5 Minutes Peace

When my son was 2 years old my Dad bought him a book called ‘Five Minutes Peace’ by Jill Murphy, Alistair enjoyed this book but the true meaning of the story really struck a cord with me. I love my 2 children more than anything in the world and would never wish that I never had children, however the lack of time that I have to myself is truly evident and at times depressing. I have a boy who is 4 and a 2 year old girl but the constant need to cuddle me, talk to me and play with me leaves me asking at times for just 5 minutes peace, to sit down with a cuppa tea, drink it before it gets cold and read a few pages of a book (which is not a children’s book!). In theory it doesn’t seem that hard, surely a programme on Cbeebies or Nick Junior will give me that time to myself that I crave at times. However the calling of the cooking, tidying and cleaning is always louder and inevitably the cuppa tea and book gets put off, or the tea gets made with the intention to drink it whilst cooking, cleaning, hanging out washing etc and invariably is cold when you get round to drinking it!

Then there are the evenings when the children are in their beds sleeping, which in our household is generally by 8 when the living room becomes our quite sanctuary, but no, there is the final tidy up of the day to be done, then the ironing and possibly cleaning the bathroom etc. On the days where the household chores do not need to be done then I feel the need to go to the gym.

It is not as bad a picture as I have painted I do usually get to watch an hour or 2 of TV of the evening, generally whilst do other things and I also do manage on the whole at least 30 minutes in the evenings with a coffee and sometimes a wee naughty treat before doing anything.

I ask myself am I selfish, do I need time to myself to do nothing? I am not the only person with this lifestyle and many have it worse that me, I have a husband who helps out and only 2 children, nothing out of the ordinary. I remember life prior to having children when my housework didn’t seem a chore, money was available to spend on non essentials and a quite hour went by with no need to rejoice in the peacefulness that was just experienced! Life changes suddenly when babies come on to the scene and nothing can prepare you for how big that change is.

I have learnt so much about myself and I have really learned to appreciate peace and quite, spontaneity and money in ways that I never felt possible. My life has been enhanced by having children and I am so lucky to be blessed with 2 healthy children who are generally very good, kind loving children. I would not change them for anything and I have a lifetime of learning about my children ahead of me. I would also feel totally devestated if my children didn't want cuddles, kisses and my attention.  However it still doesn’t mean that I do not at times crave 5 minutes peace!