Parenting on my own for a month…

Parenting on your own isn’t easy, especially when one kid needs extra attention. Nights like this remind me how much things have changed. Evan’s dad and big brother are away for a month in Europe, so it’s just me, Evan, and the toddler right now. And the guilt creeps in.

Until the baby came along, Evan was the priority. As the youngest and with his medical needs, he had my full attention. Every bedtime struggle, every tough moment, every time he needed me—I was there. Now, with a toddler in the mix, there are times he has to wait, longer than I’d like, for his meds, for help, or just for me. And that part is hard. It feels like I’m letting him down.

But here’s the thing: That guilt? It’s mine, not his. Evan is thriving as a big brother. His first instinct is always a hug for his siblings, even before me. And the baby? Obsessed with Evan. School pickup is the best part of his day—pure excitement and big smiles for his big brother.

What I didn’t expect was how much Evan would step up. He’s patient, gentle, and way more independent than I gave him credit for. He’s growing into a role we never planned for him, but one he’s embracing and thriving in.

Juggling kids with different needs is never going to feel perfect. Some days you’ll feel like you’re not giving enough. But adding to the family doesn’t mean your love is divided—it just stretches wider. And the other kids? They rise to the occasion in ways that make you stop and wonder how you got so very lucky.

If you’re feeling guilty that you are never enough, especially for your kids with medical needs—you're not alone. The balance comes though, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. And your kids? They’re learning, they’re growing, and they’re okay. Probably better than okay.