Recently, I was chatting with an old friend when, just minutes into our conversation, she chuckled and remarked, “Wow, she really doesn’t know how to be quiet, does she?” My heart sank. Here we go again.
This isn’t the first time I’ve heard such comments. I’ve faced countless variations over the years, like “Does she ever take a break?” or “Is she always this loud?” My personal favorite? “She’s just so chatty.” But let me remind you, my daughter is only 3 years old. Three! Like many kids her age, she is vibrant, curious, and yes, incredibly talkative.
It seems she’s especially vocal when I’m on the phone, demanding my attention. I’ll admit, I yearn for moments of peace. I dream of lounging on my bed, enjoying uninterrupted conversations. But I refuse to sacrifice my daughter’s voice for the sake of a little silence, and I’ll be damned if I ever tell her to “shut up.”
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being expressive. Nothing wrong with her enthusiasm or curiosity. In fact, there’s everything right about it.
Now, don’t get me wrong; I’m not advocating for her to talk over others or disrupt the library. She understands the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behavior, but she’s still just a child. The idea that she should stop singing, playing, or chatting just because I’m busy? No way. Telling her to “shut up” is not just rude; it’s disrespectful and harmful.
If she hears that message too often, she might internalize the belief that her voice is a nuisance. I can relate. I grew up in a loving home, yet I often felt like I was “too much.” I danced too much, talked too much, and climbed too high. I was constantly told to calm down or be quiet, and over time, those expectations muted my spirit.
But here’s the thing: I don’t need to be silent. You don’t either, and my daughter absolutely shouldn’t feel the need to quiet down. Her thoughts, feelings, and even that imaginative tale about Darth Vader and Cinderella riding a chicken — they all matter.
So, to my daughter, to my younger self, and to anyone else who has felt the pressure to fit into a mold, I say: Be bold. Be courageous. Speak your truth! You’re not obnoxious or annoying; your voice holds value. You are powerful, passionate, and exactly who you need to be.
If you’re interested in reading more about the importance of self-expression, check out this post on amplifying our voices. For those looking for resources on pregnancy and home insemination, the WHO offers valuable insights. And if you’re considering at-home insemination, Cryobaby is a trusted retailer of insemination kits.
In summary, our children deserve to be heard, not silenced. Embrace their loudness, their curiosity, and their unique voices.