These days, my schedule feels tighter than ever, and my bathroom has become a shared space. A stool for my kids now sits by the toilet and sink, and a vibrant shower curtain proclaims, “This is a child-friendly zone!” With my opportunities for a peaceful shower or even a soothing soak in the tub becoming scarce, I seize any moment of potential solitude.
Gathering my candle, bath pillow, and a towel that has likely dried off more than a few clean bodies since my last laundry session, I prepare for my much-needed escape. The towel may not be pristine, but it’s freshly used, which counts for something in this chaotic household.
I set up a tray across the tub for my book and glass of wine, pouring a generous amount before hunting down the novel I began reading eight months ago. It’s got to be in my room somewhere—could it have ended up in the diaper bag? That seems improbable, considering I rarely find time for a leisurely read during outings.
When I flick on the bathroom light, the harsh fluorescent glow threatens to ruin my ambiance. Lacking a dimmer, I substitute with a soft nightlight from my son’s room, featuring Spiderman’s glowing eyes that add a gentle touch to the atmosphere.
I strike a match and light my favorite candle, the same one I use to mask the fridge smells and create an impression of home-baked treats when guests arrive. The label promises “Homemade Cookies,” but it really should read “Super Sweet Vanilla.”
Pulling back the shower curtain, I’m greeted by a colorful mess of bath crayon drawings and a drain that’s seen better days. With a slew of slimy bath toys cluttering the tub, I toss them into the sink and grab the cleaning spray. The fumes, oddly enough, are soothing, and I take a moment to spray a little extra into the air.
After scrubbing the tub, I turn on the water, only to discover I’m out of bath bombs or salts. Rummaging through the cabinet, I find a bottle of Paw Patrol bubble bath. Upside down, I squeeze Chase’s head, watching the blue liquid transform into fluffy, tutti-frutti foam. Between the bubble bath, the candle’s scent, and the cleaning spray, I’m already feeling a nice buzz.
Stripping out of my old tank top and leggings, I toss them into the hamper, only to discover my long-lost book hidden inside. My toddler has a knack for tossing everything into that hamper like it’s a treasure chest.
Finally undressed, I step into the bath. The water is lukewarm, a result of my earlier distraction with the dishwasher, but I’m not letting that ruin my moment. I can always add more hot water later.
As I take a sip of my chardonnay—warmer than the bathwater but still refreshing—I’m interrupted by my child bursting in. “I need to go now!” After settling on the toilet, he questions what I’m up to and asks to join me in the bubbles. I kindly explain that this is my time to recharge and that if I don’t get some alone time, I might become a bit grumpy.
“But you’re already really grumpy!” he retorts. Kids can be so honest, can’t they?
Once he’s taken care of, I return to the tub, wine in hand, and open my book again. A little time has passed, so I turn on the faucet to replenish the hot water. The bubbles have mostly vanished, but as the warmth envelops me, I feel my body relax.
Finishing the last of my wine, I try to remember where I left off in my book, the house now blissfully quiet. Surely my partner has put the kids to bed by now—right? The bubbles are completely gone, and I reluctantly pull the drain lever with my toe.
Next time, I may just opt for a nap instead of this little escape.
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In summary, taking a moment for self-care can be a challenge for busy parents, but it’s essential for maintaining balance in the chaos of family life. Whether it’s a warm bath, a glass of wine, or even a good book, carving out a little personal time can make all the difference.