Today, I’ve resolved to embrace the well-meaning advice of countless individuals who suggest that I should prioritize my own well-being first. After all, the saying goes, “If Mom doesn’t take care of herself, how can she be expected to take care of everyone else?” Sounds simple enough, right?
I kick off my day by waking up before my children, basking in the tranquility of those precious five minutes at 6 a.m. as I watch my coffee brew. I had hoped for at least a half-hour of solitude, but my kids possess an uncanny ability to sense silence and disrupt it with their enthusiastic presence.
What’s more enjoyable: sipping hot coffee while pondering my to-do list or hastily consuming cold coffee while contemplating the alarming number of hours of television I allow as a substitute for quality time? Yes, great start.
Next, I set out to prepare a wholesome breakfast. Despite the ongoing debate about whether breakfast is the most crucial meal of the day, I adhere to the age-old belief that breakfast is non-negotiable. What a gratifying experience to savor fresh berries and yogurt, knowing I’m kicking off my day on the right note—until my kids decide they want what I’ve prepared instead of the sugary cereal they insisted on. Sure, they can have a bowl of yogurt and some berries, because sharing is caring, right?
Fueled by lukewarm coffee and the remnants of my breakfast, I figure it’s time for a shower, thinking it will boost my productivity. After all, cleanliness is next to godliness. I crank up the volume on the TV, slip out of my pajamas, and step into the warm water. Ahh, bliss. Of course, that moment is short-lived when my child bursts in, declaring, “I have to pee!”
“Use the other bathroom!” I reply, trying to maintain my calm. “But I want to be with yooouuu!” comes the dramatic response. “Fine, but DON’T FLUSH!” My moment of serenity is shattered as I attempt to relax under the cascading water, only to be interrupted by another child needing to use the facilities.
The shower curtain is pushed aside, and I hear, “Can I shower with you?” “No! I thought you had to poop!” I exclaim, exasperated. Just as I think I can finish up, the child on the toilet insists I stay. Taking a deep breath, I seize the moment to apply some product to my hair and face, hoping to feel somewhat put together.
As I step out of the bathroom, freshly made-up, I’m immediately drawn into a commotion in the living room. There’s an epic struggle over the TV remote while a toddler has somehow climbed onto the dining table, dancing among soggy cereal. At least this mess won’t ruin my clothes.
The rest of my day unfolds in a similar chaotic manner: juggling the needs of my children while attempting to carve out time for myself, only to end up cleaning after them. Eventually, I surrender. My new definition of self-care involves offering granola bars and fruit snacks until my partner arrives home, when I can finally enjoy a moment of peace to shave my armpits undisturbed.
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In summary, prioritizing self-care as a parent is a noble goal, but the reality often involves navigating chaos and compromise. Sometimes, self-care simply means finding small moments of reprieve amidst the beautiful madness of family life.