By: Sarah Thompson
Recently, I embarked on a solo flight for the first time in years. For those of you who are parents and don’t travel for work, you can understand how liberating this experience was. As I stood in line at the airport, there was no small child tugging at my sleeve. Going to the restroom? No need to worry about a fussy toddler clinging to me like a barnacle. Even the train ride to my terminal was blissfully free of debates over who could resist licking the handrails. I simply walked onto the plane, and it felt like pure magic.
This little adventure came about because my partner was attending a conference, and I managed to persuade my parents to watch the kids for a week. I booked a budget flight and planned to use this time to catch up on writing and work without interruptions. It had been ages since I had a break from parenting, and I was amazed at all the aspects of myself that resurfaced during this week.
Here are some revelations I had:
- I’m actually fun. In a world without kids, I don’t find myself debating sugary drinks or directing people on proper cough etiquette.
- I rarely use words like “hiney” or “potty.” Parenthood transformed my vocabulary into something resembling a 1950s sitcom, filled with phrases like “goodness gracious” and “settle down, mister.”
- I have actual thoughts. Thoughts that extend beyond whether Harry Potter can defeat a dragon or how to avoid stepping on Legos.
- I’m not constantly worried about messing someone up. This realization was surprisingly liberating.
- My partner and I genuinely enjoy each other’s company. It was refreshing to have uninterrupted conversations without the universal “hold on a second” gesture because a child needs attention.
- Dinner becomes enjoyable when everyone actually wants to eat. I didn’t need to bribe myself with dessert to finish my meal; I simply enjoyed it.
- I’m relatively drama-free alone. Without the emotional rollercoaster that comes with kids, my time away was much more peaceful.
- I can leave the house quickly. I know exactly where my shoes are, and I’m not suddenly interrupted by a bathroom emergency.
- I relish bathroom breaks alone. No more frantic calls for my whereabouts or notes slipped under the door.
- Adult movies are delightful. After a long day, I usually can’t muster the energy to watch an adult film, but this time was a treat.
- Silence feels strange. My ears literally rang for the first day. You don’t realize how much kids talk until you experience quiet.
- Staying up late feels right. I remembered that my true nature is a night owl, and I dream of returning to that lifestyle someday.
- I only have to monitor my own behavior. I’m pretty good at managing my manners, clothing choices, and hygiene.
- I like myself a bit more when I’m not constantly parenting. I tend to be more enjoyable to be around without the endless reminders to keep hands out of pants.
- Above all, I truly miss my kids. I longed for their sweet, annoying voices and those sticky little hands. They are my greatest joy, and the quietness became monotonous after a while.
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In summary, taking a break from parenting allowed me to rediscover parts of myself that had been overshadowed. I learned to appreciate the simplicity of my own company, the joy of adult conversations, and the importance of self-care. Most importantly, I realized that amidst the quiet, my love for my children is what truly brings me joy.