Every mom knows the routine. After a busy morning filled with feeding, cleaning, chasing, and entertaining the kids, she finally reaches that blissful moment…nap time. She gathers her little ones, kisses their foreheads, and wishes them sweet dreams. With the bedroom door securely shut, she practically glides to the sofa, eager for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. But just as she’s about to kick off her shoes and grab the remote, the doorbell rings. Peering through the window, she spots a dear family member or friend. Opening the door, they exchange the classic “Surprise!” look. She adores this person, but why now? And why must surprises always happen?
“I was in the area, so I thought I’d swing by. Is that alright?”
Naturally, she responds graciously, “Absolutely! Come in!” But in reality, she thinks that an hour later would have been much better. They chat for a while, but soon enough, she hears the unmistakable sounds of her little ones waking up. She prepares their snacks and braces herself for another round of feeding, cleaning, chasing, and entertaining. Before she knows it, bedtime rolls around. After tucking them in, she heads to the kitchen to tidy up before catching up with her partner about everything from work to politics. Finally, the day wraps up with a shower, and she crawls into bed, having had no time for herself the entire day.
I might sound a bit negative, but I’m really just expressing a truth that many moms feel but rarely voice: We love your visits, but we’d prefer to know ahead of time. A quick text or call would make all the difference. It would help us plan our day and tidy up a bit before your arrival. You might say, “Oh don’t worry about the mess!” or “With kids, it’s expected.” But the truth is, we do care about the mess.
While it’s impossible to maintain a spotless home all day, having a heads-up allows us to get ready for your visit. If you’re coming in the afternoon, I might want to spruce up while my kids have lunch. In the morning, I may need to stay up a little later the night before to dust or mop. Let me prepare for you!
I understand that nap time seems ideal for catching up because it’s usually quiet, but for many of us, it’s the only chance we get for ourselves. It’s when no one is shouting “Mommy!” or asking for a juice box. It’s the rare moment we can watch something other than cartoons. I would much rather you come over before or after nap time when I’ve already started my hustle. Let’s sit outside under the tree while the kids play, or share a cup of coffee at my kitchen table while I prep dinner. I genuinely want to see you, but please—don’t stop by during nap time.
This article was originally published on June 2, 2023.
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Summary
In this light-hearted reflection on the challenges of motherhood, the author expresses the common sentiment among moms about unexpected visits during nap time. While they cherish the company of friends and family, a little notice beforehand would make visits much more enjoyable. The article emphasizes the importance of planning and preparation in the busy lives of parents, especially during those rare moments of quiet.