As I venture out into the world, I often find myself surrounded by parents: some with rambunctious toddlers, others with school-aged kids, and even a few with infants nestled in carriers. While seeing families out enjoying the summer is heartwarming, there’s an aspect of this experience that leaves me feeling somewhat exasperated—the phenomenon I like to call the Extra Loud Parenting Voice.
Imagine standing in line at the grocery store when suddenly, you’re bombarded with a loud commentary from a nearby parent. They’re narrating their entire interaction with their child as if they’re performing for a live audience. You can’t help but get drawn into their family drama, even when you’d rather focus on your own tasks and kids.
Is the Extra Loud Parenting Voice a result of hearing loss from years of close encounters with screaming babies, or is it an attempt to showcase parenting skills? Regardless, it’s right up there with the businessman boasting about his latest deal and the college student recounting her wild weekend escapades. Trust me—nobody around you wants to hear your parenting monologue. We’re not thinking, “What a dedicated mom!” or “That dad is so in tune!” Instead, our thoughts are more along the lines of, “Can you please tone it down?”
Here are a few scenarios illustrating this phenomenon:
- In the Grocery Store: “What color is this orange? Is it orange? Should we buy oranges? One, two, three, four… Oh, sweetie, remember to use your inside voice because we’re inside the store. What about blueberries? Are they blue? Correct! We must get the organic ones.”
- On Public Transport: “We need to stay seated. No getting up right now. Want to color? Here’s your coloring book and crayons. Would you like some water? Drink it, please. No, we can’t play with mommy’s phone. Let’s color this truck instead; it’s a garbage truck. No looking for trucks on the phone!”
- At the Playground: “We only go down the slide! Climbing up is not how we play. See those other kids? They’re doing it wrong. We only go down the slide!”
- At the Zoo: “Look at that giraffe! The daddy giraffe and the baby! Yes, their necks are long. Just like in the book from the library. No, our dog isn’t a giraffe; he’s a dog. Correct! He goes ‘woof woof’!”
- At the Pool: “Please don’t run! The pavement is slippery from all the splashed water. If you run, you could fall and get hurt. Mommy doesn’t want that. Ice cream after lunch, remember? Let’s eat our veggies with the hummus we made!”
These are all genuine conversations I’ve witnessed recently, and while talking to your kids is essential for their development, the volume level often doesn’t match the situation. It’s not unusual to engage your kids with their surroundings, but there’s a time and place for everything. Your booming voice can make those within earshot feel like they’re trapped in a never-ending performance.
I understand that parenting can be challenging, but I simply want to grab some groceries, relax at the playground, or enjoy a day at the zoo without the auditory distraction of a loud parenting showcase. So, if you can, please leave the Extra Loud Parenting Voice at home.
For more parenting insights, check out this other blog post that dives into the joys and challenges of family life. And if you’re looking for resources for home insemination, consider visiting Make a Mom, a trusted online retailer of at-home insemination kits. Another excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination information is Healthline.
Summary
In summary, while engaging with your children is crucial, the volume at which you do so can be overwhelming for those around you. We appreciate your dedication as a parent, but sometimes, a more subdued approach is warranted to maintain a peaceful environment.
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