Updated: Aug. 21, 2015
Originally Published: June 10, 2015
The bathroom: a remarkable space where countless milestones happen. From the aftermath of poorly executed haircuts to the unfortunate incident involving an accidental knee to the face during a casual game of catch, the bathroom holds significant importance in our lives.
Primarily, the bathroom serves as a sanctuary—a place of refuge, emotional release, and a haven for mothers seeking a moment of calm. It is where one can unwind, shed tears, and regain composure. In essence, it is a lifesaver, an escape from the chaos of motherhood.
I often find myself “pretending” to use the restroom at least five times a day. Frankly, I’m surprised my children haven’t questioned why they don’t have to deal with the concept of “food babies” more frequently. Perhaps they do; I simply choose not to dwell on it.
To my fellow mothers in the trenches, I can already hear your thoughts: “It must be nice to have a moment alone in there!” If you feel deprived of this luxury, consider these tips:
- Ensure Your Bathroom Has a Lock: This is essential for privacy.
- Use Strategic Smells: When you genuinely need to relieve yourself, inform your children they must brush their teeth immediately after or ask them to fetch something from the bathroom. This technique will encourage them to steer clear while you enjoy your moment, and it can be amusing to see their reactions.
- If You Have a Young Child: If a baby or toddler is in your care and cannot be left unattended, you’re in for some challenging times. However, once they grow older, you will cherish the skill of “pretend pooping” even more. Alternatively, you might convince your partner that you need some alone time—spouses can be just as susceptible to the allure of a bathroom break.
- Closed Doors Provide Some Privacy: While kids will still knock, shout, and fuss, the simple act of closing the door can offer a vital semblance of privacy—a necessary respite from their constant presence.
Creating a healthy fear of your bathroom time is a parenting win. You, too, can achieve this!
During your covert operations in the restroom, consider these activities:
- Connect with Friends: Social media allows us to stay connected, even when life gets hectic. Take a moment to share ridiculous memes or catch up.
- Play Video Games: Engage in a virtual world without interruptions from children eager to play alongside you.
- Self-Grooming: While you might not have time for an extensive beauty routine, utilize this time for quick grooming tasks like eyebrow maintenance or applying a bit of makeup.
- Avoid Accidents: The bathroom can be a safe zone from toddler-induced mishaps.
- Scream in Silence: While the urge to shout may still exist, the closed door can muffle your voice, giving you a moment to collect your thoughts.
- Catch Your Breath: The bathroom offers a break from the chaos, allowing you to regroup before facing your children again.
- Get Work Done: Admittedly, I’ve sent emails from my “throne,” but sometimes it’s necessary to blend productivity with self-care.
- Clean Up: While not the most enjoyable task, tidying the bathroom can be a quick and peaceful endeavor when you have uninterrupted time.
- Read: Use this time to indulge in your favorite books or stay updated on current events without distractions.
- Enjoy Candy: Stash some treats in a tampon box for a well-deserved sugar rush.
- Let It Out: If you need to cry, do it. Emotions are part of being human, and the bathroom is a safe space to express them.
So, what are you waiting for? Tell your kids you need a private moment and embrace the sanctuary of your bathroom!
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Summary:
The bathroom serves as a vital refuge for mothers, providing a necessary escape from daily challenges. With a few clever strategies, mothers can transform their bathroom breaks into moments of relaxation and productivity, all while maintaining a semblance of privacy. By nurturing a healthy fear of bathroom time in children and utilizing this space effectively, mothers can reclaim a part of their sanity amid the chaos of parenting.