Episode 28: The Solo Holiday Season: What You & Your Family Really Need From You

In this episode, Katie and Kendra talk honestly about what it's like to attend holiday events solo as a physician spouse. From classroom parties to winter concerts, this season often highlights the unique pressures physician families face. We normalize the mixed emotions, offer simple ways to reduce the pressure to "perform," and share strategies to stay connected with your partner and present with your kids—even when you're the only adult who can be there.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Your presence matters more than perfection. Kids remember how it felt, not whether two parents were in the audience.

• Normalize your emotions. Feeling sad, overwhelmed, or disappointed doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.

• Prepare yourself and your kids ahead of time. A quick, calm conversation before the event can reduce meltdowns and help everyone feel grounded.

• Have a simple response ready when someone asks, "Where's your spouse?"—something warm, brief, and not emotionally loaded.

• You don't have to overcompensate. Be present, not perfect.

• Stay connected as a couple. Share short videos, send a quick voice memo, or debrief the moment afterward so your partner still gets to be part of it.

• Find solidarity. Look for the other solo parents—you're not the only one.

📚 Resources & Links

Here are the resources mentioned in today's episode along with ways to connect more deeply with our community:

From the Episode

• See, Say, Feel, Do Framework

• Holiday routines & grounding rituals we referenced throughout the conversation

Connect With Us

• Kendra's Coaching: It Gets Better Now
  Personalized coaching for physician spouses navigating seasons of stress, transition, and identity shifts.

• Instagram (@supportingphysicianspouses)
  Daily encouragement, tools, and community for the physician family journey.

• Join SPS Office Hours
  Monthly drop-in coaching and conversation—a space to get support, ask questions, and connect with other physician spouses in real time.

• Podcast Website / Additional Resources
  Access downloads, guides, and past episodes all in one place.