“I adore my kids. Naturally, I do.” Sounds convincing, right? But let’s be real here—adding “naturally” might just reveal the truth underneath.
So let me be straightforward: “I adore my kids. Naturally, I do. But…” Yes, I cherish some time apart as well. In fact, I absolutely love it! There, I’ve said it.
Back when they were little, my favorite part of the day was always bedtime. I know many parents feel the same, but I might dare to suggest I enjoyed it even more. Bedtime meant freedom for me. It was a chance to reclaim a bit of myself, even if just for a short while. I could read, tidy up, or simply enjoy some solo time—no little ones pulling at my clothes, no whines, and no sibling squabbles. Just me, myself, and I enjoying a mini-vacation from the Mom Zone.
Once I tucked them in and closed their bedroom doors, I’d often do a little victory dance down the hallway. Who knew that the sound of silence could feel so triumphant?
The school bus? Oh, what a glorious sight! Watching my kids board that bus filled me with glee, a delightful thrill that was hard to match. Even if I dove straight into chores, at least I could do them without interruption. I could kick back on the couch with a big bowl of buttered noodles and indulge in some guilt-free TV time. An empty house quickly became my sanctuary.
And let’s not forget the enchanting playdates. When my kids went off to a friend’s house, it was like magic. Of course, I always returned the favor—I wasn’t that mom who dropped her kids off and disappeared. But those rare moments when my kiddos were off playing elsewhere? Pure bliss. For a couple of hours, I didn’t have to be the one shaping their future.
The relief I felt during those absences was palpable. When they weren’t around, I couldn’t mess them up. I didn’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or hiding my frustrations. I could just be. For a little while, I was free from the responsibilities of being the “Mom Store.”
Taking a well-deserved break from the Mom role made all the difference, rejuvenating me for when it was time to clock back in. And even now that my kids are older, I still relish their plans that take them away from home. I love being able to worry from a distance rather than up close.
Sure, I might be laying it on thick, but honesty is key here. I lie awake at night thinking about them, loving them fiercely and unconditionally. If they’re unhappy, I’m unhappy. Their struggles weigh heavily on me. If they find themselves in a jam, guess who’s throwing on clothes and dashing out the door to rescue them? Who spends hours helping them sort through their challenges? Who still decorates for the holidays and prepares care packages filled with love? That’s right, me.
I’m always there for them, yet I equally relish those moments when I’m not needed. Actually, I downright love it. It’s not a bad thing to feel this way. I’ve earned my breaks; I’ve raised them to be responsible, independent individuals. They can thrive on their own while I enjoy my own time, and that’s a beautiful arrangement.
Besides, they know I’m still available 24/7, even if I’m tucked away watching TV with a bowl of buttered noodles in my lap.