By: Jenna Thompson
Recently, I embarked on a journey where I hopped on a plane all by myself. If you’re a parent who rarely travels for work, you can probably relate to how surreal this experience was. As I stood in line to check in, I wasn’t wrestling with a squirming child or worrying about a crying baby strapped to my chest. On the train to my terminal, there were no arguments about the proper use of handrails. I simply strolled onto the airplane, and it felt like magic.
This little adventure happened because my partner was attending a conference, and I managed to convince my parents to watch the kids for a week. I booked a budget flight and set off with plans to write and catch up on work without distractions. It had been ages since I spent time away from my children in a non-vacation context, and I was genuinely surprised at the many things I remembered about myself during those days.
- I’m actually a fun person. In a kid-free environment, I don’t have to argue about sugary drinks or remind anyone to cover their mouths when they cough.
- The words “potty,” “hiney,” and phrases like “gee whiz” are not typically in my vocabulary. Parenthood turned me into a character from an old sitcom, complete with corny expressions.
- I can think clearly and engage in thoughts that don’t revolve around whether a dragon might be hiding in a closet or which Harry Potter book is next.
- I’m liberated from the worry that I might be messing up my children’s lives. This realization was more freeing than I expected.
- My partner and I genuinely like each other. It was refreshing to have uninterrupted conversations without interruptions from the kids.
- Dinner becomes a joy when everyone around me actually wants to eat what’s served. No more bribing myself with dessert to finish my meal.
- Life is relatively drama-free. Without kids around, I found myself experiencing far less chaos and emotional outbursts.
- I can leave the house quickly. I know exactly where my shoes are, and I’m not delayed by any last-minute bathroom emergencies.
- I enjoy the solitude of using the bathroom alone. No more frantic calls for my attention or notes slipped under the door.
- Grown-up movies are a delight. After the kids go to bed, I usually lack the energy to enjoy a full movie, but I savored the experience without missing animated characters.
- Silence felt strange. My ears rang for the first 24 hours; I didn’t realize how much kids talk until I was away from them.
- Staying up late is how life should be lived. I remembered that I’m a night owl at heart, even though I often wake up early out of necessity.
- I only have to manage my own manners and hygiene. I’m proud to say I’m quite successful in this department.
- I like myself a bit more when I’m not constantly in parenting mode. I’m more enjoyable to be around without the constant reminders to behave.
- But above all, I realized how much I truly missed my kids. Their sweet, albeit annoying, voices and their sticky little hands left a void that I didn’t expect. They are my greatest joy and the best decision I’ve ever made. The silence started to feel lonely after a while.
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In summary, taking a break from the daily demands of parenting allowed me to reconnect with who I am outside of being a mom. I discovered a more fun, relaxed version of myself, yet I also found that the absence of my children left me longing for their company.