Night Shift Dad- any advice?

[BeckyScott]

I'm afraid we're going to have a real Grumpy on our hands!

DH usually works overnights, from about 9 to about 6.

The flight out, he will get home from work that morning, turn around, and leave for the airport, arriving in Orlando mid-afternoon. He is sure he won't sleep on the flight but it's a 2-hour drive to the airport so maybe he can do a little nap then. Once we get to the hotel, he can crash out, I'll take the kids to the pool, we're not doing a park that day.

The flight home, we also leave about lunch-time and get back here mid-afternoon. He doesn't work that night, but the night after.

We are going to be gone a total of 10 days, including the travel days. His body will likely reset about 3 days into it.

BUT. The first couple of days are going to be really rough. We are staying at POP and will go back there every day for nap-time and we're doing an off day in the middle and a few sleep-in mornings. Our youngest son is autistic and I'm drawing a fine line between having to be very flexible, while having to do dining ressies and planning out a smooth vacation.

Is there anything, seriously, that we can do? Besides copius amounts of caffeine? I feel really bad for him already because he's never been to Disney and I know what he's in for but I don't think he does.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

Between DH and your son, having to be flexable is an understatement! I think you should have a talk with DH before you go about the fact that you understand that he will be very tired for the first few days, but that you don't need two kids to take care of, so if hes two tired to do something, just tell you so rather than going a long and being grumpy (something my DH does constantly - why is communication so difficult for men??). Then, with or without DH go wherever you want with pleanty of backup, like having DSs bathing suit on to go to the parks. If he doesn't last long at a park, you can come back to the hotel and go right to the pool to relax rather than going to the room and waking DH. Just go at your own pace, don't feel that you have to get everything done day one... and just HAVE FUN!

 

[powellrj]

I went a few years ago when I was working 3rd shift and it really wasn't that bad. I slept on the plane, once I get up in the air, I am usually out cold!

I do remember a few nights doing laundry in the laundry room at 3am, but for the most part, I was so busy, tired really wasn't a problem.

What does he normally do on his off days? Does he stay awake and sleep at night or does he keep the same schedule and sleep during the day? If he is use to staying up on his off days anyway, it shouldn't be too bad.

 

[RMulieri]

I am an RN who works 3rd shift...after doing 3rd shift for 12 yrs now I can tell you,the first day and half of trying to reverse schedule is tough. He needs to try and rest on the plane and after check-in.

 

[Tammysue5]

I agree w/the previous poster...I am also an RN who works 6p-6a.... We took a 2 week vacation and it went fine. He really does need to sleep that first night and maybe not have a 'huge' plan for the next day! We did fine.... Husband is early riser so he would take laundry to laudry room at 4am get coffee and be done when we go tback... me I slept in and when they went to bed at night I got things ready for the next day!

 

[Wendybird55]

It sounds like it will be tough, but remember Disney is a magical place! First of all many people get a BIG 2nd wind when on vacation. Being away from home and work can rejuevenate your DH and he may not be as grumpy as you think. I know Disney can be stressful, but it sounds like you've been there before and know to take it as it comes. I think a relaxed pace instead of "rush to get on everything" pace will help. Also, there's alot of places to sit at Disney. I can be like a steam engine when I'm there - so reved up by being at Disney that I can go on forever - however my fellow travelers need a break every so often. So they find a comfy place to sit and relax - lots of benches and outdoor chairs - and I go off for awhile on my own and meet them back where I left them or at the next show or dining reservations we have. So if your DH gets tired in the parks it may be better to just "park" him somewhere to rest while you and your son go and do something and then meet back up with him. Sometimes a rest in the park is easier then the trek back to your hotel and it's just enough to turn Grumpy back to Happy.

Also - when at MK you can always hop on the monorail and visit one of the hotels. It's a great way to rest a bit. The lobbies are beatutiful and there's always a place for your DH to rest and you and your son can explore the hotel - or use the hotel pool - which will be nice for you.
When you're at EPCOT you can walk over to the Yacht Club, Beach CLub and Boardwalk Hotels which is another great place to take a breather. Disney can be a very hectic and busy place, but there is always someplace quiet to take those needed breaks.
Good Luck - Wendy

 

[BeckyScott]

Oops. We have 2 kids (one ADHD and one autism, not counting Grumpy) and I'll take them to the pool by myself but not much more than that. But. Good suggestions!

When DH has a day off, which is a rare thing, he'll normally go to sleep at "regular" time for him, about noon, but only sleep 3 or 4 hours, then get back up for dinner and evening, then go back to sleep.

He will wake up like clockwork at 2 a.m. since that's usually his lunchtime, get up for an hour or two, go back to bed. Even if he's off for several days, he still does the 2 a.m. wake-up. I never thought about him doing the laundry during vacation thanks for that tip! I'll make sure to tell him you all told me so. I have a feeling his 2 a.m. outdoor smoke break he will meet several other graveyard shifters wandering aimlessly. Is the food court open at night? There goes our snack credits.

Our first two days are Epcot days. So first off, we have two days for it, and we'll need it. First day is an "early" day with char lunch, second day we can start a bit later, we'll do table service dinner and Illuminations.

Third day is AK. Fourth day is our off day, but two big meals. Fifth is Studios. Sixth and Seventh are MK. Eighth is Park Of Choice to be decided by the kids (I suspect another Studios Day).

I mean, I've been intentionally trying to keep it a light schedule because while I know I can haul for 12 hours straight if properly motivated that I'm the only one of us that can do that, and we do have 8 days there- 7 in the parks- which should keep us from being too rushed. I know a mid-day break is going to be essential. We're not even going to attempt the water parks or DTD.

I guess I can always push him inside American Adventure and just leave him there....

 

[Aliceacc]

How about dad's input? What does he think he'll be up for?