Wednesday, 24 April 2013

The worst thing about parenting

It's only taken me six years.

But I've finally worked out what it is that I really struggle with in this parenting lark.

It's the noise. The constant, wearing, soul-draining, sensory over-loading noise.

My children don't do quiet. When they're happy, they're loud. When they're sad, they're loud. Angry? Loud. Excited? Loud. "Playing quietly"? Yup. Loud.

I'm sure that once they're all at school or, unimaginably far off, have left for good, the house will seem unbearable for the quiet: eerily empty, without the screaming, shouting, giggling, moaning, idly conversing to the person next to them as though in a high wind.

But for now, there's not much I wouldn't give for half an hour of peace.

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13 comments:

  1. AGuidingLife24 April 2013 at 20:44

    There's an invention missing in the world. The sound proof parent bubble. Simply zip yourself into the plastic ball and enjoy silence whilst watching your children kill each other.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Harriet24 April 2013 at 22:13

      Genius!

      Also a thing that allows you to put suncream on your own back.

      Delete
  2. Iota 24 April 2013 at 21:26

    Never, ever, ever get a spaniel.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Iota 24 April 2013 at 21:27

    In America, they used to have the concept of "indoor voice" and "outdoor voice". I thought that was helpful. "Use your indoor voice" sounds so much better than "Stop being so loud".

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Harriet24 April 2013 at 22:15

      I like that. Use of "indoor voice" as a concept starts tomorrow.

      Delete
  4. Anonymous26 April 2013 at 10:03

    I completely and totally agree, it's just the noise, everything else is bareable! Just about ;)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Harriet26 April 2013 at 14:14

    And it escalates doesn't it? They shout, so you (I) get stressed, so you shout, so they shout louder....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous26 April 2013 at 14:43

      I usually have three levels - "please don't....", "don't" then "DON'T"!
      Trying a different tactic now - fighting fire with perfect calmness, it is coming out a tad sarcastic at the minute but I think it's working :D
      Half an hour of peace is still elusive though x

      Delete
    2. Harriet29 April 2013 at 20:23

      I've worked it out. Get rid of the other half. B's away this week. The children have been in bed for an hour.

      And I'd quite like someone to talk to...

      Did someone once say "be careful what you wish for"?!

      Delete
  6. fiona28 April 2013 at 14:17

    Snap! I also learned of the indoor/outdoor voice thing from a teacher, where apparently it worked for Orla at school. At home however, it lasts until I turn my back. *sigh* I want a 'parent bubble' because my two also like following me around the house being loud, never their dad, just me... *double sigh*

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    Replies
    1. Harriet29 April 2013 at 20:23

      It's not working here. Day four and counting...

      Delete

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