February 4, 2023
My 14-year-old son bursts through the door, casually tosses his backpack aside, and races up the stairs before crashing into my home office without a knock. There’s no “excuse me,” just an enthusiastic launch into his latest thoughts about his science exam and plans for the weekend.
As I hover my fingers over the keyboard, trying to wrap up the paragraph I’m working on, I feel the urge to finish my thoughts. But instead, I close my eyes, save my work, and turn to my excited son. These interruptions are a rare treat now, and I’ve learned to cherish them.
When my kids were younger, I often found myself craving uninterrupted moments. Whether it was savoring a hot cup of coffee, enjoying a phone call with a friend, or simply having a minute to myself in the bathroom, I longed for a break from the constant demands of motherhood. The chaos of little ones needed my attention at all times, making it nearly impossible to focus on anything else.
In those days, being interrupted felt more like a maddening routine. I yearned for hours of uninterrupted time to think clearly and tackle my to-do list. As soon as my daughters could comprehend it, I taught them the importance of waiting patiently, knocking on closed doors, and politely saying “excuse me” when I was busy. They tried really hard, but it was a challenge for them to hold back their immediate needs.
Eventually, my girls grasped the concept: unless there was a real emergency, they shouldn’t interrupt me. As they grew and reached middle school, I noticed it was easier for them to refrain from interrupting, not just because they understood the rules but also because they became more independent.
At first, I was thrilled about this newfound independence. My kids no longer needed me for everything, allowing me to dive into my freelance work and find time for exercise. It felt like I had finally reached a little freedom at the end of the tunnel of motherhood.
But like many things in life, I soon realized that having more time to myself came with its own bittersweet moments. Now that my children are busy with school, extracurricular activities, and socializing, I appreciate the quiet time but find myself missing those little interruptions.
I miss their sweet voices asking for help with their shoes, the warmth of their cuddles as they nestled in my lap, and the chaotic joy of playing with toys scattered all over the floor. I even miss the simple act of cutting the crusts off their sandwiches or dipping apple slices into honey.
Everyone reminds parents that the days are long but the years are short, and that’s so true. With my daughters now in their teenage years, the time seems to fly by even faster. While I won’t tell you to savor every single moment, as that can be unrealistic, I do want to make the most of the interrupted moments that still occur.
Soon enough, my girls will be off on their own adventures (and yes, I’ll probably shed a tear). Until then, I welcome those interruptions with open arms.
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In summary, while the chaotic days of motherhood may seem overwhelming, it’s important to embrace the moments that bring joy and connection, even if they come in the form of unexpected interruptions.