30 Days Without Childcare: What It Taught Me About Support and Sustainability
October 08, 2025
For 30 days, I parented without formal childcare. And even with my mom’s help, the constant interruptions, scattered energy, and exhaustion left me running on fumes.
What I learned during that season wasn’t new — but it was clarifying. At this stage of motherhood, with homeschooling, marriage, entrepreneurship, and everything else in play, reliable childcare isn’t a luxury. It’s non-negotiable.
Why “Just Making It Work” Doesn’t Work
Physician moms are used to pushing through. We’re trained to perform under pressure, juggle endless responsibilities, and “make it work” no matter what.
But holding everything together without structured support doesn’t make you stronger. It leaves you depleted. It pulls you away from your work, your partner, and yourself. And the truth is, no one thrives when you’re running on fumes — not you, not your kids, not your marriage.
The Hidden Cost: Residual Fatigue
Even after childcare support returned, the fatigue didn’t vanish overnight. Exhaustion lingers. Routines take time to rebuild. The mental chatter doesn’t quiet immediately just because someone else is helping with the kids again.
That residual fatigue is real. And it’s a reminder that recovery takes time — which is why protecting your support systems before they collapse is so important.
The Unexpected Gifts
It wasn’t all bad. In the middle of the chaos, there were surprising gifts:
I started exercising again, even if only a few times a week.
We experimented with meal prep and found options that worked for our family.
I had more sit-down meals with my children than ever before — and they loved it.
Those moments showed me that even in seasons of strain, there’s space to create new habits and discover what matters most.
Practical Changes That Help
If you’re in a season of little or no formal childcare, here are a few things that can help you feel less scattered:
Set clear “protected time.” Even one uninterrupted hour a day for your work or yourself can make a difference. Communicate that boundary clearly with whoever is helping.
Prioritize what matters most. You won’t get everything done — and that’s okay. Decide on 1–2 non-negotiables for the day (whether it’s a client call, exercise, or rest) and let the rest be flexible.
Build recovery into your plan. When childcare does return, don’t expect to bounce back instantly. Give yourself a buffer day or two to rest and reset your routines.
Keep support layered. Even if you have formal childcare, look for additional systems (meal prep, carpools, sit-down family meals) that reduce the pressure on you.
What I Want for You, Doc
If your days feel like countdowns to bedtime, if you’re revenge-scrolling at night because you’re too tired to do anything else, I want more for you.
You deserve the peace, energy, and freedom that comes from having the right childcare and support in place. Not someday. Not when the kids are older. Now.
Because you don’t have to thug it out alone. You’re not meant to.
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