows and realized some screens needed replacing. My deck was due for power washing. Oh, and my weed wacker? It broke too.

The list is endless and never stops. Even when I’m motivated and checking things off, more tasks just pile up. And on top of all that, I have to balance work and motherhood. My daughter’s birthday is coming up, and I want to make it special for her. I have work deadlines, kids’ appointments, and homework to keep track of, all while ensuring they are happy and healthy. I need to manage my own doctor’s appointments too, but I’ll admit — I often don’t, because something has to give.

Homeownership is a lot for two adults, let alone one. There’s always something that needs cleaning, fixing, or replacing, and budgeting for unexpected expenses is another weight on my shoulders. When my partner lived here, we both felt the pressure, but it’s nothing compared to the weight of being a single mom juggling everything alone. I’m the sole caregiver when the kids are with me, and I’m also the one responsible for maintaining our home.

In the past five years of being the only adult in the house, I’ve often felt like throwing in the towel. Balancing kids, work, and home repairs can feel suffocating. My kids have seen me cry, whether I’m struggling to change a bathroom fan or spend hours searching for a handyman to fix the garage door.

Yet, there are moments when I pull into my driveway and feel grateful for what I have. I reflect on the effort it has taken to keep my home intact — the place where my children grew up and the space I managed to maintain despite the challenges of divorce. It’s the home that holds countless cherished memories.

There are days when the thought of giving it all up sounds appealing, to escape to a place where I wouldn’t have to manage repairs like a cracked driveway or a leaky roof. A place where I wouldn’t have to mow the lawn or shovel snow, or search for someone to fix my water-damaged ceiling.

But giving up would mean losing so much. I’ve poured my heart into maintaining this home because it means everything to me. After my divorce, I wasn’t sure I could manage it, but I committed to taking it one day at a time and addressing issues as they arise — and that’s exactly what I’ve done.

So even on the days when I feel overwhelmed, at my wit’s end, and think there’s no way I can handle it all, somehow, it all works out. Keeping my home has been worth every meltdown and every penny spent. Each time I overcome another hurdle, I’m showing my children and myself what is truly possible.

For more insights on balancing motherhood and homeownership, check out this article on home insemination, or explore resources on treating infertility.

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Summary:

Navigating homeownership as a single parent can often feel overwhelming, with endless responsibilities and emotional burdens. The author shares her personal struggles with home maintenance, work, and motherhood, revealing moments of both despair and gratitude. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to her home, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and the lessons learned along the way.

Keyphrase: home ownership challenges for single parents

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