When I welcomed my first child, finding time for a shower felt like a luxury. I would carefully settle him so I could indulge in some much-needed body wash, enjoy a brief moment of steam, and wash the gunk out of my hair. Once we fell into a routine, I made sure to stick to it. Even though my at-home spa sessions were often rushed, it was worth it—I’m much more pleasant to be around after a caffeine fix and a quick shower.
I’d feed him, change him, and if he wasn’t asleep, I’d place him in his little seat and bring him into the bathroom with me. As he grew, I discovered that turning on the TV would keep him occupied. Once he outgrew the bouncy seat, I’d lay him on his back and let him gaze at the colorful toys hanging from his baby gym. Our bathroom was conveniently located next to the bedroom, so I felt comfortable leaving him in the other room, taking quick peeks out from behind the shower curtain to ensure everything was okay.
But one day, I stepped out of the shower to find my child missing from his baby gym, and my heart raced. In a mere five minutes while I was shaving my bikini line for the first time in six months, he had somehow learned to roll over and had rolled beneath the bench against the wall. That was alarming enough, but as our family grew, the chaos during my showers escalated.
There was the time my daughter decided to climb onto her bed and swing from the chandelier. Or the occasion when all three kids decided to try on every piece of makeup I owned and leave it in the sink with the water running. Then there was the incident when my youngest attempted to steal our dog’s bone because he wanted a treat. Honestly, trying to shower with a toddler around can be the most challenging endeavor ever.
I often think this is karma, as my mom once told me I scooted down the street on my bottom while she was in the shower one morning, causing her quite a scare. Thankfully, our neighbors quickly returned me home.
I’m sure many mothers can relate. Taking the time to refresh ourselves, put on clean clothes, and maybe even treat our hair with a mask is essential for feeling human. Although our lives have changed significantly, the desire to care for ourselves persists because it rejuvenates us, helping us feel like our former selves.
When it comes to showering, toddlers can be a handful—as evidenced by a mom named Maddie, who shared her experience on TikTok. She humorously reminded mothers everywhere that leaving leg hair unshaved might be the best option since the chaos that ensues while trying to maintain personal hygiene is often not worth it.
Maddie was simply trying to get her legs smooth while her dog and toddler wreaked havoc. She’s certainly not alone; many parents chimed in to share similar experiences, saying things like, “I have two-year-old twins… I know the struggle,” and “This is sooo relatable lol. I have four children under the age of 7. It happens.”
Honestly, it might be better to skip shaving and save yourself the hassle. Toddlers seem to have an innate understanding of how much time they have to make a mess before you emerge from the bathroom—and it seems Maddie’s daughter completed her mission quite successfully.
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In conclusion, the struggle is real for parents trying to carve out a moment for self-care. Whether it’s a shower or a simple task, the chaos of toddlers can turn a peaceful moment into a whirlwind of activity.