My husband recently returned to day shift from being on nights since October of last year. What I’m about to say may not be popular but it’s my truth. I love when my hubby is on nights. I don’t worry, I don’t have sleepless nights, I don’t call him several times to ensure he’s ok. Instead I enjoy my nightly alone time. Actually whichever shift he is on I’ve learned to find the benefit in it.
When we were both working it was complicated if he ever had to work nights because I worked nights as well. We didn’t want our son in daycare because he’s not able to communicate effectively. But now that I work at home, everything is different. Both day shift and night shift has it benefits and draw backs. However, I don’t focus on those. To me, both shifts provide the same amount of danger and requires the same amount of caution.
When my hubby is on nights I take advantage of having the bed to myself. What’s funny is I still only sleep on my side. I get to watch whatever I want in its entirety. When everyone is asleep I can get caught up on work or writing. If it’s not a heavy traffic night for him we’ll talk via FaceTime for a bit. There are two things that we have incorporated into our nightly routine. Our son calls him via FaceTime nightly to say good night. Of course it’s hit or miss depending on if he’s on a call or the kind of call. Sometimes it’s a full 2 mins, other times it’s a mere 30 seconds. If he doesn’t answer he’ll say daddy is busy mom, he ‘ll call back. The other is I don’t go to bed without calling to say goodnight either. If he doesn’t answer I’ll send a follow-up text saying goodnight. Bitmojis are awesome!
We ensure the kids understand the demands of daddy’s job. When he’s on nights they understand the dynamics and what that means. When he’s on days they have a mind shift and understands that as well. I fully believe our kids don’t respond negatively to their Father being on nights because I don’t. It’s all about one’s attitude. What kind of attitude do you display before your kids about your spouse’s job? Our son is 6 and he has the best attitude towards his father’s career. I don’t know if my outlook on night shift makes me a fake LEOW or not, but either way, not worrying and being stressed is a way better way of living my life.
l Kerry-Ann l