Rediscovering Myself After a Week Sans Kids

home insemination Kit

Recently, I embarked on a solo adventure by boarding a plane all by myself. For parents who don’t jet off for work, this might sound outlandish, but it was liberating! As I stood in line to check in, I didn’t have to wrestle with a squirming child. When nature called, there wasn’t a shrieking baby clinging to me like a stubborn barnacle. Even the train ride to my terminal was blissfully devoid of debates over who could or couldn’t stop licking the handrails. I simply strolled onto the plane—it felt like magic.

The catalyst for this moment was my partner attending a conference, and through what felt like Herculean effort, I convinced my parents to watch the kids. I snagged a bargain flight and left, eager to write and catch up on work without interruptions. It dawned on me that I hadn’t had a break from my children in a non-vacation context since they were born, and as the days unfolded, I was astonished by the aspects of myself that resurfaced.

Here’s what I remembered:

1. I’m actually quite fun. Without kids around, I don’t have to get into debates over sugary drinks or remind anyone to wash their hands properly.
2. Words like “hiney,” “potty,” and “dilly-dally” are rarely in my adult vocabulary. Somehow, parenting turned me into a character straight out of a 1950s sitcom, complete with exclamations like “gosh darn” and “holy cow.”
3. I can think—real thoughts! Not just about what Harry Potter might do next or the chances of feral dragons lurking about.
4. The freedom from the constant worry of potentially messing someone up was surprisingly liberating.
5. My partner and I genuinely like each other. It was refreshing to engage in a full conversation without interruptions from a child eager to share their latest random thought.
6. Dinner is a pleasure when the company actually enjoys the food. I didn’t have to bribe myself to eat more chicken—I just ate it!
7. Drama? Minimal. My time alone was much less eventful than the usual chaos of daily parenting, which often includes tears, screams, and the occasional tantrum.
8. I can leave the house in a flash. I know exactly where my shoes are, and there are no last-minute bathroom emergencies to delay me.
9. I truly enjoy bathroom time alone. No frantic calls for my presence or mysterious sounds coming from other parts of the house.
10. Grown-up movies are a delight! After the kids are in bed, I’m usually too exhausted to watch them. This break allowed me to enjoy a film without the distraction of talking animals.
11. Silence felt strange; my ears rang for a good 24 hours. You don’t realize how much kids chat until you experience a quiet house.
12. Staying up late felt right. I remembered that I’m a night owl at heart, and one day, I’ll reclaim those hours for myself.
13. I only have to manage my own manners, clothing, and hygiene. I’m proud to say I excelled in all these areas.
14. I liked myself a bit more without the constant demands of parenting. I’m definitely more enjoyable to be around when I’m not frequently reminding someone to keep their hands out of their pants.
15. Above all, I realized how much I truly missed my kids when they weren’t around. I longed for their sweet yet annoying voices and those sticky little hands. They are the best entertainment I could ask for, and honestly, the quiet grew tiresome after a while.

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In summary, a week away from the kids unearthed aspects of my identity that had been overshadowed by the demands of parenting. While the solitude was refreshing, it also highlighted how much I cherish my kids and the delightful chaos they bring to my life.