Surround yourself with support, and take care of yourself so you have the physical and emotional energy to deal with kid issues.
Partner with other single mothers who work different shifts so you can bail one another out.
Ask friends and family to be “on call for you, and keep their pager numbers with you at all times.
From time to time, show your helpers how much you appreciate their helps.
Have backup plans if your children lose or forget their house key. Give a key to an elderly neighbor you can trust and can count on to be home.
Routinely drill your children on all backup plans.
The primary caretaker parent can help make contact easier and encourage regular contact with the children, even though it takes extra effort if a lot of anger is still present.
