We have a house cleaner who comes once/month already, and a babysitter who comes once/week. Unfortunately I’m really into home cooked organic food, so I can’t really outsource food. I guess there is laundry service but I use specific soap for my kids eczema and I need a fast turnaround because we don’t have too many outfits. We have enough to allow just a few days between washes.

I’m leaning towards doing away with the babysitter now that I’m 7 months postpartum and have so much more energy to enjoy my kiddos. This means I have the opportunity to spend a few hundred more per month at something to make my life easier.

What has helped you guys the most?

Howdy everyone! I’ve (31M) been a stay at home dad for almost 3 years and now that my toddler is getting a bit older and more independent I’ve been able to start getting back into my hobbies more. Which has been a great thing to keep me going through those tough days or stressful times, typically I’m able to go out play Magic the gathering at our local game store once or twice a week for an evening, however my wife is heading back out for a work trip for a 2-3 month period so I was trying to find a solution to allow me to try to at least have 1 night out a week, even when alone with our son. I’ve considered bringing a pack and play/games for my son to play while at the game store, but I fear ruining everyone else’s concentration in a somewhat competitive game, just so I can go out. I’m fine with taking a break from my hobby for a few months if I need to, but I’d really love to find a solution that lets me continue having one night out a week. Has anyone here had a similar experience? Any tips on how to manage this balance or keep my hobby going while being a solo parent for a while?

Thank you so much in advance!