How to Overcome Challenges on the Homestead as a Solo Mom of Two
Have you ever wondered how to overcome challenges on the homestead as a solo mom of two or even maybe more? It’s not always easy trying to do everything on your own. My husband works over 1200 miles away from home, and this is how I cope with it as a mom trying to do it all!
Between the mud, the mess, and the to-do list, there’s no shortage of work to be done. But honestly? I need the work. It keeps me busy and helps fight off that familiar feeling of loneliness or sadness that creeps in when he’s gone for long stretches. I had to learn how to overcome challenges on the homestead as a solo mom.
The snow has finally melted and, as always, it’s revealed a whole lot of mess. Spring on the homestead means cleanup season, and honestly—this is when the bulk of it happens. If you’re new here, I’m Halla. My husband works over 1,000 miles away, and I stay home to take care of everything—including our children—while he’s gone.
This year, spring looks a little different. My husband hasn’t been home since early April. And while the calendar might say April is spring, up here at high elevation, real spring doesn’t hit until mid-to-late May.
Rediscovering My Strength
I’ve always been strong and independent, but having your partner around does make it easy to lean on someone else for the heavy lifting. Over time I’ve learned how to overcome challenges on the homestead. With him gone, I’ve had to push myself harder, remind myself I can do hard things, and just get after it.
Because the truth is—if I don’t do it, it won’t get done. And I really want to get a lot done before he gets home. I want him to come home to peace, not projects. In this article I am going to go over how I overcome challenges on the homestead as a solo mom of two, and how I get things done!
1. Shift Your Mindset: You Can Do Hard Things
When my husband is gone for long stretches, I try to reframe the loneliness and stress. Spring cleaning jobs, big tasks, and even the daily routines keep me grounded.
Instead of feeling stuck or overwhelmed, I remind myself: This is temporary, and I’m capable. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up and doing what needs done.
2. Break Big Tasks Into Smaller Wins
This spring, I’ve been tackling some hefty outdoor projects—without a partner to lean on. That includes:
- Clearing fallen trees that blocked our only road
- Cleaning out the ash box from our wood stove
- Sorting through years of old scrap wood and construction buckets
- Doing weekly deep cleans inside while still solo parenting
I don’t try to do it all in one day. I pick one thing, get it done, and let that progress fuel the next.
3. Use What You Have—and Get Creative
When I found a tree had blocked the back road to our house, I didn’t panic. I grabbed my grandpa’s small electric chainsaw (the only one I could start on my own) and took care of it.
Was it ideal? No. But it got the job done.
You learn fast on the homestead: it doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to work. Sometimes you have to just pull it together and get things done!
4. Don’t Neglect the Inside Work
After days outside, the house can fall behind quickly. I make a point to catch up on deep cleaning every week—bathrooms, mopping, kitchen scrub-downs—because a clean house brings peace when everything else feels chaotic.
It’s never Pinterest-perfect, but it’s livable, warm, and ours.
5. Feed Yourself and Your Family Well—Even When It’s Simple
Dinner doesn’t need to be fancy to be nourishing. One night, I baked some fish we caught while ice fishing this winter, seasoned it simply, and tossed it in the oven. Easy, healthy, and something I could feel proud of.
Feeding ourselves well—even when we’re tired—is a form of care that matters. If I’m not eating healthy nourishing meals, I won’t be able to keep up with the physical demand of the homestead.
6. Lean Into Encouragement from the Littles
One of my secret weapons? My kids. They cheer me on as I start fires, clean up junk piles, and make dinner. Their support reminds me that this is our homestead—not just mine—and that they’re watching me model strength, courage, and perseverance.
I often remind myself that they are the reason I need to be strong. They need me to be there for them, and take care of things so they can be healthy, comfortable, and happy.
7. Do It With Love, Not Bitterness
When I clean up scrap piles or handle hard jobs alone, I do it with love. I want my husband to come home to peace—not a mountain of things that fell apart in his absence.
I want him to know we’re okay. That we’ve got this. That I’m still his partner, even from 1,000 miles away. I often try to find projects I can complete that he wouldn’t expect me to, so I can surprise him when he comes home. It also ensures he has more time to relax and enjoy his time at home with the family, instead of stressing and trying to fit a ton of work in while he’s home.
Final Thoughts: You’re Stronger Than You Think
If you’re living life as a blue-collar wife or solo mom while your partner works away, I see you. It’s not easy—but it is possible to thrive in the middle of it. It has taken me a while to be okay with our situation, but once I realized that was the ONLY way I was going to make it through, I finally felt some peace.
Remember:
✔ You’re allowed to struggle
✔ You don’t have to do it all at once
✔ You’re already doing more than you realize
✔ Your husband is sacrificing too by being away from home
✔ It’s okay to put things off for another day
I hope this post has given you some encouragement to stay strong through the hard times. You CAN do this!
Thanks for being here,
—Halla
