Single Parenting is Hard… While Grieving.. 

Love you all! ❤

Please don’t feel like asking family to step in for whatever amount of time is giving yourself a crutch. Everyone needs space once in awhile. It could be good for all of you. Much love always🫶🏻

I haven't lost a spouse,I am a 56 year old single Grandmother. I was a single parent of my 2 kids now grown. Now I have been raising my Grandson completley by myself since he was 5,now 12. We both have chronic health issues.And I homeschool him. Definitely not easy.❤

You’re doing a great job. Your daughter is behaving like a 3 yo. Most 3 yos do like to still be with a parent. Don’t get upset with feeling overwhelmed by that! It’s difficult to deal with her age without loss. I can’t imagine how hard your situation must be. ❤

Josh…You are an amazing father and have been through a lot of heartache and sorrow with Sarah’s passing. Now the new reality has set in and I understand how much Reylah needs your attention. Sleep is so important! You may not feel as out of sorts or stressed once you get into a routine of getting six hours of rest per night, if you can. Your kids are wonderful and they love their Dad. I hope you get a good night’s sleep… Be kind and make good choices! Big hugs 🤗❤️🤗

Maybe you could get a nanny to help out when the kids are home from school? The nanny can do things with them to give you time to take care of other adulting things. You'd still be there but they'd have someone to help keep them occupied. Just a thought ❤

I totally agree. My mom did it alone for 18 years. Just so you know you never stop being a parent. I pretty much raised my children by myself. They had a father, but he was absent most of the time. I wouldn't wish my circumstances or my mom's on anyone. They are both very hard. I won't go into details about my situation, but suffice it to say he has hurt everyone so much. I am not sure that I have the desire to ever get married again. I was very much in love with him, but there were a lot of things wrong in our marriage. (Emotional Abuse, Verbal abuse, neglect and cheating) My only wish was to have someone who loved me enough to face hard things. There will always be disagreements and disappointment in any relationship. I only wanted a marriage like you had. Not a perfect marriage, but one that was willing to face hard times. You and Sarah had that! I wish with all my heart our marriage had been that way. He could have chosen differently. God Bless you and your family.

I was widowed with 7 kids, our 5 biological kids and 2 foster children. Just 4 weeks after my husband's death, my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and her care fell on me. My best friend also died during that time at only age 43. It was a blur of survival. I was in shock and didn't even start grieving for a long time. Our 3 youngest children are one son and twin sons 11 months apart who were 6, 6 and 7. They all thought I would die too since everyone else was and wouldn't leave my side.

3 is still a baby 💓 my granddaughter leah is 3 , she always wants someone with her to .... they're so precious and your little one lost her mommy....give her extra GRACE ❤❤❤❤

I wonder if Rayla is being super needy because she is testing your connection to her. She may be insecure with one parent gone and is testing you to see and feel that you will always be there for her. This may be a natural reaction.

Rich people have Nannie’s . lol It’s tough raising kids. Your doing great.👍👏👏

I thought I was killing it with parenting when our son was 2. Even with everything going on, it was ok. Then 3 happened. Oh, my, dear, sweet Lord... there was a moment where I looked at that little monster dissolving in front of me wondering where my sweet little boy went. Dude 3 was fricken horrible. 4 was better but not by much. He still insists upon my making sure his toilet paper is positioned correctly for wiping and you know what? Helping him with that is easier than trying to get skidmarks out of tiny underwear. Feelings are hard. They're hard for us and we've been at it for a while. And there have been times that rather than yell at my son, I've told him, "you know what? I'm getting angry and I need to go breathe..." They say not to do that because it'll give them abandonment complex but that hasn't been the case. And now, he'll say the same thing. The good part about this is we get to learn and then model good self regulation skills and it did not come naturally to me. I had to work at it. I still have to work at it and some days, one day in particular, we homeschool, my son was crying at me and I wanted to cry at him and I threw up my hands. I said, "you know what? We're going back to bed." And we did. And we both went to sleep. HALT. Hungry, angry, lonely, tired are usually the underlying reason for why not only the kids, but we, get overwhelmed. I'm waiting up for midnight to make some purchases. Camping gear. I need to go to bed too lol...

I was a single parent to 4. Trust me it's not easy. Just do your best and don't be hard on yourself

Just a thought….when my son sets expectations with his three year old, they set the timer together. Will then knows dad needs 15-20 (or however much time) to get this or that done. For the most part, it works really well.

3 is hard for the adult and the kiddo 💜

I found with kids grieving when I'd give them. A back rub, they would relax and it calmed re-entered them ,when they were hyper or struggling, with grief, hang in there these are tough yrs, w young ones as single dad, praying for you , sometimes rocking them while you or even read a book also calms them in grief, I know your kids are doing their best , love you,

Josh, I think you are absolutely right about the recent weather! Everyone I know, myself included, are being WAY OFF from the weather! With the COLD, ICE, SNOW and not being able to get out, nothing is normal! I’ll bet you’ll see a HUGE change next week! 😃 When the kids get back to school and things are normal, you and Ms. Rayla both will feel SO much better!!! With the weather affecting us grown ups, it is also affecting them. Rayla just doesn’t have the verbal skills to really express it to you. You’re a fantastic dad! Don’t you ever forget that!!! 😃❤️

Raising 2 kids on your own, working full-time, vlogging, and grieving on top of everything would make anyone exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed. A quality bedtime routine for yourself may help you get some much needed rest for yourself. ❤

Yes I agree with you. It’s the hardest thing to go through. I lost my husband in a boating accident and I wasn’t the same afterwards I couldn’t sleep for like six weeks, but I had to get up and go to work at a 13-year-old yet at home very difficult when you lose, the person that you love the most I feel like you’ve been cheated but got Jehovah knows everything accidents happen. Best of luck to you and your family. Stay close to each other help each other. Don’t forget to take care of yourself.💕

I can encourage from 2 sides. The parent and the child who lost a parent. Your daughter may be having a hard time separating from you thinking you may not come back. My father left when I was 7 and I couldn’t separate from my Mom for long. I needed to make sure she wasn’t leaving too. Maybe leave her for 5 minutes and come back and check in. Next time 10 and so on and eventually she will feel safe that you are coming back every time you separate from her. ☺️ From the parent side it’s hard to understand the root of the behavior sometimes. Is it the grief or the disobedient side of a child? You will learn as time goes on. If it’s out right disobedience and defiance I encourage you to figure out what disciplines you are comfortable with. They feel safe when we help them figure out how to behave better. Honestly they just don’t know most of the time. Every child is different and they all have love languages. Never discipline using their love language. Knowing their love language is a game changer in my opinion. My kiddos are 24, 21 and 18 now and I did it alone for 15 years. It’s a hard and tiring road but so rewarding. Seeing my kiddos navigating this mean world so well made every hard moment worth it. I now have a grandson and see my daughter becoming an amazing mom. You’ve got this! Keep sharing and we’ll keep encouraging. ((Hugs))

Being a single parent is very tough. Take one day at a time. I think the 2-3 year old stage is challenging with what a child needs and wants at that age.

Josh, you are doing a great job. Reylah just seems like a normal 3 year old. She is still so very young. I was a single mom of a 2, 3 and 6 yr old. You should be proud of how hands on you are. After coming home from work I wouldn’t have had the patience to be doing cooking, baking with my little ones. Yikes, I’m feeling guilty. Ha! Give yourself the credit you so deserve. By the way I love your precious cooking segments.😊

Feeling so much for you, Josh. It is certainly not easy! 💜

Are you settling back into work? You are doing a great job don't be too hard on yourself!

Yes it is hard being one parent You're trying to work a full-time job making sure the children are taking care of... That's a lot for one person to do especially if you used to having Your wife and their mother helping.... I know this sounds impossible but do something for you important to have a break have quiet time and to reenergize...

Don't be hard on yourself you are doing your very best and that is all you can do. Stay strong and be proud of the great Dad you are. Love & light to you and your family ❤

Josh, you’re being too hard on yourself. All this is your “normal “ as sad as it is. Keep strong. It’s hard for all of you ❤.

You're doing a fabulous job with your children Josh considering the situation! Big hugs to all of you as always!❤️🫂

You are a super super guy josh, never ever forget that. Love you always ❤❤

Being alone is hard grieving.

You are doing a great job Josh, give yourself a break X

YR DOING A AWESOME JOB BE STRONG YR A WONDERFUL DAD ITS HARD WHEN YOU LOSE A LOVED ONE I I LOST MY MOM AND DAD AND OLDER SISTER I CAN RELATE TO U WE ALL LOVE ❤YOU 😊😊🎉🎉😂❤❤ IM IN VANCOUVER BC CANADA 🌃 🌄 👋 🇨🇦

I still think you oughtta compare notes with Kyle Apple. They also have friends in Oregon which he and his wife used to visit when possible.

You have every right to your feelings , you’ve been so kind & gentle to though out all his pain , your sweet lil ones will be fine the behavior is all normal especially with all the life changes hey must adjust to. Please take me time as all single parents should I pray you have family members able to help out so important ❤. God bless you & your precious children always in my prayers .

Kids feel safe with boundaries. I had a tantrum throwing, biting little toddler who is grown now and turned into a nice and responsible human. I’m still surprised. 🤷🏻‍♀️. You got this.

Be patient with yourself and with your kids because this too shall pass❤❤. And know that what you’re going through they probably are too.

Im proud of you its not easy thats for sure.some days will be better than others.i was a single mum they are grown now i didnt always get it right but i triedxx

Thought it’s difficult she is probably more clingy as she doesn’t have mommy and may have some fear you might not be there one day. Try getting an hour glass for her so she can see how the time moves that she has to occupy herself while you are doing something else. Let her know how many times she has to flip it over. Start out small and build up. Just a thought.

Hi Josh, Many years ago, I had three little boys ... the oldest was two when the third one was born. My husband worked away a lot guiding parties down the Allagash River. One hot summer day I went down to my father's and was telling him how exhausted I was, and I wanted to quit! He gave me the speech about how fast time goes by and they'd be grown and gone before I knew it. So I told him to go to my house and spend the afternoon being me, then tell me how fast times flies...he laughed and said NO! You're doing the job of two ...or more...and in the hardest time of your life. I used to tell myself at the end of the day that we were all still alive...my job was done ;) You're doing great....rest as much as you can ...forgive yourself when you think you've messed up ... and remember no one is perfect or doing it any better than you. Oh, my sons are all in their forties now ... sometimes my husband will say 'I wish I could have a week back of them being young' ... I just look at him and think he misses the fishing, sigh...sending love ....

I’m sorry you’re having bad days💜

I have a 4 year old granddaughter and a 1 year old granddaughter I watch part time. The 4 year old always wants me close by. I definitely sympathize with you Josh.

Josh, you are doing a great job!! I couldn't imagine taking care of kids alone. 3 year olds are pretty clingy in general. ❤

You are doing a fantastic job! It must be really hard rasing kids alone even with extended family.

Josh you are doing fine. It all takes time to figure out but it will come togather in time and the kids routine will also come togather. Please don't be hard on yourself you are doing a great job for what you are going through. Please stay strong and be yourself.

Wonderful to hear your very honest self analysis on where you feel your attitudes need adjusted. Your children have a lovely Dad no matter how hard it is. Thank you for everything you share. Xx

I so admire you and your dedication to your family. You guys have been through so much and are doing amazingly well. Remember to take care of yourself! I’m continuing to pray for God to give you comfort, strength, peace and love.

Hey Josh , maybe getting Rayla a fish or two. I found getting my kids when they were little “beta’s “ really helped. I have 4 boys and two were special needs when they were young.. The fish gave them something they could take care of , talk to , easy , cost officiant, age appropriate . I hope you have a great day 💌💪🏼

it is really common for children to regress with a parental loss, it's also common for her not to want to be alone. She won't be three or four where she needs more support/attention/direction. One thing I have noticed in your cooking segments is that you ask her to make many choices for herself in a short amount of time. You may feel like she is not listening but it might just be decision paralysis.

Bless your heart Josh. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your children.

I can somewhat understand what you're going. Our son who is now a successful 22 year old was what we called a 2 parent child. I say successful because we always worried about his future. He was a tough 3-8 year old. Very needy and tough to discipline. What discipline worked for my daughter, didn't work for him. Anyway, my husbands job took him away all week and he was only home on weekends. This lasted a few years so now I became the full time parent with no breaks for our son. I know its not the same but I can somewhat sympathize with you about not having that partner to help out. Do you know any teenage girls that you can hire to play with her while you're home just to get some adulting done? Even if it was just an hour or two a few days a week. It doesn't seem like much but just having that little break to get some things done and keep her occupied might help. Three year olds are needy while they are trying to gain independence. Another reason could be is that she is feeling Sarah's absence and wants to make sure you are not going anywhere so she wants you close. I'm thinking out loud here but maybe some of it makes sense. My best to you all!

Hi Josh. I totally understand where you're coming from. You all were thrown in a huge transition. For the kids , it was going from two parents to one. I'm sure little Raylah is insecure and wants daddy there all the time. After Sarah's passing, most likely you all went through a real tight bond of togetherness. It's all normal. Now that some time has passed you all need some independence . Your idea of Raylah playing by herself is healthy. She still is a baby but needs autonomy as well as the rest of the family. It's awesome that you do so much for your kids and are so hands on. I respect and admire you for that. What about some Daddy time like you finding something you like to do with a friend or close relative. Get out of the house other than work and enjoy yourself. Get one of your close relatives to sit with the kids for a couple hours. I think doing that will give you more perspective and balance. You will find your way Josh. Right now you are still scrambling for a new kind of normal. You are so blessed to have your kids. Am I being bossy here?? Lol. Just trying to help. Lol. Hugs and ❤ to you all!

God be with you! You are a good daddy! Hang in there ! 🙏🏼❤️

You might not want to get that help from your family, but please get the help from your family. Your children are young take the help if they are willing.

Josh 😙 👋 You are one of the most open, honest, and giving men, that I have ever got to know. I would have loved, to have had a person like that in my life. Even if, they were only a friend to me. Someone like whom you are, would be a much welcomed person in my life. When you smile, your whole face lights up. You have the most expressive, and kind eye's. Your eyes, light up beautifully when you are smiling. Sorry if this sounds like, I am hitting on you 😆 But that wasn't my intention, so I hope you didn't mind what I have said about you. Listening to you, helps me somehow 😏 Thank you, Josh ☺ 👋 Best wishes, and you are doing your best. And that, is all any of us can do or be. ~ xoxoxoxoxoxoxox ~

Love from Ohio 💞💞💞💞

Keeping you I my prayers for wisdom and peace ❤

Hi Josh 🙂

Hold on. It's a wild ride😁

Good morning Josh its hard tiring specially when weather is cold . I know we had last week snow ice wintery . I think your doing a great job as a parent, take it day by day. Sendin g hugs and prayers. Have a great Sunday and week.

It helps for you to use the help from family members it gives you the chance to take a breather……my daughter is a single parent and my grandson wants her attention a lot but she is working, running the home etc plus she has a daughter also but there’s a age difference so she’s more independent, and extremely helpful with her brother! As grandparents esp with my grandson I can let him talk all day and give him that time that allows my daughter to replenish her energy so it’s not a weakness to ask for time from family it’s good for all of you, grandparents included. You are doing a great job 🙏❤️

A 3 year old does need their parents attention all day long. They are still young. Can she go to a friends house and do a play date? Does she have any cousins she can spend time with that live near you. Dress her warm and take her to the park for 15-20 minutes so she can use up a lot of her energy. Buy her a trampoline it will help her entertain herself while she gets tired. Ofc while being supervised. Then she may want to watch a movie by herself while you get a chance to take a breather. I’m sorry you are feeling overwhelmed it must make it hard to grieve and take care of yourself. Get a good night’s rest. You are doing a great job! ❤hugs from NYC.

I speak from experience , just keep to your set boundaries and consequences re children And praise them when it's adhered to. I made the mistake of feeling sorry for mine and trying to be both parents , so discipline took a back seat. Took ages to get back on track again🎉

My husband and I had a son then four daughters. I can not imagine if this happened when they were young.

There are these awesome books called "How to Talk to Kids So They Will Listen" and "No Drama Discipline" if you're a fan of reading. I don't have kids and never really wanted to, but I bought those books because I was super curious as to why they act out so strongly and don't listen sometimes (aside from the obvious reasons). It helped me see kids in a different perspective. You're a single parent so it's valid that you feel stressed because an extra dose of patience is being demanded from you. And your kids have just experienced something traumatic (the loss of their mother) so it is also on you to deal with however they are dealing with/reacting to that. You have a lot on your shoulders. I can't relate as a parent (I've only babysat kids) so all I can do is recommend books that might help make it less stressful...?

Hey josh, im still thinking about work for you, with your new homestead idea, i wonder if there is a different way to support your family other than full time work, you would agree time to yourself, i.e work is healthy but full time work with being a single dad and loosing your wife with young children may not be good for, when i watch you talking i always seem to get a feeling what would help and i do think it would.help if.you didnt work full time, its not that you cant do it, i dont think its suits what your trying to do as a father, there is not enough hours in the day, your a creative guy i dont know if its possible but maybe something to look into now or in the future, either way i know your talking out loud and i know your doing ok, just an idea yeah, keep smiling as always much love from the uk xxx

Josh, you’re a great dad. Being a single parent, on top of grieving is super hard. My sons were 8 and one week when I became a single parent (their Dad found a new partner). It’s rough and draining yet in there are great moments too and a stronger bond. For you all, you’re grieving and missing Sarah too. For Reylah especially, she’s likely to be holding on to you more because she feels Mum is not there and doesn’t want to lose her Dad too. You’re a great Dad because you about worry about how to get it right. With time for Reylah, I wonder if a visual timer would help? Tough to be everything to our kids and find time to be ourselves too. You will find your way through this and emerge an even stronger family. 🫂💙💞

🫶♥️🌸🫶♥️🌸🫶

YOU DID EVERYTHING RIGHT AND NOW YOU ARE DOING EVERYTHING RIGHT ONE DAY AT A TIME LOVE YA Pgh Pa

Josh, you are doing an amazing job. All of you are doing the best while still grieving. You’ve got this!

Josh you are doing a good job PghPa yeap take a breathe

You are doing such a great job. All of the changes you have been facing and will face are extremely difficult on so many levels. I absolutely cannot imagine how spent you must be feeling. Every part of you is in hypervigilance. Has your therapist offered up anything that may help, specifically what you are experiencing with Raylah? I hope you are getting good (restful, rejuvenating, refreshing) sleep.

Sometimes good ole’ discipline is needed. And yes, even though her mom has passed. The reason being that children will take full advantage of your kindness. As for the attention thing Josh? I have just gone through this with my son. I had to put my foot down and let him know that he has had the day to play, and now this is mommy’s time to do what I enjoy. If you don’t you will be worn out and slip into depression. Just my experience anyways. Love you Josh ❤

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Are your children old enough to attend Scouts , guides,clubs, or buy them games toys for a single child so they work on it themselves ?

Don’t have much to say other than you are doing a great job raising your kids I can’t even imagine how hard it is doing it solo I love you and this whole community does please don’t forget that you are a great person a great father to your kids and great friend to all of us love and huge hugs from a friend in Ohio ❤️‍🩹💕❤️🥰

I’ve never had kids because I didn’t want them. But from the outside looking in, parents these days are way too lenient. Kids need to learn respect for other people, their possessions, and their right to space. Sorry, that’s how I see it.

U LIKE OUTSIDE WITH FIRE 🔥 ALOT

maybe think about taking parenting classes, it may help!

It's OK for some me time! Nothing against you what so ever but maybe she needs some girl time. Aunts cousins etc. She's in a house full of guys

You’re doing a great job as a mom and dad….it’s not easy, but if my mom could do it - so can you! 🫶…. 3 yo girls who loses their mom are mainly confused and overwhelmed, don’t let it get to you , she’s 3. She’ll come around , kids are really reslilant. Also- I used to put a time on the microwave. “You have 15min to clean up stuff in your room “, or the kitchen, etc. let me know if it worked ! I use this method all this time….

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