One of the biggest surprises of motherhood for me has been the overwhelming noise and chaos that comes with it. Before having children, I was a high school teacher, accustomed to the hustle and bustle of a busy classroom. However, nothing could have prepared me for the relentless volume created by three kids in just five years. Once my teaching day was over, I would return to a serene apartment where I could enjoy some personal space—reading, watching TV, or even cooking in peace without little ones tugging at my legs.
Then the pandemic struck. Suddenly, the fantasy of a tranquil home where I could spend a day without hearing “Mom” turned into a daily reality of being stuck at home 24/7 with my kids and, sometimes, my spouse. The kids were doing schoolwork at the kitchen table while the adults attempted to work from the living room couch, and I was juggling endless responsibilities amidst the chaos.
Now more than ever, we desperately crave time alone and some quiet. Not just a fleeting moment of silence while the kids play in another room, but a whole day—or even a week—of complete solitude, personal space, and utter silence. Honestly, I don’t need a vacation; I just need my family to take one!
Why can’t I focus?! Oh right, because my beloved children won’t stop humming, talking, yelling, crying, and fighting. Just a moment of quiet, please!
Confessionals
Confessional #25816050: I often feel guilty for not engaging with my child all day, aside from the essentials like meals and hugs. I just want to stare at a wall in peace.
Confessional #25804097: I adore my kids, but the incessant chatter, questions, and noise can drive me up a wall. They never stop!
Confessional #25798794: I need my kids to stop making noise. Just go read or color quietly. I don’t care; I just want silence.
Confessional #25810897: Sweet children, we love you dearly, but for the love of all that is holy, please be quiet! Our sanity depends on it.
I dream of escaping to a peaceful bed and breakfast where I can order room service, sleep when I want, and soak in the tub without anyone needing meals or clothes.
Confessional #25822880: I sometimes let my daughter play in the tub for an hour just to steal a bit of peace.
Confessional #25811985: I’m worn out from being a boy mom during this pandemic. Every day brings a new injury, and I’m exhausted by the endless energy. Can we just read a book quietly?
Confessional #25825281: The constant noise is overwhelming—kids shrieking, dogs barking, my husband chewing and talking on the phone, all while the TV blares in the background. I miss my quiet home.
The pandemic has amplified our need for tranquility by a thousandfold. The constant sound and invasion of personal space have drained our patience completely.
My husband has been working from home even before the pandemic, and now I fear he may never return to the office. After working hard for years as a stay-at-home mom, I earned my quiet time, and now it feels out of reach.
Confessional #25809960: My husband works in the office three days a week and from home two. Is it awful that I eagerly await the days he’s at work? I want him to be happy, but I also cherish my space and silence.
Confessional #25822342: If my husband asks me “Are you okay?” one more time, I might lose it. I’m fine; I just prefer silence. Please, go back to work!
Confessional #25812301: We genuinely need our partners to return to the office.
Confessional #25817485: After telling my husband I need some quiet time, I finally get peace, but then our daughter comes down and won’t stop talking!
Every night, I promise myself I’ll go to bed by 11 PM, but once everyone else is asleep, I finally get the peace and quiet I crave. No one needs anything from me—except me.
Confessional #25813713: I’m not a morning person, but I wake up at 5:00 AM just to enjoy my coffee in peace and browse the internet without judgment. I’m so tired of my kids and husband being around all the time.
We can hope for some quiet time early in the morning or late at night, but sometimes even that gets interrupted.
I long for Mondays when my husband and kids are out of the house, allowing me to watch my shows, enjoy silence, and do things for myself. Alone, I’m in the presence of the only one who respects my needs and doesn’t treat me like a maid.
Confessional #25819639: I fantasize about living alone where the only movement comes from me. A quiet space that smells nice instead of like gym socks and wet dogs, where I can embrace my inner minimalist without distractions. Oh, how I wish!
Confessional #25816983: I love silence and solitude. So why, oh why, did I choose to have kids?
Confessional #25822347: You know you’ve been a stay-at-home mom for long enough and are now dealing with a pandemic when your biggest dream is to be locked in a room by yourself—any room, anywhere.
Dear family, we love and appreciate you. We’ve enjoyed the time together during this past year. But once this craziness is over, we’re going to need you to take a fun trip and conveniently forget about Mom for a week. Or maybe I’ll just sneak away to a cabin in the woods where no one can find me, finally able to read a book in sweet solitude. We need to recharge and restore our sanity so we can face the noise again.
Summary
The overwhelming noise and chaos of motherhood have become even more pronounced during the pandemic. Moms are yearning for solitude and peace, feeling drained by the constant demands and noise of family life. The desire for a break—whether through a quiet vacation or just a few moments of silence—has intensified as parents navigate working from home while managing children. The article explores these feelings and highlights the need for personal space to recharge and reconnect with oneself.