In the realm of motherhood, it can be astonishing to reflect on the extent to which personal grooming can diminish over time. It’s not uncommon to find oneself stepping out in public with remnants of yesterday’s attire—perhaps even what one wore to bed.
Once upon a time, I was meticulous about my hygiene, relishing in daily showers and fresh clothing. There was a distinct moment when this commitment to personal care took a sharp decline: when I became a parent. Motherhood has a way of reshaping priorities.
Now that my children are a bit older, at ages 4 and 6, my showering habits have improved slightly. However, they now consist of a quick scrub of the essentials and a rinse to eliminate any accumulated grease from my hair. Shaving above the knee? Forget about it. Grooming down there? Not a chance.
Thus, I have instituted a decree in our home: I will reclaim my shower time at least once a week. From this point forward, during my “Saturday Shower,” unless there is a serious emergency, no one is permitted to enter my sanctuary.
Each Saturday, I start with a clear message for my little ones and their father: “Listen up,” I announce, “Mommy is going to take a shower. You are not allowed in the bathroom while I’m in here. Stay with your dad, or better yet, don’t leave this floor of the house.” They nod in agreement, and I shoot a pointed look at my husband—one that communicates, “You better keep them out until I return, or there will be consequences.”
With that, I bound up the stairs, nearly tripping in my eagerness for my Saturday Shower. Once in the bathroom, I crank up the Billy Joel station on my music app and joyfully sing along to my favorite tunes.
As I adjust the water temperature to a scalding level—necessary to banish the remnants of the week—I gaze at the collection of shower products that have sadly gathered dust. Fluffy loofahs, fragrant shower gels, and vibrant body scrubs greet me like old friends. This is the Saturday Shower, and I intend to use them all, even indulging in the luxury of washing, rinsing, and repeating with shampoo and conditioner.
I glance back at the assortment of lotions and makeup that await my post-shower pampering. After exploiting every drop of hot water, I plan to emerge revitalized and ready to face the world—perhaps even serenaded by “Pretty Woman” or a nostalgic classic from the ’80s.
However, my blissful Saturday Shower bubble is inevitably punctured by a sudden intruder: my child.
“Hey, Mommy!” the small voice rings out.
“What are you doing in here? Where’s your dad?” I respond, bewildered.
“I dunno,” they reply.
“Well, Mommy is taking a shower, so could you please give me some privacy?”
“I just need to go potty.”
“Why not use one of the other three bathrooms in the house? Seriously, where’s your dad?”
“Nah, I’ll just use this one.”
Before I can guide them out, they drop their pants. The lack of seat lifting confirms my fears about the nature of their “business.”
Attempting to maintain my composure, I continue singing, hoping they will finish quickly and leave. Unfortunately, the once pleasant aroma of vanilla sugar body scrub is replaced by an unpleasant odor, courtesy of my child.
I grimace as they flush the toilet, further ruining my serene environment. My last shred of hope vanishes as they snatch my phone, turn off the music, and exit the bathroom, engrossed in a game.
With the smell in the air, the sudden coldness, and the absence of my tunes, my Saturday Shower is, in essence, a disaster. Children have a knack for disrupting many aspects of life: my Saturday Shower, my flat stomach, and even my ability to race upstairs without incident. While I can’t undo these little annoyances, I can at least lock the door next Saturday and get a head start on laundry as soon as my partner steps into the shower on Monday.
For more insights on navigating the challenges of parenthood, visit our other blog post on terms and conditions. If you’re seeking guidance on enhancing fertility, explore this fertility booster for men, an excellent resource. For comprehensive information regarding IUI success rates, check out this informative link on WebMD.
Summary
This article reflects on the challenges of maintaining personal hygiene amid the chaos of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of carving out time for oneself. The author shares her experiences with the weekly “Saturday Shower,” a cherished ritual that often faces interruptions from her children, highlighting the humorous and relatable struggles of parenting.