My own mother remembers well days she literally hid from me and my siblings during desperate moments to have a thought uncluttered with demands, squabbling, and whining. However, she also made a point of making our interests her hobby. Through activities, such as being a Girl Scout leader, she not only found a way to entertain us, but also a way to relax and find a social outlet for herself. Long baths after our bedtime seemed to help her regain her parenting power, too. I'm not saying that children are a burden or difficult or taxing.
Children are wonderful, joyous, little people.
But based on my experience, even the best parents need a break now and again. It's just a matter of finding the best opportunity for stealing those few seconds alone every once in a while.