Two key problems make shift work hard at home: Sleep and meals.
Sleep is by far the most important, but it's likely that one partner (and the kids) will be up and awake just as the other is trying to go to sleep.
Everyday tasks can cause movement and small noises in the bedroom — just enough to wake the sleeping partner. Separate bedrooms solve most of these problems, but if that isn't possible, the awake partner can try these tips from The Fruitful Homemaker:
– Lay out clothes the night before. This limits rummaging around in closets and drawers while your partner tries to sleep.
– Keep toiletries and hair dryer in a basket that you can grab and take out of the room.
– While your partner sleeps, keep a basket for things that need to be put away in the bedroom. Strive to keep your partner undisturbed by movement.
– Use a noteboard for things you want to discuss after your partner wakes up.
Meals can be difficult, especially if kids are on a different schedule. But having good nutrition is essential to a shift worker's health. Make liberal use of a crockpot for meals. They easily let you prepare a stew or roast that can be finished at 6 p.m. for the kids and 9 p.m. for the shift worker.
