As I wrap up my shower on a Sunday—the rare 15 uninterrupted minutes I managed to snag—I can’t help but humorously bid adieu to my beloved tub. “See you next weekend,” I whisper, blowing a playful kiss. No, I’m not losing it; I’m just a mom trying to find the lighter side of the often chaotic reality that comes with being a full-time parent.
On Saturdays and Sundays, I get to experience life as a semi-normal person. I’m fortunate to have a supportive husband who is home with us on the weekends. However, we’re not one of those lucky couples whose kids get sent off to grandparents or babysitters for some free time.
Every weekend, I indulge in the bliss of sleeping in—often past 8 a.m., thanks to my wonderful partner. I get to enjoy a few meals in peace without a little one wandering over to announce he’s done something ridiculous like sticking a marble where it shouldn’t go. And, of course, I reunite with my long-lost love: the uninterrupted shower.
During these weekend days, I transform into a more patient version of myself. When my kids are crying, nagging, or trying to experiment with various dangerous objects, I can gently remove those items, chuckle, and move on. My husband helps with the chaos, tackling at least half of the craziness.
I’m patient, loving, and strangely fun. I can run around the park, playing games like hide-and-seek without constantly checking my phone because I’m bored to tears. I have another adult to share laughs with and to marvel at how cute our little ones are, even when they’re driving me mad.
The weekend feels like the idealized version of parenting you see in movies: sweet, engaging, and with challenges that are either thought-provoking or just plain funny. For those couple of days, I feel competent as a parent, and occasionally, I even feel like I’m thriving at it.
But then Monday rolls around, and it’s like a reality check from another planet. My toddler wakes me at 6:30, literally prying my eyelids open with his tiny fingers. He cries when I set him up with the iPad to sneak in breakfast. I thought he loved the iPad, but on a Monday, he isn’t keen on anything. Yeah, buddy, me too.
As the workweek kicks off, I’m starkly reminded of my shortcomings as a parent and how quickly I can unravel. I realize I don’t handle early mornings and sleep deprivation well. The contrast between my weekend life and my daily routine as a full-time mom is startling. Monday morning envelops me in a cloud of loneliness. I appreciate my husband deeply while also resenting that he gets to leave the house and engage in adult interactions. His work life isn’t a cakewalk, but it is a break from the daily grind at home.
I adore my children, truly. I recognize the beauty hidden within the challenges of being their primary caregiver. I know that one day I’ll look back on these years with a sense of wonder. I might even miss those desperate moments when I felt like I couldn’t cope, but somehow, I managed to keep going.
I know that Tuesday will be manageable and Wednesday will be okay. I’ll find my rhythm, and so will my kids. The weekend’s sweetness will fade into memory, no longer a taunt but a fond recollection. I may grumble about the lack of adult conversation, but I’ll come to realize that my kids can be quite good company, even if half of their chatter revolves around video games and bodily functions.
By Thursday, my sense of humor will return, and by Friday, I’ll feel grateful for the fullness of my life. Then, just as I’m settling into that joy, another weekend will arrive, filling me with happiness—only to be followed by that familiar dread of Monday. Sometimes, I wonder if it would be easier if weekends didn’t exist. They’re too delightful, and the transition back to weekday chaos is too tough. But I guess that’s just part of the life cycle—or something like that. Please forgive me, it’s still Monday, and I’m struggling to organize my thoughts.
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In summary,
the weekends can feel like a delightful escape from the demanding realities of parenting, allowing for rest, connection, and a sense of normalcy. Yet, the abrupt shift back to the weekday grind can be jarring, filled with reminders of the challenges that come with being a full-time mom. However, amidst the chaos, there’s joy, growth, and a renewed appreciation for both the little and big moments with our children.