By: Emily Hartman
Updated: Aug. 22, 2023
Originally Published: Aug. 7, 2011
As a stay-at-home mom, the soundtrack of my life is a mixed bag. Sure, I get to enjoy the sweet sounds of my children laughing and the occasional heartfelt, “I love you, Mom!” But let’s be honest—there’s also the relentless clamor of four young kids clamoring for my attention, talking over one another, and unleashing a barrage of screams and whines. It can be overwhelming, making my ears ring and my anxiety levels soar. The noise is simply inescapable.
Even when I seek solace in the bathroom for a moment of peace, at least one of them finds a way to interrupt, whether it’s through a question if the door is ajar or a persistent plea to let them in. Despite my best efforts to instill boundaries, their eagerness to be near me often trumps any lessons I’ve tried to impart. When one child pauses, the others jump in to fill the void. It’s enough to drive anyone to desperation.
In light of these chaotic moments, I’ve developed a few strategies to help manage the noise:
1. Fire Up the Garbage Disposal
This might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes you need to fight noise with noise. When I’m in the kitchen, turning on the garbage disposal creates a sound blanket that helps drown out the incessant chatter. This only works if you’re already in the kitchen and involved in some task, as maintaining a semblance of normalcy is crucial to preserving your cover.
2. The “Wait… What Was That Noise?” Strategy
When my kids start talking over each other in a bid for my attention, I raise a hand and feign confusion, saying, “Wait! Did anyone hear that noise?! SHHHH! I’m trying to listen!” This tactic usually prompts them to quiet down and listen, giving me a precious minute of silence while they strain to hear the imaginary sound. Sometimes, I even get lucky and can send them off to “investigate.”
3. Movie Time
There are moments when I happily embrace the modern conveniences of our age. I try not to let my kids watch too much TV, but when I do, I make it count. Choosing a movie they haven’t seen in a while, like Despicable Me, captivates their attention and provides me with a much-needed breather. The screen holds their focus while I can gather my thoughts and enjoy some mental clarity.
4. Snack Time to the Rescue
In our home, we have a strict “no talking with your mouth full” rule. By offering snacks, I can redirect their attention and transform their noisy chatter into the sounds of crunching and munching. The urgency of my need for quiet dictates the snack choice—mildly overwhelming days warrant grapes or Goldfish crackers, whereas a potential Mommy meltdown calls for popsicles enjoyed outside, far away from my inner sanctum.
5. Unleash the Chore List
When the questions start coming in like, “Why is the sky blue?” or “Can I pet the cat?” it’s time for me to turn the tables. I begin firing off questions about their chores and responsibilities. I remind them that if their rooms aren’t clean, our planned outing, like a trip to the park, might be at risk. This tactic keeps them busy while minimizing the barrage of questions.
While these techniques may not completely eliminate the constant clamor of childhood, they provide a temporary distraction, allowing me to maintain my sanity until the evening rolls around. For more insights on navigating the journey of motherhood, check out this post on the newfound joy of quiet.
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Summary:
Motherhood can often feel like a cacophony of noise, but there are ways to find moments of peace. From using the garbage disposal to distract the kids, to engaging them with snacks and chore lists, these strategies can help manage the chaos and provide much-needed breathing space.
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