Being alone for that long is never easy when you have kids, and if it's the first time. But you can do it, should you decide to go it yourself. You'll hvae to lower expectations though so that you don't burn yourself out. Expect that yes, your house will look like a bomb went off, but as long as you're having a stress free day and having fun with your kids and you are guys are eating... all is well.   Perhaps set a lose schedule of when to do basics like washing clothes, cooking, etc.

Good luck!

I am a single mum of 3 and believe me if i can do it....... you can do it for 3 weeks. I cant say it will be easy but if you have faith in yourself you will find the time will fly by, you will be very busy and tired at the end of each night but the satisfaction you wiil feel at being able to suceed will be enough to spur you on for the next day. If you find yourself struggling why not invite your mum to visit the last week to help you regain control and catch up on any odd jobs that may have been put on the back burner so when hubby arrives home everything will be as it was when he left. Some people judge a home by how messy it is but I believe a messy house is usually a happy house as it means you have been enjoying and teaching your children instead of worrying about if your dishes are done or if the washing is clean...... but keep in mind certain jobs need to be done daily while others can wait. Relax you can do it  :)

For the last 4 years my husband has been working away and I cope fine. When he first started out, it was 3 weeks away then 1 week home, then went to 2 weeks on and 1 week home and now 9 days away and 5 days home (takes a while before you get the good jobs, with less hours and more pay) have more faith in yourself, you will be fine

me and my husbadn have never been apart since the day we meet ,the only time we are apart now is when he takes the kids to school and picks them up.he was gone once overnight to his mums when his dad passed away adn i went into a panic.

if he has to go there isent much you can do,but keep busy.

have places to go everyday even if its going to the park.go see your mum your friends ... even go to the movies ,anything .with your house i would be asking your mum or a friend or even pay for your kids to have a baby sitter for 2 days tops and clean your house top to bottom.i have 5 kids but my house is as clean i can get it .

people wont tell you to your face but if your house is caos people will say your a messy mum even if they dont tell you .

visit him often,take the kids to see him,take him romantic gifts while he is in hospital..if its to far to travel as i said maybe go to your mums for 1 week and maybe a week and a half and stay alone for the rest of the time .but keep busy thats the key to staying sane .but maybe get your mum to sit your kids for the day and get your house under control it will make you feel beter about yourself   specially as a mum .

My husband used to work away so I understand where you are coming from.

What I would do is stay at home with the children but have your mother in lase as a back up plan.

If it gets too much at home go to your mother in law's home for a few days or a week to get that sanity back. Once feeling in control again head back home and see how you go from there.

Don't be too proud to ask friends or neighbours for help!!