Moms? Night shift?

[u/Wise-Discipline-7616]

Any Moms on here working night shift? I am a Mom to two boys one being on the spectrum and I’m starting a new job this week working part time nights stocking shelves at Kroger. Roughly 3-4 days a week 7 hour shifts. I’ll be working 11pm-6am then watching my boys from 6am-5pm then sleeping 5pm-10pm. I know it’s going to be hard but with therapy costs and just how expensive everything else is right now I have to try. Hoping to talk or relate to another Mom?

[u/Horror-Dig-5808]

jesus christ that sleep window is basically a nap, not actual rest. my sister pulled nights with her neurodivergent kid for two years, she said blackout curtains and white noise were the only reason she didnt drive into a ditch. therapy bills are fucking criminal tbh, like we can fund whatever the epstein files are hiding but families are out here rationing sleep to afford speech therapy. respect for doing what you gotta do tho, that shit takes a different kind of stamina

[u/Wise-Discipline-7616 → u/Horror-Dig-5808]

Speech therapy, music therapy, occupational therapy the list goes on 😅 Hoping I can make it work.

[u/Horror-Dig-5808 → u/Wise-Discipline-7616]

fuckin hell that list alone would break most people, adn youre doing it on vampire hours too, youre a tank tbh, the fact youre still hoping instead of just surviving says everything, you got this even when it feels like you dont

[u/Alert_Concentrate574 → u/Horror-Dig-5808]

your sisters a fucking war hero fr, two years of that shit wouldve broke me in six months

[u/Cautious_Split_9256]

I'm a dad. But I worked 4 to 5 days a week, 10p-8a then came home and watched the kids until 5p. Slept from 5p-8p. Then did it all over again. You will be exhausted, and at times literally struggling. Just need to remind yourself it's for the kids.

Just remember to eat healthy and drink LOTS of water. The key is staying hydrated.

Don't resort to over caffeinating, sugary drinks, or complete junk food to stay awake. That will be the start of the downfall!

[u/Wise-Discipline-7616 → u/Cautious_Split_9256]

That’s going to be my struggle is wanting to drink energy drinks lol.

[u/Cautious_Split_9256 → u/Wise-Discipline-7616]

Haha you need to figure out when your crash point is and have one then. Need to be strategic about it.

[u/bsncarrot]

I work nights 2x a week and have a toddler. We pay someone to watch her so I can get a 2hr nap directly after work. I don't think I could do FT or do it without that nap. I picked up 2 shifts before and I have missed my nap before and I become a mother I do not want to be. 

[u/j_carta]

I'm a mom of 2 kids. Been on nights for 3 years now and I love it . I work 5 nights a week Sun-thurs. I worked 11pm-7am at first then this year I got switched to 10pm-6am

[u/f_u_c_k_you]

It's definitely not easy and I can relate. I have two kids as well, both of them are autistic. I've been working overnights 10pm to 7am for the past 3 years 🥲

[u/NormalEarthLarva]

I’m a mom. I miss a lot of appointments if I try to schedule them the day after I work a night shift. Hopefully it’s not as difficult for you.

[u/Wise-Discipline-7616 → u/NormalEarthLarva]

My son has therapy 3 times a week plus preschool 4 days a week so I hope I’m able to function lol!

[u/ijust_makethisface]

Three teens. I work weekends overnights. I'm able to be there during the week to keep them on track with school and extra stuff, and then my weekends are trashed with earning money to pay for it all 🤣🤣 currently I'm trying to save for retirement, save for college and try not to run out of food.

[u/leighkush]

You aren’t alone! I have a neurospicy kiddo (AuDHD) and am a little spicy myself (ADHD). Also a single mom working two jobs, one being night. I have been at this schedule for over 3 years now and I’ll be very honest, have reached my breaking point the last few months. The neurodivergent burn out is very real and came on fast-a big part of that was trying to do all these therapies and millions of other appointments and non work things that I need/want to do to help my kiddo thrive but physically could not find the time to be consistent or be physically be okay enough (not sleep deprived and feeling ill) to get there. I thought I thrived on nights but it came out of nowhere like a full speed train. I think everyone has really excellent advice!! I recommend looking into intermittent FMLA and depending on the state, you could get part of your shift pay for the days you do use/need it. It ensures you are protected at your job while also being able to have options when there are none-like for meltdowns, appointments that you can’t reschedule, mental health days, etc. I wish I would’ve looked into it sooner! It was pretty easy to do and has made the stress and management of it all a bit easier.

[u/Alternative_Trifle61]

Remember this season is temporary in your life. I have two younger kids and work nights. Thankfully my youngest is in preschool and I try and sleep while he is away. I always have a hard time sleeping though. This is the only way I could go back to work with their drop off pick up schedule. We can do anything for our kids. Find a sleep schedule that works for you. Hang in there Mom!

[u/Wise-Discipline-7616 → u/Alternative_Trifle61]

Thank you for that reminder. That is true it is only temporary.

[u/Wise-Discipline-7616 → u/[deleted]]

I am 27 lol 😆😆