How Can I Juggle Work and Parenting During My Husband’s Absence for a Business Trip to South Africa?

My husband is going to South Africa for a business trip this weekend, which will last for one week, and I’ve been feeling concerned about how I’ll manage household chores, child-rearing, and work during his absence. Juggling work and parenting is something many Japanese mothers do, and there’s even a term for mothers who manage everything alone: "one operation." I deeply admire their resilience and strength, because I honestly don’t think I could handle everything on my own without any support.

In our household, my husband and I share responsibilities quite fairly, which has created a good balance. I’m mainly in charge of child-related tasks, such as preparing everything for daycare, washing and folding their clothes, buying necessities like clothes, shoes, toys, and study tools, cleaning their toys, and keeping the house tidy. On the other hand, my husband takes on food-related tasks, like buying groceries in bulk and cooking meals for the family. When life becomes particularly hectic, I sometimes let myself skip a few chores, like cleaning or organizing. However, I never compromise on meals because our children are in a critical stage of physical development, and nutrition is essential. My husband ensures they always receive balanced, nutritious meals without skipping any.

I am so grateful for the countless efforts he makes for our family, especially in the kitchen. The thought of having to manage all of these tasks alone during his trip has made me anxious. I worry about being able to maintain the balance between work, the children’s needs, and the household chores. Fortunately, my husband suggested a solution to ease the pressure during his absence. He recommended hiring a helper who could cook meals in bulk for the week and store them in the refrigerator, so I can simply defrost them when needed. I followed his suggestion and scheduled a helper, while my husband has been preparing to buy all the necessary ingredients based on the list provided by the helper.

Having my husband’s support and foresight during this stressful time has helped me feel less overwhelmed. He has always been a calm and understanding presence, and his proactive approach to problem-solving has truly made a difference in how I am approaching this challenge. I’m also looking forward to seeing the meals the helper will prepare for us. It will be interesting to see how I handle everything on my own for a week, knowing I can rely on the pre-prepared meals.

While I’m anxious about taking on so many responsibilities at once, I also feel a sense of curiosity and excitement. This week will give me a chance to step out of my comfort zone and experience new challenges. I believe it will be an opportunity for personal growth, and I’m hopeful that I’ll discover new strengths and capabilities within myself. With the meals already prepared, I’ll be able to focus on managing the other household tasks and caring for the children. I may not have chosen this challenge, but I’m ready to face it, and I trust that I will come out of it with a deeper appreciation for the work both my husband and I contribute to our family’s well-being.

Although my husband’s absence will pose a challenge, I’m grateful for the solutions we’ve put in place, and I’m eager to see how I will handle everything. I know it will be a difficult week, but it will also be a valuable learning experience. By stepping into a more independent role, I hope to grow stronger, more confident, and even more appreciative of the partnership my husband and I share. While I might feel nervous now, I also believe this experience will help me discover new facets of my capabilities as both a mother and an individual.