Every mom knows that feeling: the sweet relief that comes when the kids finally settle down for their afternoon nap. After a long, hectic morning filled with feeding, cleaning, chasing, and entertaining, she ushers her little ones to bed, plants gentle kisses on their foreheads, and whispers sweet dreams before closing the door. With a sigh of relief, she glides to the couch, ready to embrace some well-deserved relaxation. But just as she kicks off her shoes and reaches for the remote, the doorbell chimes.
Peeking through the window, she spots a beloved family member or friend outside, sporting that familiar “Surprise!” expression. As much as she cherishes this person, the timing couldn’t be worse.
“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d drop by. Hope that’s alright!”
With a smile, she replies, “Of course! Come on in!” But in her mind, she’s thinking an hour later would have been so much more ideal. They chat for a bit, but soon she hears her little ones stirring, signaling the end of her peaceful moment. After preparing snacks and diving back into the whirlwind of parenting, the day rolls on, and before she knows it, bedtime arrives. Tucking in her kids, she heads to the kitchen to clean up, tackle the laundry, and finally sit down with her partner for a quick catch-up on everything from work to current events. At last, the day winds down, and she heads to bed, having had no time to herself at all.
I might sound a bit of a downer, but many moms share this sentiment: we love having visitors, but we’d really appreciate a heads-up. A simple phone call or text would transform a surprise visit into a delightful occasion, allowing us to prepare—both our space and our minds—for company. You might think, “Oh, it’s just a little mess, I don’t mind,” but the truth is, we do care about our homes.
It’s nearly impossible to maintain a spotless house with little ones running around, but we would love the chance to tidy up before you arrive. If you’re planning to visit in the afternoon, I might need to straighten things up while the kids munch on lunch. If it’s a morning visit, I might need to stay up a tad longer the night before to dust or sweep. Just let us get ready for you!
While nap time might seem like a perfect window for adult conversation, for many of us, it’s the only time we can catch our breath. It’s the moment in the day when nobody’s shouting “Mommy!” or clamoring for snacks. It’s our chance to unwind and watch something other than cartoons. If you want to visit, I’d much prefer you come before or after nap time, when I’m already in the hustle of the day. Let’s sit outside under the tree while the kids play, or chat at the kitchen table while I prepare dinner. I truly want to see you—just please, skip the unexpected visits during nap time.
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In summary, while we appreciate surprise visits, a little communication goes a long way in making our day smoother. After all, nap time is sacred for many moms, and planning ahead can lead to more enjoyable interactions.