For a mother, Obon holidays are not a break at all

A day off means taking paid leave on a day when the children are at daycare as usual.

It means not being chased by work or chores on the day you take off.
It means enjoying at least three consecutive hours of your own time, not in fragmented bits.

A break is 'time alone'.

Please give me some 'time alone'.

My husband can easily get time alone. What about my time alone?

Even though my husband and I are both on parental leave, for some reason, only I don't have any time alone.

It's easy for my husband to get time alone. If he holds his smartphone in one hand and an IQOS in the other under the kitchen range hood, that's his time alone. The sound of the range hood drowns out the children's crying and screaming, and the kids don't approach him when he's under the hood. A peaceful time alone is created.

In contrast, what about me?

I can't get any time alone at all

When I'm reading in the living room, they sweetly invite me, 'Mommy, let's read a picture book together.' This book doesn't have pictures, so it's probably too difficult for you.

When I'm cooking in the kitchen for a change of pace, they enthusiastically try to help, saying, 'I want to mix the eggs.' Having my eldest son help doesn't help me feel refreshed.

When I try to take a breather and drink some tea while my eldest son is absorbed in his blocks, the baby climbs up on me—ouch, ouch, ouch. I know you're growing rapidly, but please stop climbing up with your nails digging in.

When I started Pilates, the baby and the toddler both climbed onto my back, and the difficulty level skyrocketed. I can't do push-ups while giving a piggyback ride. (I can't do push-ups even without a piggyback ride, though...)

I can't get any time alone at all, not even a little bit.

What is the difference between me and my husband?

My time alone only exists if I am physically alone

I really think it's unfair.

My time alone can only be taken if I am physically alone. Saying 'I want to be alone for a bit, so please leave me be' doesn't work. My husband can take a break whenever he wants, but I can't. If I want to take a break, I have to muster up the energy, get ready to go out, and head to a nearby cafe.

I feel like this lack of freedom is hard to convey.

When I tell my husband I want some time alone, he says things like, 'I think I'm working pretty hard, though.' I acknowledge that he is working hard, but even so, the kids still come to me!!!!

I'm happy for my children's love, but I really wanted some time to myself; that's what this holiday was like.

To all the fathers and mothers out there, thank you for your hard work during the Obon holidays!!!!

Since both my spouse and I are currently on parental leave, Obon doesn't really make a difference to us.