Before I became a mother, a trip to the hair salon was simply known as “getting a haircut.” Now, as a parent, that same visit is dubbed “me time.” It’s baffling how the mundane act of trimming hair has morphed into a supposed indulgence. Honestly, spending 45 minutes in a chair, staring at my reflection while someone attempts to make me look decent is hardly a treat.
Taking a bath? You can keep your candles and bubbles; it’s merely a way to wash my hair while seated. Meanwhile, the kids are wreaking havoc just outside the door, so relaxation is off the table. And reading a magazine with a cup of coffee? That’s just a morning ritual, not “me time.” Honestly, when I close the bathroom door, it’s not about self-reflection—I’m merely taking care of business.
From my perspective, the whole concept of “me time” is a farce. Let’s stop trying to elevate basic self-care into something extraordinary. Using the restroom is not a retreat; it’s just a necessity. A recent survey revealed that new mothers average just 17 minutes of “me time” daily. To be frank, I don’t want to spend those 17 minutes alone with myself. My life isn’t all that exciting, and I certainly don’t need to dwell on it.
When you’re young and unencumbered, every moment feels like “me time.” You are free to make spontaneous, often questionable decisions—like climbing out a bathroom window during a disastrous date. But once you become a parent, those reckless moments are replaced by responsible choices. You find yourself preoccupied with milestones like speech development and the looming threat of chickenpox.
In the UK, we love our reality shows like The Only Way Is Essex and Made in Chelsea, which showcase young adults making questionable life choices. These stars often need “me time” to contemplate their dramatic lives and how to reclaim their dignity—usually by throwing drinks at one another. I can only imagine how they’ll fare when they have kids. Parenting means being disrespected on a near-constant basis. Trust me, I’ve tried hurling wine at my children; it’s just a waste of a good bottle.
So, as far as I’m concerned, “me time” can go where I put my kids’ art projects—in the recycling bin.
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Summary
The notion of “me time” for mothers is largely a myth, as daily responsibilities often overshadow any moments meant for self-care. Basic acts like going to the hairdresser or taking a bath should not be labeled as indulgences. Instead, mothers often find themselves preoccupied with their children, leaving little space for personal reflection.