Your cart is currently empty!
When Mom Decides to Take a Bath
A few weeks back, I finally indulged in a bath—a proper one, complete with bubbles and all. I treat myself to this luxury every seven or eight months. It’s never truly relaxing, but I persist in trying. Years ago, I stopped locking the door because honestly, I’d prefer unexpected interruptions over listening to my kids scream at each other from outside.
“Mom, are you almost done? What’s taking so long? I was here first! Stop hitting me! Mom, he just punched me! I have to go potty RIGHT NOW!”
We have four bathrooms in our house.
Four.
But I’ve decided it’s better to keep the door open and roll the dice (sigh). I managed to enjoy approximately six glorious minutes before my first uninvited guest arrived, plopped down on the toilet, and made herself more comfortable than I ever could.
“Why are you taking a bath, Mom? You never do that.”
Before I could respond, in came Uninvited Guest #2 with a little more excitement.
“Mommy! You’re in the bath! Can I watch?”
“No, and aren’t you supposed to be doing your homework?”
“Oh yeah, I’ll go get it.”
“Okay, wait. What?”
She quickly returned, still uninvited, sitting next to the tub with her homework supplies.
Really?
“I need help with my homework, Mommy.”
Uninvited Guest #1 chimed in, “Mom is trying to take a bath! Right, Mom?”
“Yes, yes I am, my very considerate child,” who is still perched on the toilet, pointedly stating, “Mom, I can see your… (and then she gestures towards her chest area). Maybe you should cover up with a washcloth or something?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Am I making you uncomfortable? You see, in most cultures, it’s expected to remove one’s clothing before getting into a tub of water. Generally speaking, of course.”
What can I say? I take every chance to teach my kids about life (i.e., common sense).
Then came Uninvited Guest #3. Now we had a real party.
“MOMMY! Why you takin’ a bath? Can I come in?”
“No, Buddy. Go find your Dad (Seriously, where is he?!).”
“Otay Mommy, be right back.”
“Perfect.”
UG#2 asked, “Mommy, do you like taking a bath?”
“Sometimes more than others.”
UG#1 exclaimed, “Mom, the bubbles are going away. Are you sure you don’t want a washcloth or something? You know, to…” (another chest area point).
“Nope. I’m perfectly fine. I appreciate your concern, though. Here’s an idea: how about you get out?”
Then, UG#3 came barreling in like a race car at full speed, grinning from ear to ear and wearing nothing but that smile.
“Stop the car! Get out of the car!”
“BUDDY, YOU ARE NOT COMING IN….” (sigh) “Hi, Buddy.”
“I like takin’ a bath with you, Mommy.”
“Could I please have the washcloth?”
And there you have it—my “me time,” in a nutshell.
If you’re interested in more insights on parenting, check out this one of our other blog posts. For those considering at-home insemination, this is a reliable resource. Additionally, if you are looking for information on fertility treatments, this is an excellent place to start.
In summary, even when trying to enjoy a moment of peace, the chaos of motherhood has a way of crashing in, leaving little room for solitude in a bubble bath.