“Sometimes, I just need a breather. I crave a moment where I’m not someone’s mom or wife; I just want to be me, if only for a little while.”
By Sarah Johnson, Contributing Writer
Published September 20, 2018
“Please don’t touch me!”
My husband, after a long day of commuting through sweltering heat, walks in exhausted and eager to greet me with a hug. I can see the disappointment in his eyes as I push him away. It’s not that I don’t love him; it’s just that as a work-from-home mom and the primary caregiver to our two little ones, I often feel like I’m juggling a circus act. And sometimes, I just need a moment to breathe.
Between playing pretend doctor with my daughter Mia and comforting my 16-month-old son Ethan, who seems glued to my side, my day is a whirlwind of demands. When one child is in my lap, the other is usually throwing a tantrum because they want my attention too. I sneak in work whenever I can, often multitasking while my baby bangs on my keyboard and my preschooler begs for more snacks. My clothes are typically smeared with Ethan’s lunch, my hair looks like it hasn’t seen a brush in days, and I’m perpetually on the brink of tears.
Sure, there are times when I wish for more affection from my husband (and believe me, I get that feeling too), but by the end of a hectic day filled with cooking, refereeing playdates, and cleaning up spills, the last thing I need is another person asking for something, even if it’s just a warm hello.
What I really want is some me time. A long, relaxing shower, a glass of wine, and the chance to scroll through my social media feeds without interruption. I dream of diving into one of the three books collecting dust on my nightstand, or watching a show that’s not about cartoon characters. Ideally, I’d love to do all of these things in bed, by myself.
I need that personal space. Time to think my own thoughts, to stay still, and to simply exist without the constant demands of family life. I don’t want to have to drop off or pick up kids, sign papers, shop for groceries, wash dishes, wipe noses, or settle arguments. I just want to escape, even if it’s fleeting.
And once I’ve had that precious time alone, I’m ready to return to my family, who I adore deeply, to have our dance parties, read stories, and snuggle before diving back into the chaos the next day brings.
For more tips on balancing life and parenthood, check out this post on managing your time effectively.
Natalie Thomas is a lifestyle blogger and the creator of the new moms platform @momecdotes. Living in New York with her husband Jake, daughter Mia, and son Ethan, she strives to find her sanity amidst the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
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