Before I became a parent, the sound of a TV or radio was my comforting background noise during quiet moments at home. Fast forward to life with three kids, and I would trade just about anything for some peace and quiet.
Kids are inherently noisy, and after more than a decade of navigating the various noise levels that come with child-rearing, I’ve thrown in the towel. No more shushing unless we’re in a library or church. No more pleading for peace. It’s simply a battle I can’t win.
Let’s take a lighthearted look at the many ways kids break the sound barrier throughout their childhoods:
The Baby Wail
Remember that adorable newborn cry? Just six weeks later, it transforms into a relentless wail that can rival a siren, leaving you feeling helpless and desperate for earplugs.
The Toddler Scream
Toddlers scream for all sorts of reasons, from joy over a new puppy to fury over a mismatched sippy cup. One of my children would scream out of nowhere, seemingly just to enjoy the sound of her own voice. Good times!
The Yell Whisper
When you tell a child to whisper, what do they do? They end up yelling in a breathy voice, usually right into your ear, sharing something embarrassing while blissfully unaware that everyone can hear them.
The Third Child’s Normal Volume
Every third child I know has a decibel level that could make a jet engine jealous. It seems they learn early on that to be heard over their siblings, they must shout. They won’t be ignored!
Kids in Cars
Sure, the acoustics of a closed vehicle play a part, but seriously, why can’t kids just gaze out the window in peace? “Let’s turn up the music,” they say, “because we can’t hear it over our own volume!”
A Group of Kids in One Room
In a room full of children, each one tries to outshout the others, resulting in a cacophony where no one can hear a word anyone is saying, despite being packed into the same small space.
My Child When I’m Sitting Two Feet Away
What’s with this? Dear child, I’m close enough that you could whisper and I’d still hear you. Why are you yelling as if I’m in a different room?
The “Mom’s Somewhere in the House” Yell
“MOM! MOM! MOOOOOOM!” If you’re not bleeding, you better be applying pressure because if I find you just lounging on the couch yelling my name, we will have a serious talk.
The Maniacal Laugh
This one is a joy. I love the sound of my kids’ laughter, even if it occasionally feels like a sonic assault on my eardrums. Usually, it strikes when we’re in the car, following Murphy’s Law.
So, yes, kids are loud, and I’ve decided it’s not worth the stress to try and hush them. One day, this house will be silent, and I’ll likely miss the chaos. At least that’s what I tell myself to keep my sanity intact.
If you’re looking for more information on parenting and the journey to motherhood, including tips on home insemination, you can check out our other blog post here. For anyone interested in fertility, Make a Mom is a fantastic resource. And if you want to dive deeper into pregnancy, the NICHD offers excellent insights.
In summary, embracing the noise of parenting is part of the journey. While it can be overwhelming at times, the joy and laughter that come with it are irreplaceable.