Recently, I found myself on an airplane, traveling solo. For parents who don’t frequently travel for work, this can be a significant revelation. While waiting in line to check in, I wasn’t preoccupied with a squirming child attached to my arm. I entered the restroom without the concern of a crying baby strapped to my chest, and no one was trying to lick the handrails on the train to my terminal. It was a liberating experience.
This getaway was made possible because my partner was attending a conference, and I successfully persuaded my parents to watch our children. I booked an affordable flight, and off I went, intending to spend my time writing and catching up on work without interruptions.
Having not been away from my kids in a non-vacation capacity since their births, I was surprised by how many things I rediscovered about myself during that week. Here are a few:
- I’m Quite Enjoyable: In a kid-free environment, I don’t find myself arguing over sugary snacks or managing endless demands for bathroom breaks.
- My Vocabulary Changes: Words like “potty,” “hiney,” and “dilly-dally” aren’t typically used in my daily life. I realized I had inadvertently taken on a parental persona that sounds more like a 1950s sitcom character.
- I Have Independent Thoughts: I could think about topics beyond what might happen next in a children’s story or whether dragons exist in the closet.
- Less Anxiety About Parenting: The freedom from worrying if I’m making mistakes in raising my kids was surprisingly liberating.
- My Partner and I Connect: Conversations with my partner flowed freely, unhindered by interruptions from kids sharing their latest adventures.
- Dinner is a Delight: Meals were enjoyable when everyone at the table actually wanted to eat what was served, without needing a bribe for additional bites.
- Minimal Drama: A day without kids means less emotional upheaval; I was far less likely to cry or feel overwhelmed.
- Efficiency in Leaving the House: I was able to find my shoes quickly and didn’t have spontaneous bathroom emergencies once I was buckled into the car.
- Alone Time in the Bathroom is a Luxury: I relished the solitude, free from the chaos of little ones seeking my attention.
- Grown-up Films are Refreshing: Being able to watch movies without distractions felt like a treat. I enjoyed the stories without missing animated characters.
- Absence of Noise is Odd: I realized just how much kids talk. The silence was palpable, and my ears felt the absence of constant chatter.
- Staying Up Late is Enjoyable: I remembered that I’m naturally a night owl, something that had been buried under early morning routines.
- Self-Monitoring is Simple: I found I could manage my own manners, attire, and hygiene quite well when not parenting.
- I Like Myself More: Without the constant demands of parenting, I felt more relaxed and enjoyable to be around.
- I Miss My Kids: Most importantly, I truly missed their sweet yet annoying voices and their endearing little quirks. Their absence highlighted how invaluable they are to my life.
For anyone exploring the journey of parenthood, consider checking out resources like this guide on what to expect with your first IUI and this insightful post about home insemination kits that can provide valuable information. Additionally, Cryobaby stands as an authority on home insemination methods.
In conclusion, while my week away was filled with self-discovery, it underscored the importance of my children in my life. They are my greatest joy, and despite the initial allure of silence, I quickly found myself longing for their presence.
Keyphrase: rediscovering self after kids
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]